The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.
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.
On average, you can expect your electric oven to last 13 years, these days, and your gas oven to last 15. But, like anything else, the more you use it, the quicker it will wear out. Daily use for a family of five will wear an oven out faster than just heating up a frozen pizza a couple of times a month.
On average, consumers replace their old oven after 12 years, our research shows, making it a fairly long-life appliance. The good news is that there are also numerous parts well worth repairing before you simply replace an oven. These include fans and electronic panels, thermostats, and broken doors.
According to Choice, with basic maintenance a fridge should last between six and 13 years, while washing machines and dishwashers should last from five to 11 years. A laptop should last from four to eight years, while a smartphone should last three to six years.
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.
The average life of a refrigerator is 12 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Though, this number varies depending on the type you buy as well as the upkeep of the appliance. In reality, a faulty fridge could break within months, while a well-kept appliance could last as many as 20 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.
The magnetron component of a microwave oven, which generates the microwaves, does eventually wear out. Microwave ovens may be a hugely convenient, easy-to-use device, but they sadly have an expiration date. You can expect to get over 10 years of use out of your microwave.
High quality gas ranges, such as the Bosch 800 Series or the Café slide-in gas smart rangecan last up to 20 years, which is the longest life expectancy amongst cooking appliances. This is followed closely by built-in or wall ovens, like the 30-inch Bertazzoni with a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.
Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
On average, ovens last 15 to 20 years. Ovens last longer because they don't have as many moving parts as other appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Should I replace my 20-year-old microwave? If your microwave works, keep using it and keep it clean. Three things could go wrong, but they are all rare – especially for a 20-year-old microwave. The door or seal on the door could break and microwaves would leak into your kitchen.
Old age. If your microwave is approaching the 10-year mark, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient unit.
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.
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 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.
Old microwaves are generally safe to use, with one caveat
These days, we know that the small amounts of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation used in microwaves are unlikely to be harmful to humans, according to the BBC.
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.
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.
Freezer temperature: The temperature you set in your freezer can make a difference in the longevity of your appliance. Setting the temperature over 15 degrees Fahrenheit can hamper the defrost thermostat's operation, shortening your refrigerator's life span by overworking the motor.
It didn't take us long to arrive to the conclusion that Fisher & Paykel was the brand for us. Their appliance offerings are not only gorgeous but superior in quality and, in the world of integrated appliances (and our opinion), the best.
If you keep your fridge clean, adequately vented and looked after, it can last longer than you'd think (10 to 20 years), but you should consider a replacement if it's breaking down.