R.I.P. Dear Coffee Maker
We lost our dearly beloved coffee maker today. It sprang a spring from some inner valve, no longer able to push steaming water through the grounds. I purchased this Krups coffee maker over 15 years ago for my husband. He had become a latte lover or lover of lattes whichever phrase you prefer – bottom line – I had a hunch he would enjoy making lattes. Besides bringing our three wonderful sons into the world, it was probably the best gift I ever gave him.
He delighted in preparing each cup. He placed just the right amount of coffee into the filter, poured water into the water cavity and then waited for the perfect moment to turn the steamer on. His cup stood at the ready with just enough milk for perfect frothing. It was so simple, so successful an endeavor that we all quickly became converts. Guests were seduced with the offer of a latte. It even came with us for a summer wedding in Indiana where we had rented a cabin with 10 other people. The early morning line formed behind the Krups - numbers were taken.
The design was flawless, the function reliable, the coffee so superb that we were lulled into a sense of security, thinking our machine would be with us always. We took for granted its can do spirit, its work ethic, its ever ready stance. Sure, we had to purchase a new glass carafe on two occasions, but it was the basic machine we relied on for our morning coffee.
Just in the last couple of months we had talked about the inevitable day when the machine might die, no doubt cursing our fate.
Just in the last couple of months we had talked about the inevitable day when the machine might die, no doubt cursing our fate.
We have begun our search. Krups still has a machine that looks similar to what we lost, but nothing will ever fully replace the old tried and true.
My parents had machines they could repair and find parts for – they took pride in owning them for decades. It was inspiring to watch my father dismantle a clock or radio and later find it working again. The same was true for lawn mowers, cars and vacuums. This little Krups machine reminded me of those good old days.
So, tomorrow will come, but coffee will have to wait for a sad drive to a coffee shop. Speaking into the drive thru window I will say, “One medium, skim latte, please.” Until our new machine arrives, we will be scouring the city for a cup of coffee that resembles the latte delights we prepared in our own kitchen.
R.I.P. dear coffee maker. You served us well.
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Emily Conyngham
Ted Frier
Chicken Mãâàn
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Sparky Dashforth
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Comments
jlsathre, I think we've found the replacement, so we should be back in business very soon.
Michelle, thank you for understanding what I was trying to say here. Sometimes it is the simplest things that take on a powerful place in our lives. There was much sentimentality associated with this object, not just for my husband and me but for our sons as well. I always appreciate you kind and perceptive comments.
They die when I get in a hurry and hit the glass rim on the kitchen tap. I've cried every time I've broken one.
Thank you, Thoth. That is the hope.
Christine, I think there are many who count on their coffee in the morning. Thank you for understanding. :-)
Thanks, Joan. We are nearing a decision. It seems that Krups has a reasonably close replacement.
Kate, I feel your pain and can almost hear the glass shattering as it hits the tap. Thanks for your kind comments.
Good luck in your search!
Agreed, Erica. There aren't too many objects I get attached to, but this one had special significance. Thanks for stopping by.
Of course there's trying to figure out which seal it may be and just like any diagnosis it's seldom the first try that gets it so instead I recommend ebay. At the present time there are five of this exact model listed for sale, incredibly one new in the box even, and all under $20 before shipping. Why you can even have a choice between a black or white setup!
A good coffee machine, like a good friend, is hard to find and well worth holding onto even when times are tough. Good luck with whatever direction you choose to go and of course, happy brewing.
Brad, you are incredibly kind to check this out for me. I hadn't thought of ebay and didn't think this particular problem could be repaired. I will check into this today. THANK YOU!
My late husband used to complain about how things are now complicated (cars w. computers) or impenetrable and generally beyond one's personal capacity to fix. In his youth he built radios from scratch and prided himself on being able to assemble and disassemble his cars and do all his own maintenance. The advent of computers desperately frustrated him, tho he eventually got on one, mainly to do simulated flying...
R♥