Coffee is America's favorite noncarbonated beverage. It became increasingly so when electric coffee makers started coming home--probably right after electricity was invented. Today's household coffee makers have evolved to where they are simple in design, nearly problem free, and inexpensive to replace. Even so, things can go wrong--and you can fix them!
How Does It Work?
Some coffee makers use special fasteners that require unique screwdrivers.
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What Can Go Wrong?
Electric cords, switches, timers, thermostats, and heating elements can become inoperable or cause an electric short that damages components. Some coffee makers have fuses that will blow before damage can be done.
Fix-It Tip
Basic maintenance can minimize repairs. Periodically brew a batch of water without the grounds, adding a small amount of vinegar to the water to neutralize accumulated acids. In addition, if you live in an area that has hard tap water, only use distilled or filtered water in your coffee maker. Not only will it last longer, the coffee will also taste better.
How Can I Identify the Problem?
You may be able to see the problem without testing anything.
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If the coffee maker brews slowly, check the hot water tube for minerals or debris and clean (see below).
If the coffee doesn't stay hot, test the heating element and the appliance controls. If the coffee maker leaks, check the seals or gaskets and replace as needed (see below).
The cost of replacing a major component, such as an element, is about half the cost of a new coffee maker--if you can find one. If these components fail, seriously consider replacing the appliance.
What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?
You can find replacement parts through the manufacturer or aftermarket supplier. The tools you'll need for disassembly and testing include these:
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches or nut drivers
- Multimeter
What Are the Steps to Fixing It?
Disassemble and test a drip coffee maker:
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Unplug the unit from the electrical receptacle.
Testing a thermal fuse in the heating element. - Remove the pot and basket. Remove or tape closed the water reservoir lid.
- Turn the appliance over and remove all screws that secure the case halves. Lift off the case to expose the heating element and controls.
- Inspect the control cavity to determine if the solution is simple: disconnected wire, debris, etc. If so, fix, reassemble, and test. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
- Use a multimeter to test the warming and heating elements, and the switch, thermostat, and timer (see the Appliance Controls Fix-It Guide).
- Replace any defective parts or decide to replace the appliance, as appropriate.
- Reassemble the appliance and reinstall the pot and basket.
- Fill the water reservoir approximately half full, then plug in and turn on the coffee maker to test its operation.
Disassemble and test a percolator coffee maker:
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Unplug the unit from the electrical receptacle.
Testing a switch with a multimeter. The switch should get a reading of infinite when off and little or no resistance when on. - Remove the basket, stem, and lid.
- Turn the appliance over and remove all screws that secure the base. Lift off the base to expose the heating element and controls.
- Inspect the control cavity to determine if the solution is simple: bad seals, disconnected wire, debris, etc. If you find a problem, fix, reassemble, and test. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
- Use a multimeter to test the warming and heating elements, and the switch, thermostat, and timer (see the Appliance Controls Fix-It Guide).
- Replace any defective parts or decide to replace the appliance, as appropriate.
- Reassemble the appliance and reinstall the stem, basket, and lid.
- Fill the coffee maker to approximately half full, then plug in and turn it on to test its operation.
Fix-It Tip
If replacing a thermostat requires unriveting or desoldering it, consider taking the coffeemaker to an appliance repair shop or recycling it.