Back in episode 4 I proclaimed my love for the Melitta Mill & Brew. Even then I knew this day would come.
The little plastic hook holding the grinder lid down snapped and fell into the grinder basin. Without this hook, the grinder doesn’t grind and the water doesn’t get near the grinds. Basically, this fragile 1/4″ piece of plastic is the key to the coffee maker. Without it, no coffee.
After 3 years of daily use, this is my second Melitta and the second time this hook has snapped. Not an atypical problem, a handful of complaints about his issue in the Amazon reviews.
In the short term, I’m weighing it down with a bag of stale, ground coffee. In the long term, I’m looking for a new machine. Any recommendations?
i use a small piece of scotch tape from the top to the side with the bottom end of the tape folded under and attached to itself for 1/8″ for easy removal. the tape works for several uses then can be replaced.
The company is very happy to send a replacement lid. Call customer service.
im looking for the lid mine broke need manufactures number
I just keep replacing them :) – currently on my 3rd.
Hi Garrick!
Had the same problem with our Mill and Brew at the 3 year mark. The little white plastic thing broke off and I thought we would have to replace the whole thing. After much thought I figured out that weight would keep the lid down and then the grinder would work. Voila! Got another 2 years out of the coffee maker. This year, however, the filter basket ripped and I couldn’t find a replacement for that. So I replaced the whole thing and now have replacement parts. By the way, I used a heavy water glass, brick, whatever, to get the lid to stay down. We love this coffee maker and didn’t want to try a new one. And the one I just bought…got it on ebay for $41 for an open box maker. Came looking beautiful and I have no complaints. Never give up!
Michelle and Larry Halstead
Second Melitta and second broken lid catch. I will never give up this Mill and Brew though. I use the coffee bean cannister for weight. Got my first one when a store went out of business here in town; $30.00, the second one at a close out sale in the midwest for $25.00. I repaired a ripped filter basket on the first one using silicone caulking and got 2 years more out of it. Happy brewing!
I, too, love my Melitta Mill and Brew, and have had it for more than 3 years. The problem that just happened to me was that one of the 2 clips that hold the mill basket assembly down onto the main unit has come off, due to plastic fatige on one of the pivot points. This isn’t a big deal right now, since I have been making do with fresh ground from the local grocery store. But if I want to be able to grind again, I will need to replace or repair the basket assembly. Anyone have any thoughts as to how to get one?
We had the same problem. Look on the bottom of the unit and call the phone number there. They have the parts in stock and offer free shipping. I’ve listed the information below.
CONTACTUS4@TOASTMASTER.COM
Please contact us if we can be of further assistance at the address listed on this email or through our Consumer Relations Department at (800)233-9054 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CST). Thank you, we appreciate your business.
Salton, Inc.
Consumer Relations Department
The following items have been shipped
30640
MB80/MEMB1B GRNDR FLTR BS MEMB1W/10T FIL
30636B
MEMB1B GRINDER W/ LID LOCK
Thank you, Donna Newill! I had been searching for the source of a new filter basket/grinder assembly for my Melitta Grind & Brew and never thought to look on the unit itself for anything other than a model number. The mesh on my filter basket tore and now I can replace it for $7 with free shipping. Thanks again.
I have been looking for a filter for months. Hey! I found an answer right here. THANK YOU, Donna for the information, and Judy for the cost!
My grinder is not grinding on the fine setting, it is very corse. Can that be replaced. Thanks for any help. Sylvia
I too am on my second Grind and brew. I saved the parts from the first. The clip on the lid broke on both. After much coffee getting on the heating eliment and it starting to crack and corrode, I bought my second. This time the clip on the lid broke and I am just weighing it down like with the first, but for some reason now the water leaks out of the seam between the coffee unit and the grinder on about one out of every 3 times I use it. I love the coffe pot, but overall am pretty disappointed. Dont know if I should bother with calling in for a new part, or just replace unit with Cuisinart!
Why did they discontinue this? I am on my second one and botho f the lids are broken on it but I still love the machine. I want to buy another one in white but can’t find one even on ebay.
My lid catch also broke and I thought I would have to purchase a new one. Tried the weight thing for a while and then realized that a drop of super glue down the security catch (that little white plunger thing) and then hold the plunger down (I used a match stick) until it sets fixed it forever (or so far 6 months)
My lid catch just broke after 2 years. I love this machine and have been using the tape method. I’ll be contacting the company on Monday to see if I can get a replacement lid. Thanks for all the ideas.
So gratifying to know I am not the only one with the little piece-of-plastic problem! I just super-glued mine back on, and it’s working fine. Have had the unit for ~4 years, and the super-glued little part has been working fine for the past 2 years.
Thanks for the replacement parts info Donna.
When my little piece broke that wouldnt allow the lid to shut, I called Melitta directly and they told me that it was not a replaceable piece. I would have to send the unit in for service. Well, I did just that by going to target, purchasing a new unit, waiting a week, and then stuffing the broken one in the box and returning it. Viola’! And it goes back to Melitta.
My lid broke as well, went to Melitta website, called them….only cost me $5.00 for a replacement lid. I used a Nyquil bottle in the meantime to hold the lid down so it would work. No problems.
My lid catch also broke about 2 years ago. I use a rubber band to hols the cover on.
On my second one now … 2 broken lids, 2 ripped baskets … grrr; sister bought one w/the same problem. How’s the Cuisinart ?? :)
using second one now, just love it.bought the first at a kitchen specialty store and when the catch broke (yeah, me too)we just weighted it down with something, don’t remember what! Wanting a new one, we despaired of finding one thinking that they would not still be on the shelf.looked at other brands and
— thinking about having to learn how to use another machine while still half asleep in the morning, on an end cap at target we found our beloved coffee maker.the old one went complete to a resale shop and now I need a carafe. reading your replies shows me to call the 800 #.thanks
My wife & I have gone through four lids after two years. One would think that since this part of the product is obviously poorly engineered that they would design an “upgrade” if you will and let current owners get a re-designed unit. I have endured buying replacement lids for a while. I am just getting tired of throwing good money after bad. I would just as soon pitch out the pos now and just get a different unit. Oh and buy the way…the FIRST lid is free any others must be paid for. As careful as we try to be in closing the lid, that damn tab still breaks off! I would suggest just getting something else.
Two of mine are broken also, but we have the “coffee rock.” A weight on the top works as well and and our cabin in the mountains, is a special feature. But now that the one at home has broken I may just repair them. I was told by my husband that the coffee rock that I just selected has no character.
OK. I’ll get in line. First the little tab broke, and then the basket tore. I came to this website and got the answer to replacement parts. Thanks All.
I joined the crowd. Price for the basket is now $8.50.
I joined the crowd too! My little plastic piece broke, I thought I was doomed. Especially when I bought a new Cuisinart that refused to work on day 1 (!!). Then I found this website! Thank God! Now the replacement part for the little plastic piece is $9.72 – much cheaper than $150 for a new coffee maker that I didn’t really like in the first place, but that would not work anyway!! This unit is 2 1/2 yrs old and well worth the price of admission! Thanks to all!
I love my Mill & Brew but I have had the same problems with 2 of my coffee makers so went and bought another. The little plastic button broke. I have now owned 4 of these makers. My husband’s Heart Dr. suggested this one. Now I have the problem of the basket riping. Please tell me where to find another. PLEASE HELP!! Thank-you
Amazing as to how many people have this same problem with the lid. Our son-in-law in TX tried gluing their’s on, but it didn’t work well. They went to a Cuisinart, but have had problems with excess water in the bottom of that coffee maker. Two units later, same problem.
I just called the people at Solton for a replacement lid on the Melita Mill and Brew and it was $3.50 for the lid, a shipping charge of $5.95, plus tax.
Hey does anyone have the customer service phone number for replacement parts for the Melitta grind and brew.
I have suffered long enough I need a replacement lid #3.
I have tried to find another brand that measures up to this coffee pot, there is not one!
If you have the number please let me know.
Thanks
I solved the problem of the broken lid by using a plastic drapery hook that is screwed into the top of the unit just to the side of the lid. It simply pivots over to hold the lid down nicely. In a way, it’s superior to the original design. I’ve been using it this way for probably three years or more.
This is like discovering a secret society after believing you were The Only One. (We use the sugar canister as our lid weight) Thank you for the laughs, the creative ideas & the replacement parts contact info.
Just goggled “Melitta Replacement Parts” and this site came up. I used an upside down coffee mug to keep the lid down. Called the customer service number listed her & just ordered lid and basket for $21.95 delivered. I could live with the lid but not the ripped basket. Great coffee pot!!!!
My brother gave my sister a new Cuisinart for her B-Day to replace the Melitta with the broken latch. Now I have the Melitta with a rubber band to hold down the lid. I think I might try something like Duanes plastic drapery hook to make an outside latch.
Hi
We got the replacement lid from melitta but no instructions on how to install it – need help! Thanks
Attn: Susan Reed. Call 800-233-9054 – they will email an attachment with instructions to install to you.
I would also like to join the secret society. I am on Mill and Brew number six, but only three have been afflicted by the dreaded “lid tab” disease. Two have been left in place because I was threatened with bodily harm if I took them when I moved which is why I am moving towards double digits. Currently the proud owner of three (one fully functional and two with various weighted objects on the lid) Mill and Brews, I am as puzzled as everybody why Melitta can’t seem to come up with a fix. Thanks for the customer service numbers.
Could the guy who used the plastic drapery hook give a more detailed description. That sounds like the ticket! I got my unit on Ebay five years ago. I have replaced the basket (also on Ebay) and now have the lid problem. I also LOVE my Melitta and would not use anything else!
I am soooo glad I found all of the other Melitta society members out there. I have had my Melitta for five years. I replaced the basket soon after I bought it from an individual on Ebay. I found the basket on Ebay, too. I now have the latch problem. Thanks for all the great info. My husband also suggested a rock! It must be a guy thing. I like the idea of the drapery hook, but can’t seem to visualize the design. Can you provide more info on it? I am calling customer service as soon as they open. I will NEVER leave the brotherhood of Melitta!!!
You guys are amazing – I had no idea that there was a Melitta M&B Lid Breakage Society! I’ve had my unit almost 4 years with daily use. The lid part just broke on it this morning and I thought I would need to replace the whole thing. After googling for replacement parts, I found this site. Current cost for the lid is $10.02 (including shipping to FL).
The cust svc rep from the 1-800 # on the unit bottom was great. He told me how to replace it and also provided a tip on a longer life for the lid – when you close the lid, instead of letting it ‘snap’ shut, press the ‘release button’ that is used when you open the lid. This prevents undue pressure on the part when it is closed. He also assured me that that later models have had this issue corrected. I expect my replacement part in a week and will see how it goes…
Coffee drinkers unite!
Hi All,
Great to hear we are not the only ones who wont give up our Melitta. We are still on our first one after 7.7 years. We use it everyday at least once. We have replaced the basket once also, but now we need to replace the basket again and the lid and the mill and brew latch in the back. I replaced the o-rings in the lid where the spreader tube fits in. these were old and leaking steam and water. I bought them at Home Depot. We also use the packing tape ritual to keep the lid closed. I have had to rewire the interlock switches inside due to corrosion and breaking. All in All this is the best darn coffee maker we have ever owned and will keep fixing it as long as we can.
Good Brewing to all, Kevin
Hey All,
This was great, reading all these posts. I got my ‘mill and brew’ about 7 years ago. Then 2 years ago the catch on the lid broke. At first I was heartbroken. I’m always telling everyone about my fresh ground and brewed coffee every morning. I get coffee from all around the world. Then I had an idea. Velcro!! And it was so simple. My electronic toll counter has it, why not my coffee maker too. It works great, but as I see now I’ll call the number you all listed here for a new lid too. I am having trouble finding a new ‘black’ carafe as my daughter accidently broke the old one. There seems to be white only available. Will keep looking though, and thanks for leting me ramble on. Dick T in Florida
Hello,
Great to hear we are also not the only ones who don’t want to give up our Melitta. We need to replace the basket also but it only leaks a few grounds if you try hard you can keep it near in place so it only leaks about a tablespoon of grounds. This is the best coffee maker we have ever owned. My wife and I were really bummed when the latch broke where the lid comes down. We started using a Gevalia maker but we do not like it near as much. The maker does 12 cups but that is the only thing we like better. The mill and brew is smaller at 10 cups but the grinding is so much nicer than using a seperate grinder. We could not believe it when we saw all the people who loved this coffee maker so much. And to think…all we really needed was a rock or velcro….never thought of that! Tried calling Today after seeing all the info but closed Friday after Thanksgiving. I’ll be parts shopping on Monday when they are open again. Steve & Connie from AntiqueHardware@RobinsonsAntiques.com
We have had the same problem as everyone else after 3 years. Not only did the lid break, but our grinder/filter has several tears. You can order replacement parts on the eSalton website (Salton makes products for several major brands, including Melitta) at http://www.maxim-toastmaster.com. If you click, as if to order, on the Mill and Brew machine link then it allows you to choose replacement parts.
This is so great — others who know my ‘secret shame’. I, too, am a Melitta Mill & Brew junkie. This morning my husband dropped the carafe and it shattered into a million pieces — I cried and ran to Dunkin’ Donuts. Additionally, after about 6 weeks of use one of the lock buttons on the mill & brew assembly popped off and I am holding the spring on now with only one post. Hoping to get both of these replaced by Customer Service on Monday. Googled replacement parts and this site came up. Glad to know that I am not alone. Still the best machine for the money in my opinion.
What a hoot. I, too, am a Melitta M&B lover and wish to join the secret society. I can’t remember how long I’ve had it and have endured the broken latch and ripped basket (both repaired with duct tape) for a long time. I stumbled on this site while searching for replacement parts and considering the purchase a new one (who keeps a coffeemaker held together w/duct tape?) but prefer the elusive white machine. (Why did they quit making it?) I was considering trying a Cuisinart, but after reading all these comments will stick with the beloved M&B. I may have to compromise and get a black one, but I’ll try ordering replacement parts first. Thanks, Everyone, for your tips!
Hi there. I went to the maxim-toastmaster.com site, and the link to the replacement parts is rather easy to miss. So here is the direct link to the page:
http://www.esalton.com/cgi-bin/2BA61A15/mac/qryitems.mac/itemDisplay
It’s not surprising that a design failure in a coffeepot this good has a podcast. I bought mine for $40 at a liquidation store. To fix the lid, I drilled a hole in the case just below the button and inserted a small screw, around which I looped a piece of string, carefully tied to the right length. That is looped in turn around the useless button. Sometimes it slips off in mid brew but at least I don’t have to worry about a brick falling on my kitchen counters.
I have considered both epoxy and aluminum duct tape for the leaking filter basket, but am a little concerned about noxious chemicals leaking into my coffee. I use this thing a lot. Sorry to hear it’s no longer made, and thanks for the links.
We had been using a mortar (without the pestle) to hold the lid down on our handicapped Melitta M&B for a long time, but dropped a hint to the inlaws and got a Cuisinart Grind and Brew for Christmas. Unfortunately, the bean grinder/brew basket in the new machine doesn’t seem to hold enough beans to make a decent pot of coffee so I started to consider looking for the replacement part for the M&B. Glad I found this site for the tips and entertainment. I’m still not sure whether to fix or replace the lid, but I think I would caution against disabling the lid switch. Hate to see someone lose their finger and/or send coffee all over the kitchen.
I feel very lucky and happy with our melitta. The wife and i found it on a clearance rack in target for $ 12.00. That was 3 1/2 years ago, and have never broken the lid or white tab, We did however finally get a small hole in the filter basket which is why im here looking for parts, and thanks to several people on this site i now have the numbers i need. Have a great new year.