Tuesday, July 26, 2016

1st World Problem-No Coffee Maker


 Vinegar is not doing its magic on my Keurig. I've been getting a slow drip, my indication that I should run a very heavy concentration of vinegar through with the water. We have very hard water, so its a given that there will be build up. This has worked a charm for me-a little putzy but after 6 cycles or so, then another 6 with just water, it has always acted good as new. I'm not having luck this time. There must be some really heavy duty clogging. My Cuisinart standard coffee maker has some crack or leak somewhere. It works, but I have to put the maker on a dish towel and I lose about a quarter of the water through a brewing cycle.  It also doesn't work very well unless I make a full pot, which even I won't drink on a week day morning. I'm going to keep trying with the Keurig but this is probably the sign of impending death. Others have told me about the loss of their beloved machine when the tubing just won't work any longer. 


I'm frustrated with both these appliances. I can't remember exactly, but I think the Cuisinart is maybe just over 7 years, and the Keurig just over 4-both might even be a year newer than that even.  Both were gifts form DH. Shouldn't appliances that cost nearly $100, on sale, last for decades or more? My hard water has a lot to do with both I'm sure. I probably break every rule of coffee brewing by filling the water container straight form the tap. I really do not want to buy a new machine of either variety right now, but if I do, I hate to say, the Keurig will be second on the list. As much as I love the convenience in the morning, buying the wasteful pods is too tempting over the refillable filter, and I don't want to be back pondering the decision in another four years. 
 
I'll limp along with the leaking machine and I've got the tea kettle on, and will settle for a cup of strong black tea this morning. I'll start reading recommendations, and try and figure out the best maker for the money because in my house, I can only limp along so long before my crankiness will kick in having to improvise. Maybe I'll move to a French press like the inexpensive Mr Coffee model at the top or splurge on a real French model and do away with tubes of any kind to make my coffee. Maybe I'll save and buy myself the Nespresso that will make little lattes for me each morning, and relive the experience I had in London where the Nespresso and a days worth of (recyclable) pods were provided each morning. Is anyone else as coffee obsessed as I am that the angst of no machine keeps you awake at night as much as the caffeine itself? Who has brand recommendations that have stood the test of time> Anyone a regular French press user and can tell me that is the way to go? 
Ours is a $12 Copco Kettle just like this one.

11 comments:

  1. When shopping for an appliance last year I was told by the salesperson that appliances (large and small) are no longer built to last because then they can sell more!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh-of course everything comes down to more sales instead of quality. It's a pain to shop-I think I'd rather pay a bit more (though what that would be I'm not sure) and get at least a decade out of an appliance. My toaster has limited life left as well and that I relay on as much as the coffee makers.

      Delete
  2. Have you tried unbending a paper clip and cleaning out the holes in the underside of the top of the brewing "basket". It really does help mine to do it several times a year. I would be lost, or at least deeply depressed if my Keurig no longer worked.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't-my eye sight without glasses isn't great and I would need to contort to see the hole, but I'm going to give it a try per your suggestion. When the water flows, it is such a good appliance.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Linda. Good idea to try that as well for a longer reach.

      Delete
  3. I'm a tea drinker don't really care for coffee but lovejoy has it. We just use the cafetière though so no real fuss just boil the kettle let it brew press the plunger and there you go dead cheap too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I go the route of full coffee maker, I think the French Press might be the way to go. I need to taste test though before committing.

      Delete
    2. I think it depends on the quality of the coffee. Spend on the coffee and it tastes as good as anything made in more expensive machines and no hassle cleaning it out lol

      Delete
  4. I love coffee.So i need to know about best coffee maker 2017.I want to know about Bunn coffee maker.Thanks for this post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are a coffee lover, nothing can do a better job each morning at giving you the extra perk to be ready for the world's challenges than a freshly brewed cup of coffee! Since the cup of coffee plays such an important role in your life, then purchasing a coffee maker with grinder is definitely a worthwhile investment. Just imagine how wonderful it would be if you could wake up in the morning to find a cup of coffee waiting for you at the automatic coffee maker.

      Delete

Join the conversation. Your comments are welcome. Dissenting and different opinions are welcome as makes for good conversation. I moderate comments to be sure I read them all and stay ahead of the spam. Advertising products or services without permission will be deleted, as will anything that may be harmful to others-read promotion of debunked "experts" and conspiracies. If you're a blogger, feel free to include your blog URL.