Here's How Long Your Keurig Might Last Before You Need To Replace It

Keurig coffee makers are some of the most popular coffee makers in the world, as more than 40 million households own a Keurig. The first machine arrived for household use in 2004 and sold steadily, then the parent company Keurig Dr. Pepper saw a rise in popularity during the 2020 pandemic as work-at-home employees looked for quick caffeination. One of the biggest draws for Keurig owners is its user-friendly operation that lets you make a cup of coffee within seconds. You might think that your Keurig can be your helpful kitchen buddy for many years, but like many appliances, it has a limited shelf life. The average lifespan of a Keurig is three to five years. 

Some reviewers on the manufacturer's website report their machines lasted over 10 years. It's possible yours may last longer with proper maintenance, such as regularly descaling to remove any mineral deposits from the machine.  Regardless, sometimes you might need a Keurig replacement sooner than later, especially if the machine takes a long time to brew or doesn't brew coffee anymore. If you regularly use your coffee maker, consider its performance and look for these additional signs that you need to buy a new brewer.

The strength of your coffee can also be an indicator you need to replace your Keurig. If that first sip of the day tastes pretty weak, it could mean that the Keurig isn't as efficient. Don't despair yet though, because weak coffee and watery coffee can be an issue with one of the most overlooked spots in a Keurig, the needle. If you clean it thoroughly, that might fix your problem. Coffee tastes fine but the machine leaks? The Keurig could be brewing on its last legs, or it could be the needle. Did you properly attach the water reservoir? Try reseating it. Before you buy a new coffee maker, test and fix these issues, if possible, before jumping to conclusions. If you've tried cleaning, unclogging, and descaling your machine, and it still doesn't perform well, consider replacing it. 

The last sign you might need to get a new Keurig is its age. If you still have the discontinued Keurig 2.0 from 2015 and you find it needs more frequent cleaning or if it just doesn't seem as efficient, you might want to replace it. Don't toss it in the garbage though, because you can drop off a Keurig or other coffee makers at many recycling centers; just look for one in your area.