A freshly brewed cup of coffee is the best way to start your morning. But what happens when your coffee maker is really uncooperative? If you find yourself staring at a machine that just will not brew, don't freak out!
This blog looks at some of the most common causes behind a coffee maker not brewing coffee and simple ways to mend things and get that morning brew right.
Why Won't My Coffee Maker Brew?
Well, making coffee should be easy, but sometimes coffee machines can cause headaches. Maybe your machine won't turn on, or it doesn't make coffee, or no water comes out. If you have a machine that grinds beans, that part might stop working too. These problems can be really annoying.
But don't worry! Most of these problems can be fixed yourself at home. You don’t always have to call an expert or buy a new machine. Read on to learn about 15 common reasons why your coffee maker isn’t working right.
We’ll also walk you through some simple steps to help get your machine running good coffee again. By the end, you should understand enough to learn how to solve nearly all coffee maker problems by yourself.
Your coffee maker might not be getting electricity. You might remember instances when your TV would not turn on simply because it was not plugged in. First, make sure your coffee maker is plugged into the wall.
Sometimes this plug can come out a little without you noticing. Alternatively, plug something else into the same wall outlet to see whether it works. For if nothing happens with that particular outlet, then you may be looking at your fuse box.
How to Fix:
Ensure the proper plugging of the coffee maker. Sometimes, the plug comes loose without one's knowledge.
Check the outlet whether it is functioning with any other appliance.
Damage or fraying in wires should be checked along with the power cord.
If GFCI outlets are installed in your kitchen - the ones containing the reset buttons - they might have tripped.
2. Water Reservoir Issues
Your coffee maker needs water to make coffee. Sometimes we forget to add water, or we think we did but didn't. Look at your coffee maker's water tank. Is there water in it? If not, fill it up.
Additionally, push the water tank all the way in. The water tank in its proper place is necessary for some coffee makers to work.
How to Fix:
Double-check that you've actually filled the water reservoir. It's easy to forget!
Make sure you place the water reservoir in and it pushes all the way in and sits properly.
Look for any cracks in the reservoir or leaks.
The reservoir should be cleaned up carefully – sometimes the water sensor may be blocked with debris.
After a while, mineral-rich deposits in water can cause buildup inside your coffee maker; this is somewhat like what happens with your sink drain.
The solution is to run a mixture of equal white vinegar and water through your coffee machine. This helps clean out the insides. After you do this, run plain water through it a few times to rinse it out.
How to Fix:
Run a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water through a brew cycle (without coffee grounds).
After the vinegar cycle, run 2-3 cycles with just clean water to rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn clogs, let the vinegar solution sit in the reservoir for an hour before brewing.
Your coffee maker has an element for heating the water. If this is damaged, the only thing you will receive is cold water, not a hot drink.
In the normal working condition of your coffee maker, you should be able to hear it making noise that is very minimal or low. If you do not hear anything and if your drink is cold, then the heater might be broken. This job is mostly for a repair person.
How to Fix:
If you turn it on and it starts brewing, you should hear some sort of humming sound; this is generally an assurance that the heating element is on.
If it doesn't make any noise, unplug the base immediately and let it cool down.
If it's still under warranty, well and good. You should call the manufacturer for either repair or replacement.
If you are a practical person, you might be able to replace the heating element yourself though caution needs to be taken as that may be a bit tricky.
5. Pump Problems
Inside your coffee maker, there's a small pump that really pushes the water through. If the pump is not working, then there is no movement of water, and thus no coffee will be poured out.
You can usually hear this pump making some noise when your coffee maker turns on. If you don't hear anything, just start by giving the side of the coffee maker a few light taps. Sometimes this may get the pump unstuck.
How to Fix:
Listen for the pump's peculiar burr noise when brewing starts.
If you do not hear it, gently tap the side of the machine; sometimes this is enough to dislodge a jammed pump.
When the water seems to leak from the bottom of the machine, it probably means the pump has failed.
Unfortunately, the pump is usually the problem when dealing with issues that require professional repair or replacement of the coffee maker.
The part where you put the coffee filter can get dirty over time. Coffee oils and tiny bits of coffee can stick to it. This can stop water from flowing through properly.
Remove the filter basket and soak it in warm, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to remove some bits that are really stuck.
How to Fix:
Remove the filter basket and make sure it is well cleaned in soapy, warm water.
If some remains are left, scrub them off using a soft-bristled brush
For washable mesh filters, soak them in warm water with baking soda to dissolve the oils
Make sure to rinse everything thoroughly before putting it back.
On top of your coffee maker is a piece that has tiny holes in it and which sprays water over the grounds. It can become clogged. This can be located on the underside of the lid on many coffee makers. Use a toothpick gently to remove blockages from the holes.
How to Fix:
Find the spray head, usually located underneath the top lid of the coffee maker.
First, try cleaning visible blockages in the holes using a toothpick or paperclip.
For stubborn clogs, where possible remove the spray head and soak in vinegar for a few hours.
If your coffee is too fine, like a powder, then it is going to clog up your coffee maker. You want the grind of your coffee to be about as coarse as sand for most coffee makers.
For those buying pre-ground, look for a variety that says it is for "drip" or "automatic" coffee makers.
How to Fix:
Go for an even coarser grind, for drip coffee makers since this would be close to coarse sand.
If you will be purchasing it pre-ground, make certain it says it was ground for drip or automatic.
Clean out any fine grounds that may have built up in the filter basket.
9. Broken Temperature Control
Your coffee maker has a part that controls the water temperature. If this breaks, your coffee maker might not heat the water at all. This is usually a problem that needs a professional to fix.
How to Fix:
This is usually left to a professional since it deals with the electrical composition of the machine.
Check your warranty and contact the manufacturer for guidance.
If you have experience with appliance repair, you can try to replace the thermostat yourself, but be careful.
Inside your coffee maker, there are small tubes that carry water. Sometimes these can get bent or twisted. This is similar to when a garden hose gets twisted.
If you are comfortable taking the outer cover off your coffee maker, you may be able to see if any of the tubes are bent and carefully straighten them out.
How to Fix:
Disconnect the appliance and let it cool down completely.
If you feel comfortable doing so, remove the outer casing. (Make sure you consult your manual beforehand).
Check for obvious whims in the water lines and straighten them out.
If in doubt, seek the services of a professional operator who will ensure that the machine is not damaged.
The button or switch you press to turn on your coffee maker can wear out over time. If this happens, your coffee maker won't turn on even if everything else is fine. Try pressing the switch a few times. If it feels loose or doesn't click, it might need to be replaced.
How to Fix:
Try toggling the switch on and off several times.
Look for any visible damage or looseness in the switch.
If it seems broken, you'll likely need to replace the switch. This can be a DIY job if you're handy, but don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're unsure.
12. Coffee Pot Not In Right Spot
Many coffee makers won't start if the coffee pot isn't in exactly the right place. This is a safety feature to prevent hot coffee from spilling everywhere. If your coffee pot not brewing make sure it is sitting correctly in the coffee maker. Also, check that the lid is on properly.
How to Fix:
If the coffee pot stopped working make sure the carafe is sitting correctly on the warming plate.
Check that the lid is on properly – some machines won't brew if the lid is off or askew.
Look for any obstructions between the carafe and the machine that might prevent proper contact.
13. Activated Pause and Serve Feature
Some coffee makers let you pause brewing to pour a quick cup. Sometimes this pause feature can get stuck. Check under where the coffee pot sits. There might be a small lever there. Make sure it can move freely and isn't stuck.
How to Fix:
Remove the carafe and check the mechanism under where it sits.
Look for any coffee grounds or debris that might be jamming it.
Clean the area thoroughly and make sure the pause lever moves freely.
If it seems stuck, gently wiggle it to see if you can free it up.
Some coffee makers have an interior fuse, similar to a fuse box in an automobile. If there is an electrical surge or other issue, the fuse "blows" to short out the coffee maker and hinder damage. This typically isn't something you can fix yourself.
If you've attempted all other troubleshooting methods and your coffee maker won't work, it may have a blown fuse and require professional repair.
How to Fix:
Unplug the machine, then let it cool.
Check your user manual for an accessible fuse.
If it is accessible then check the fuse for an appearance of being burnt out or broke internally at the wire.
Replace the fuse with one exactly like it in type and amperage rating.
If you can't find an easy way or you cannot easily replace the fuse yourself take the appliance to a pro to be repaired.
A coffee maker that has a leaky brew head can be such a pain. There are a few possible causes for such a problem. Sometimes, the seals or gaskets - the pieces of rubber that seal the tight parts - get old and worn out. They might even crack or not fit as tightly as they ought to.
Other common reasons are the build-up of coffee. If you don't ever clean your machine, then the bits of the coffee get stuck and block things up, creating leaks. Sometimes, if you have taken them apart to clean, then the parts inside may not be put together right.
Lastly, there is a possibility that something is obstructing the paths the water traverses through the machine.
How to Fix:
Check the seals and gaskets for any wear and tear or even just minute cracks; if so, replace them. Again, make sure the parts one get are compatible with one's machine.
Use a soft brush with mild soap in cleaning the brew head. Remove the bits of coffee that may be stuck there. Often, this would solve the problem.
Ensure nothing blocks the waterways; remove carefully in case of blocks.
If you removed any parts, replace them correctly. Everything should be tight.
Your coffee maker's manual is your friend, as it may contain specific repair tips for leakages in your machine model.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Brewing Problems
Keeping your coffee maker clean and well-maintained is like taking care of a car - it helps it run better and last longer. Here are some easy tips to keep your coffee maker in top shape:
1. Clean regularly
Consider cleaning your coffee maker like brushing your teeth. Every day, wipe off the parts you touch - where you put the coffee and where the pot sits. If your machine makes milk drinks, clean that part too.
Once a week, give it a big clean. Use a special cleaner you can buy at the store. This gets rid of the crusty white stuff inside that can make your coffee taste bad. If your machine grinds beans, clean that part too.
Keeping everything clean means your coffee will taste better and your machine will work well for longer.
2. Check often
Every now and then, take a good look at your coffee maker. Make sure your rubber parts - known as seals and gaskets. And these can wear out, just like the soles of your shoes over time. Sometimes, however, they need replacing because they look cracked or worn.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your machine’s water filter, if your machine has one. If your coffee doesn’t taste or look good anymore it’s time for a new one. These checks help stop leaks and keep your coffee tasting great.
3. Fix problems quickly
If your coffee maker starts acting weird, don't ignore it. Maybe it's taking longer to make coffee, or you're finding grounds in your cup. These are signs something's not right.
Sometimes, you might need to change how the machine works - like how hot the water gets or how fine it grinds the coffee.
Fixing these small things right away is like taking care of a small cut before it gets infected. It stops bigger problems from happening later.
4. Follow instructions
Your coffee maker came with a little book called a manual. It might seem boring, but it's full of helpful tips. When something breaks and you need a new part, use the ones the manual says to use.
It's like using the right key for a lock - it just works better. Following the instructions helps your machine work its best and stops you from accidentally breaking it.
5. Get professional help
Once a year, have someone who really knows coffee makers look at yours. It's like taking your car for a check-up. They can clean parts you can't reach and fix problems you might not see.
If your coffee maker is the fancy kind that can get updates (like your phone does), make sure it has the newest one. This keeps it working smoothly and sometimes gives you cool new features.
6. Use good water and store properly
The water you use matters. Tap water can have stuff in it that's not great for your coffee maker. Use filtered water instead - it's cleaner and makes your coffee taste better too. When you're not using your coffee maker for a while, like when you go on vacation, keep it in a dry place.
Cover it up to keep dust off, just like you'd cover a nice car. This helps it stay in good shape and be ready to make great coffee when you need it again.
