Espresso machines are built to last many years. But how long can an average espresso machine last? And what are the expected lifespan of the most popular types of espresso machines?
The “average” lifespan varies widely based on type, quality, and usage conditions. See below for more details about…
Espresso machines are well-built and quite reliable, so they typically last longer than average. However, for the reasons explained above, no espresso machine that uses any electronic components can be expected to last forever. Average Lifespan of Popular Types of Espresso Machines
These are estimated lifespans based on the typical usage and lifespan you can typically expect to get out of one of these machines.
Coffee shop espresso machines tend to last longer than home units, because they are used only a few hours per day, but kept in pristine working order by professional technicians.
Small, low-cost home units: 4 to 7 years, assuming proper cleaning and maintenance of the machine.
Average home unit: 6 to 9 years, assuming proper cleaning and maintenance of the machine.
High-end home units: 8 to 12 years, assuming proper cleaning and maintenance of the machine.
What Factors Determine The Lifespan of an Espresso Machine?
In general, the better the care and maintenance of the espresso machine, the greater its lifespan. In addition to proper care and storage, factors that can affect a machine’s lifespan include:
Heat: Roughly 70% of all coffee shop espresso machines in service in Europe are overheating, which reduces the lifespan of electronic components.
Espresso machine overheating is also a health hazard for baristas, as higher temperatures can cause the steam boiler to release steam at over 100°C (212°F), scalding them with hot water vapor.
Power surges: Coffee shop espresso machines are connected directly to public utility power supplies, subject to voltage sags and surges caused by weather conditions or power distribution problems in homes and businesses nearby.
Inverter technology is often used in high-quality espresso machines that are designed to automatically compensate for voltage fluctuations, preventing overheating of the machine’s electronic components when subjected to large voltage changes. In addition, some boiler systems provide a degree of voltage regulation, maintaining a steadier level of steam pressure even when the input voltage varies.
Cleaning: Coffee oils and calcium will build up inside an espresso machine over time, eventually clogging pipes and valves, reducing boiler efficiency, and causing gasket failure in the portafilter, brew group, steam wand assembly, and water distribution system.
Cleaning the espresso machine on a regular basis is the best way to keep it running smoothly for many years. Proper cleaning of an espresso machine requires specialized knowledge, experience, tools, parts, supplies, and chemicals.
How to clean the espresso machine?
Cleaning an espresso machine is similar to tuning and maintaining a car:
The first step is proper cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis, as needed.
After that, if any problems with the boiler or other parts of the machine were detected during routine maintenance, they may be replaced as necessary.
For some people cleaning their own espresso machine is too much work. For others, it is a matter of convenience. For these people, having their espresso machine serviced on a regular basis by specialist technicians is the best option.
How long does a DeLonghi coffee machine last?
Most DeLonghi and Jura espresso machines in use in coffee shops and at home are between 5 and 7 years old.
In recent years, some brands have been offering one-year warranties on their more expensive commercial-grade espresso machines. In North America, warranty terms often range from one to three years for consumer machines.
In the USA, it is standard for a commercial espresso machine to carry a six-month warranty.
In some cases, these warranty terms are only offered if the espresso machine is serviced regularly by authorized service technicians.
When should I replace my espresso machine?
It is a good idea to replace an espresso machine when the warranty expires, or after 8 years.
After that period, parts and labor will cost more than a new machine.
There are only a few cases in which a coffee replacement should be considered at 10 years of replacement:
An older espresso machine may have been built with lead-soldered internal connections, requiring a qualified technician with a special solder removal tool.
Almost all espresso machines produced before 2003 were built this way, and it is important that these be serviced only by technicians with experience servicing them.
An older machine may have been subjected to voltage sags or power surges beyond its tolerance level for components such as electronic control boards, water pumps, heating elements, or steam valves.
For these reasons, it is important to have an espresso machine fully serviced on a regular basis by qualified technicians with the proper training and experience.
A coffee replacement for an older commercial-grade espresso machine may be cost-effective if parts are no longer available for service.
How to prolong the life of my espresso machine?
The best way to prolong the life of an espresso machine is to follow these steps:
Regularly clean and maintain your machine. Replace parts when needed, such as gaskets or seals, screens, and filters.
Do not short-circuit the machine or run it without water.
Do not open ports during a brew cycle.
Regularly clean and maintain your coffee grinder, too.
Never allow calcium to build up inside the machine where the steam comes out. If calcium builds up over time, parts can become clogged and fail because of the buildup.
Do not use hard water. Calcium deposits can build up around valves, gaskets, screens, and filters. If the espresso machine is placed near a window where there are high levels of lime or calcium in the air, more frequent cleaning may be required.
Espresso machines that are used for commercial purposes should have their machines cleaned and serviced on a regular basis by qualified technicians.
Regularly clean the group head, portafilter gasket, filter baskets, milk carafe, steam wand, and drip tray with soapy water. Rinse well. Use white vinegar to remove the limescale inside the boiler compartment. Use an espresso machine cleaner or descaling product according to the instructions. Do not use cleaners that contain chlorides or bleach.
Conclusion
If you want to save money on coffee machine repairs, the best way is to maintain it well. By taking good care of your espresso machine, you will be able to enjoy many years of tasty coffee. Many people find that having their espresso machine serviced on a regular basis by specialist technicians is the best option for them in this regard.
Espresso machines are fairly expensive appliances, and it is worth taking out a service contract to prolong the life of your investment. This will ensure that any issues with your machine are dealt with before they become serious problems. You can also hire an espresso machine cleaner or descaling product online to remove the calcium scale inside the appliance on a regular basis.
In addition, it is a good idea to empty the drip tray and clean the portafilter between each coffee extraction. By taking a few minutes out of your day to maintain your espresso machine, you will get many more years of great-tasting coffee from it.
