Standing in the kitchen with an empty coffee cup in your hand and staring at your uncooperative coffee maker can be a frustrating start to your morning. For some problems, such as a Mr. Coffee clock that’s not working, you may need to call on a service technician or an electrician. But, you’ll be glad to know that you can find Mr. Coffee’s troubleshooting tips by visiting MrCoffee.com or by consulting your user manual.
Mr. Coffee’s coffee makers have been around for some time now. They are a strong reputable brand that has become so popular probably because of their affordability and performance. Their coffee makers are some of the best coffee makers in the market. Their durability is guaranteed as long as they are well-taken care of. Proper care, maintenance, and proper use is definitely the key to a long-lasting trouble-free coffee maker
How Coffee Makers Work
There are two types of coffee makers in common use: those that drip hot water once through the coffee grounds, and those that percolate, or recycle, the water through the grounds many times. Most drip coffee makers are activated by switches and timers in the control panel, heating water and pumping it up to drop through the coffee basket. The resulting hot coffee falls into a carafe. An element under the carafe keeps the coffee warm.
Percolator coffee makers heat a small amount of water in the base of the unit, forming steam that pushes the hot water up a tube in the center of the percolator. At the top, waterfalls into the coffee basket and soaks up all that great coffee flavor from the grounds. The resulting hot coffee then drips through holes in the basket base and into the main compartment to be recycled. A thermostat determines when the coffee has brewed sufficiently, then turns the percolating system off. A heating element continues to maintain the coffee at the selected temperature.
Why Is My Mr. Coffee Not Brewing?
Mr. Coffee’s coffee makers have an average lifespan of five years but can last up to ten years with proper care and maintenance. So unless you’re in a long-term relationship with your Mr. Coffee, it is unlikely that it has reached the end of its life. If your Mr. Coffee powers on but won’t brew, one of the following suspects could be the culprit.
Clogged Lines
Mineral deposits from the tap water could be clogging your coffee maker. Hard water deposits stop the flow of water but change the taste of the final brew as well. The Mr. Coffee manual suggests regular maintenance according to use. If you use soft water, clean your coffee machine with a vinegar solution every 80 brews. If you use hard water, clean your appliance every 40 brews.
Machine Malfunction
Coffee makers are touchy creatures. If the lid or filter is even slightly off-center, the sensor will halt the machine. Open the lid to ensure that the filter is centered and balanced. Reposition as needed. Once all parts are in place, secure the lid.
Powerless Heating Element
If one or both fuses open, the heating element is powerless. Even if the warming plate appears lit, there will not be any heating capabilities. Check the continuity tester on the bottom of the machine (under the plastic cover). If the water reservoir sensor malfunctions, the water heater will burn out. Unfortunately, in this case, you would have to replace both the reservoir sensor and heating element.
Troubleshooting Your Mr. Coffee Maker
Step One: Check the Water Reservoir
There is no coffee without water. If your coffee maker turns on but won’t brew, first check the water reservoir. You can check the water level by lifting the lid or looking at the gauge on the side. Add water until full.
Step Two: Ensure All Parts Are in Their Proper Place
Coffee makers are sensitive machines, so check that all components are in good working order. Make sure that the filter is centered and supported. If the filter is broken or warped, replace it with a new filter. Secure the lid. Double-check the power settings.
Step Three: Clear Any Clogged Lines
More often than not, clogged lines are to blame for a faulty coffee maker. Some Mr. Coffee models have a blinking light to indicate your machine is due for regular cleaning. Even if your machine is new, it doesn’t hurt to submit it to a thorough cleaning. Fill the glass coffee pot with vinegar. Hold start for 2-3 minutes. Once the machine is heated, pour the solution through the coffee maker. Repeat as desired and rinse with water.
Step Four: Check the Heating Element and Fuses
If the problem persists, it’s time to check the fuses on the bottom of your machine. First, unplug your coffee maker and empty the water reservoir. Then, remove the plastic cover from the bottom of your appliance. The metal plate that you see is the heating element. The heating element connects to the U-shaped hose, which feeds from the water reservoir.
The thermal fuses– which look like long needles– should connect following the wiring on the bottom. Check for continuity. If one of the thermal fuses becomes displaced, the heating element will lose power. Fortunately, you can find a thermal fuse at your local hardware store for less than $2. Using the accompanying sleeves, attach the new thermal fuse with pliers or a soldering tool. The point is to establish continuity. There should be no break in the lines on the bottom of your coffee maker.
Step Five: Contact Mr. Coffee for Replacements and Repairs
Mr. Coffee states that their products contain no user-serviceable parts. If you cannot resolve the issue by the above-mentioned, only a certified technician should attempt to repair the machine.
For Repairs: Mr. Coffee has several authorized service repair centers listed here. They service a wide range of Mr. Coffee products, from Espresso machines to coffee accessories. And the classic drip coffee maker, of course.
For Replacements: To take advantage of your 1-year warranty, file a claim at MrCoffee.com. All you have to do is upload a picture of your coffee maker and any faulty components. Include any helpful information such as the model number and date purchased.
