How to Keep Your Coffee Maker in Top Shape

When you’re in your kitchen, there are probably a few items that you use on a regular basis—the refrigerator, the dishwasher, the stove, and if you’re reading this, most likely, the coffee maker too. If you do use your coffee maker quite frequently, you should know that proper maintenance is key to ensuring that it remains in perfect working order, and the quality of your coffee is not compromised. By taking good care of your coffee maker, you can significantly extend its lifespan. Believe it or not, there isn’t some elaborate or sophisticated method or science to effectively care for your coffee maker. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll soon see how your beloved coffee maker will stand the test of time, regardless of make and model. Clean it Regularly Ideally, you should rinse the coffee pot itself with water after every use. Otherwise, the pot will collect a layer of coffee oils, dirt, and stains. This accumulation of junk can actually affect the freshness and flavor of the coffee. If you’re pressed for time after using it, then you can fill the pot with water and leave it in the sink. At least once a week, scrub the coffee pot and the filter thoroughly with dish soap and water to prevent that gunk from piling up inside and outside of the coffee maker. By skipping out on cleaning your coffee maker, you are allowing bacteria to build up, which could cause serious health issues. Dump Out the Leftovers It’s best to make only as much coffee as you plan to drink, so you minimize waste. However, if you do make a little too much, it’s important not to let the excess coffee sit for too long, as this can stain and potentially damage the pot. It’s better practice and much safer to simply dump it out in the sink. Anyway, freshly brewed coffee is said to lose its flavor within just a couple of hours. Don’t Overfill It Though this doesn’t seem like it could have an effect on the performance of your coffee maker, it really does make a difference. You need to have a complete understanding of how your particular coffee maker works, so you are using the correct portions of water and coffee when brewing. If you overfill your coffee maker, the resulting spills will not just cause an icky mess, but they may also cause severe damage to the coffee maker both inside and out. While it should be natural to follow the directions for use, this important step is oftentimes forgotten. By implementing these best practices for proper coffee maker maintenance, your coffee maker will enjoy a longer lifespan, and you can delight in consistently fresh and flavorful coffee. For all of your coffee equipment needs as well as a delicious range of gourmet coffees, please visit us today at CoffeeAM. If you have any questions or comments, share them in the comments section below.