With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.
The first indicator that your microwave is better off replaced is the five-year lifespan. Microwaves can last a long time, but they have the shortest lifespan of household appliances. If your microwave is over 6 years and especially if it's approaching 10 years old, you're likely better off with a new microwave.
If you've looked after it well, there's no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous. However, it is possible that the screen or rubber seals around the door may have perished, allowing some radiation to leak out.
On average, a microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance. However, many people may have microwaves that have surpassed that and are still working. While it may seem like a great cost-saving measure to keep using an old microwave, it may not be the best option in the long run.
Old age. If your microwave is approaching the 10-year mark, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient unit.
As a general rule, you should consider a replacement if: The microwave is more than 10 years old. You'll pay at least half the cost of replacement for repairs. You can't find replacement parts that fit the brand and model.
Most microwaves last about 10 years. If you keep it clean, your microwave may last much longer. Of course, the less you use it, the longer it will last too. If you own an OTR microwave, make sure to clean the microwave filter about every six months.
Old microwaves are generally safe to use, with one caveat
And the good news is, most old microwaves, as long as they have been well-maintained and are still able to function, are also likely safe to use today: According to Science Focus, there is a very low risk that old microwaves will cause harm.
Most microwaves are built to last up to 10 years. But even if yours surpasses the decade mark and appears to be in working order, it may still be time to consider an upgrade, since technologies improve and most appliances become far more energy efficient.
Although microwave ovens lose power as they age, Anantheswaran says most consumers unconsciously adjust cooking times without realizing the oven is not performing as efficiently. "You can replace the magnetron in a microwave oven," Anantheswaran says. "But I don't recommend it.
The simplest way to determine if your microwave is leaking radiation is to use a microwave radiation detector like this one. Make sure that the radiation detector detects high-frequency signals from microwave ovens. Check the product description and reviews before making a purchase.
Our survey results suggest that you should consider repairing the broken microwave if it's still under warranty or if it's 5 years old or less, but you'll definitely want to replace it if it's more than 5 years old.
The quality of the appliance: More expensive microwaves typically last longer than more budget-focused models – something that's so often true in the world of kitchen appliances.
You will need to have a professional come to your home to service the appliance, replacing it if necessary. Despite their higher cost, built-in microwaves can give your kitchen a higher-end look and feel. They are typically better quality and will last longer than a less expensive countertop model.
The most common cause of microwave failure is its magnetron. The magnetron is what produces the microwaves that cook your food, and it's also the part that is most likely to burn out. Symptoms of a faulty or burned-out magnetron include a microwave that doesn't heat food properly or doesn't work.
If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves.
Old microwaves are as safe as any other appliance, assuming they don't show any signs of physical damage. If that's the case, I highly recommend buying a new one, or finding a qualified tradesperson to inspect it. It's much more likely that the magnetron inside the microwave will have worn down.
Never leave a young child alone while food is cooking in the microwave. Children under age 7 should not operate the microwave unless they are closely supervised.
Basically, your microwave is expending unnecessary effort to “heat up” the lingering remains of your past meals, which will eventually impact the components and shorten the lifespan of the appliance,” Bedford says. So wipe down your microwave after every use.
The average lifespan of Panasonic microwave ovens, as with other similar microwave ovens, is around five to seven years, though your item may last longer with proper care and maintenance.
Most microwaves can tolerate a cooking time of up to 60 minutes, so your 30 minute plans should be fine. Just be aware that this puts the magnetron in your microwave under an immense amount of strain. This might shorten the overall lifespan of your appliance.
According to Kitchen Seer, you should replace your microwave generally every 10 years.
A broken magnetron is the most common reason that your microwave is running but not heating your food. The magnetron is an essential part of a microwave which is responsible for creating the microwaves needed to heat your food.
Replace microwaves with significant rust damage promptly. Again, the microwaves that cook your food are not going to hunt you down and give you cancer, but microwaves escaping the appliance are still a safety issue. Do not operate a microwave with significant rust damage.