How Long Do Coffee Grinders Last? Answered 

Do you want to ensure you get the most value from your coffee grinder? Find out how long do coffee grinders last and how to keep it long-lasting.

A coffee grinder is an essential tool in the coffee-making process, especially if you want a more affordable alternative to Starbucks coffee. Without a coffee grinder, you wouldn’t have any ground coffee to brew, pour-over, or other. Yet, like all tools, coffee grinders have a limited lifespan, which shortens exponentially with frequent use.

How long can you expect your coffee grinder to last? Learn the typical lifespan of coffee grinders with frequent and infrequent use below. 

Coffee Grinders: How Long Is Their Average Lifespan?

A quality coffee grinder will last between five and ten years. Burr coffee grinders could last five to seven years.

Remember that everyone uses coffee grinders differently, grinding different types of roast degrees, grind sizes, and frequency. Thus, how often you use it and how you use it will significantly impact the lifespan of your coffee grinder.

A high-quality coffee grinder will last longer than a cheaper model, even if you use the former more frequently. Thus, if you want a long-lasting coffee grinder made for durability and heavy use, it’s always wise to invest in a high-quality coffee grinder, like the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder.

Factors That Affect A Coffee Grinder’s Lifespan

The frequency of use heavily impacts a coffee grinder’s lifespan. Of course, more use will more likely shorten the grinder’s lifespan. The same concept applies to its burrs if you use a manual or automatic burr coffee grinder.

The part of your coffee grinder that most often affects the frequency of use is the burrs or blades that directly crush the coffee beans. The good news is that worn-down coffee grinder burrs are replaceable.

The better you take care of the coffee grinder, the more likely it will remain functional for a more extended period. 

You might also be interested in our Can you use a coffee grinder for spices?

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Coffee Grinder Burrs?

An espresso coffee grinder needs burr replacements once or twice each year if used frequently. If you don’t use your coffee grinder as often, burr replacement could occur once every one to two years. 

If you need to add more elbow grease than necessary to grind your coffee, it’s a sign that your burr edges have grown dull. Another sign of worn-out burrs is inconsistent grind size. 

Look for high-quality replacement burrs that match your coffee grinder model. For example, use a Rancilio Grinder Burr & Screw Replacement Set for a Rancilio Coffee Grinder.

How To Sharpen The Blades Or Replace the Burrs Of Your Coffee Grinder

Before trying any tips in this section, read your coffee grinder’s manual first, especially when replacing burrs. 

You could sharpen the blades of your coffee grinder with uncooked rice. Rice also removes oil residue and coffee grinds in the deeper and hard-to-reach areas.

The method of sharpening coffee grinder blades with rice is as follows:

1. Take a cup of uncooked rice and add it to the coffee grinder’s hopper.
2. Run the machine for 60-70 seconds.
3. Remove the rice.
4. Wipe the blades with a damp cloth.
5. Wipe the grinder’s blades with a dry cloth to remove dampness.

You can also perform the manual sharpening method. However, you’d need a specific set of skills and tools to do it properly. An alternative is to bring your coffee grinder to someone who has these resources, but it can be costly.

Knowing When It’s Time To Replace Or Repair Your Coffee Grinder

You know it’s time to repair your grinder; if you replaced the burrs of your coffee grinder or have sharpened its blades, you still get terrible grind outputs when you use the machine. You might also experience other technical or mechanical issues with the coffee grinder. Sometimes, these issues are still fixable with minor repairs, but they could also show that you need to invest in a new one.

For example, your coffee grinder runs intermittently or doesn’t stop. This problem could mean that something damaged or clogged the switch. Use a fine brush or toothpick to remove coffee grounds clogging the switch while the grinder is unplugged. 

If your coffee grinder refuses to run, it could mean that you have a frozen motor shaft. Disassemble the grinder to clean the shaft and lubricate its bearing points. If the grinder’s warranty is still active, you can also send it back to get a replacement or free repairs.

Without the proper knowledge or skillset, tinkering with it can only cause further damage. You may also hurt yourself if you aren’t careful.

Replace your coffee grinder if one or two of the following applies:

• You’ve had the coffee grinder for five years or more.
• You use it heavily or daily.
• You’ve already sent it to a home appliance technician for repairs several times.
• It has sustained serious damages, like water damage in areas not meant to get in contact with water.
• The cost of repairing it further is higher than buying a brand-new coffee grinder.

How To Take Care of Your Coffee Grinders

Are you ready to replace your old grinder with a new coffee grinder perfect for a cold or hot brew? How do you ensure it lasts, so you get the most value?

Regular cleaning and maintenance are the secrets to a long-lasting coffee grinder. Follow the proper cleaning methods for the type of coffee grinder you own. For example, cleaning a burr coffee grinder involves disassembling and wiping away oil residue by washing the hopper and grind chamber. 

Avoid storing your coffee beans in the hopper of a coffee grinder for more than three days. It won’t only affect the freshness of your coffee. It also keeps you from keeping the grinder clean while not in use.