How long does a fully automatic coffee machine typically last? What can you do to make it last longer? These questions will be investigated in this article.
How long does a fully automatic coffee machine last? According to studies, a fully automatic coffee machine has an average lifespan of 5 years. However, many factors influence the lifespan of a coffee machine including its quality, how often you use it, and how well you maintain it.
Studies on lifespan
Below, we have reviewed the studies conducted on the lifespan of fully automatic coffee machines.
In 2018, Stiftung Warentest examined the lifespan of fully automatic coffee machines. In the study, it was found that fully automatic coffee machines have an average lifespan of 5 years. However, the expected lifespan among manufacturers varies from 5 to 20 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Miele coffee machines are the longest-lasting out of all manufacturers, with a lifespan of 20 years, equivalent to 25,000 brews. For comparison, DeLonghi machines last on average for 7 years, and Melitta machines last for at least 15,000 brews.
In the study, Stiftung Warentest also found that it pays off to have your automatic coffee machine repaired by a workshop. The three most common reasons for repair are:
- The coffee machine no longer heats up.
- The machine leaks due to worn valves.
- Defective pump causing the coffee not to flow through.
You can read the report here.
What affects lifespan?
- Usage: One of the biggest factors that affect lifespan is how often you use the coffee machine. There is a big difference in how long it can last depending on whether you make 3 cups a day or 10.
- Quality: What materials have been used for the coffee machine, and how solidly is the machine built? Typically, you can expect good quality from reputable brands such as Miele, Jura, DeLonghi, etc.
- Maintenance: How good are you at maintaining the machine? A fully automatic coffee machine that is regularly descaled and has broken parts replaced will last longer.
- Water hardness: If you live in an area with a lot of lime in the water, your coffee machine may be more stressed and become lime-scaled more quickly. In this case, it may be advisable to choose a coffee machine with a good water filter.
