How Long Do Microwaves Last?

Microwaves tend to last between 7 and 10 years on average. However, if the microwave is infrequently used and from a durable brand, it can certainly last longer than 10 years in such cases. On the other hand, in busy households with multiple people frequently using the appliance, it’s not uncommon for a microwave’s lifespan to shorten to around 5 or 6 years.

If you think your microwave might be nearing the end of its life, this guide will explain the signs to look out for to confirm that. We’ll also look at what you can do to extend the lifespan of your microwave.

Signs your microwave may be dying

If your microwave is over 7 years old and has been used heavily, or is over 10 years old and has had light to normal use, and it’s displaying one or more of the following warning signs, chances are it’s coming to the end of its life. If so, it’s time to start considering purchasing a replacement. It’s not usually worth repairing microwaves at this age.

• Slow cooking: If your microwave isn’t heating food as quickly as it used to or food is coming out lukewarm, it’s time for a replacement.
• Weird noises: If your microwave now buzzes, hums, or rattles loudly when it runs, it’s often a sign that something is going wrong.
• Door issues: Whether the door doesn’t close or latch properly, there’s a crack in the glass, or the seal is compromised, this is unsafe and the microwave should be replaced.
• Burning smells or sparks: If you see sparks coming from your appliance or notice a burning electrical smell, it’s almost certainly time to replace your microwave.
• Faulty keypad: If the keypad no longer works properly or is temperamental despite cleaning, it may be time to replace the microwave.

Of course, if your microwave is under 4 or 5 years old and is experiencing an issue, it’s worth getting it repaired as it still has a lot of life left. Also, the cost of repairs will likely be cheaper than buying a replacement.

If your microwave is new, it may still be covered under its warranty. Many leading brands, like Whirlpool, offer a 1-year warranty but some offer longer warranties.

How to make your microwave last

How long your microwave lasts is completely out of your hands, although luck does play a part. Here are some steps you can take to help extend your microwave’s lifespan:

Keep it clean

This is probably the most important tip. Giving your microwave a quick wipe-down after every use will help extend its lifespan. It’s especially important to clean it when there are any food spills or splatters.

That’s because the buildup of food, grease, and grime can corrode surfaces, lead to rust, cause hotspots, and eventually damage internal components. A dirty microwave is also less efficient, meaning it has to work harder to do its job, placing greater strain on its components.

It’s generally best to use a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap to wipe clean a microwave after each use, followed by a clean, dry cloth to dry it. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools like scouring pads and harsh chemical cleaners as they could damage the surface.

For a more thorough clean, you can use a bowl with 1 cup of water and 1 or 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice, then microwave it on high for 5 minutes. Let it sit for an additional 3 minutes and then wipe away the loosened grime.

Don’t put metal inside your microwave

Placing metal items inside a microwave can lead to arcing and sparks, which could cause significant, irreparable damage to the interior walls and components of your appliance and pose a fire risk. To avoid this, only place containers and utensils labeled as microwave-safe inside the microwave, such as those made from ceramics, glass, and some plastics.

Close the door gently

Avoid slamming the microwave door as it can cause damage to the interlock switches. Microwaves typically have three interlock door switches, which are designed to disable the microwave when the door is open for safety reasons.

Since the interlock switches are made of plastic, they can break easily if the door is slammed shut. If one breaks, the microwave will fail to work.

Don’t run the microwave while it’s empty

Avoid running your microwave when it’s empty as this can cause overheating and potentially damage the unit. When there’s no food or liquid inside, the microwaves the appliance emits can become concentrated in one area and cause burn marks on the cavity walls.

Be mindful of cooking times

Be mindful when setting cooking times to prevent overcooking and food splatters. A common mistake that can lead to microwave damage is entering the wrong cooking time. For example, accidentally setting the timer to 40 minutes instead of 4 minutes can cause the microwave to overheat. Repeatedly setting a cooking time that’s longer than necessary puts unnecessary strain on your microwave, reducing its lifespan.

Final takeaways

On average, modern microwaves last 7 to 10 years, although this can be reduced with heavy use or extended with proper care and maintenance.

If your microwave is in this age range and is experiencing some of the warning signs we mentioned—slow cooking, strange noises, sparking, burning smells, etc.—then it’s probably a good idea to start thinking about a replacement. If your microwave is over a decade old but is still performing perfectly well and not displaying any warning signs, there’s no reason to replace it—you may get a few more years out of it!

Remember, how long your microwave lasts doesn’t only come down to fate. If you follow the tips outlined above, such as keeping it clean, only using microwave-safe containers, and being mindful of cooking times, you can successfully extend the lifespan of your microwave.