How Long Should Kitchen Appliances Last?
Kitchen appliances. Once installed, it’s easy to think they will last forever. But, sadly, most are expected to last no more than a decade. And portable appliances have an even shorter lifespan.
Like most household appliances, you’re responsible for the cost of repairs once the warranty expires. So it’s always wise to weigh up whether it’s more economical to purchase a replacement rather than seek a fix that might only extend the life expectancy of an appliance by a few years.
Newer major appliances can also be more energy efficient. So upgrading to a new fridge, for example, could help reduce your energy bills and save you money in the long run. There’s a lot to consider. Let’s break down the essentials for you here as we look at how long major appliances typically last (as well as some smaller ones).
Common Factors That Affect Average Lifespan Of Major Appliances
Like many major appliances in our home, the average lifespan of kitchen appliances can vary significantly. Numerous factors can affect kitchen appliance lifespan. They include:
- Quality and construction: Higher quality, well-constructed home appliances typically last longer than cheaper, less durable models.
- Frequency of use: You’ll likely wear out appliances sooner if you use them frequently due to the greater strain on their components.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Regular maintenance and proper cleaning can significantly extend the life of an appliance.
- Installation and Setup: Poor installation or sub-standard setup can lead to increased wear and tear, reducing the appliance’s lifespan.
- Power Surges and Electrical Issues: Frequent power surges or unstable electrical supplies can damage the internal components of appliances.
- Environmental Factors: Humidity, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to water or other elements can impact the longevity of kitchen appliances.
- Overloading and Misuse: Overloading appliances or using them for unintended purposes can cause premature breakdowns.
With these points of consideration in mind, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the most common appliances in the kitchen.
Toaster Lifespan
The toaster is an essential part of most morning routines. Available with prices ranging from dirt cheap to uber premium, these common kitchen appliances will typically last from 12 months to 8 years, depending on the quality and care of the toaster at hand.
Over time, toasters experience dust and breadcrumbs build up, so cleaning regularly can only help extend its life. Just make sure it’s unplugged before inserting any fingers and metal tools. The last thing you want is to be electrocuted while trying to extend the life of a $7 Kmart toaster. Also, the cost of repairs will outweigh the price of a new toaster, so if the appliance breaks down, check if it’s still under warranty and get it replaced, or purchase a new one.
Budget: 1 – 2 years
Mid range: 2 – 6 years
High end: 6 – 8 years
Average warranty: 1 – 2 years
Repair or replace: replace
Microwave Lifespan
Unlike the toaster, most people expect a microwave to operate for a long time, and high quality models can do precisely that. For example, premium microwaves can continue heating food and beverages for up to 10 years, while the average lifespan of budget models is just five to six years. But, you might get lucky with a cheap one, and it lasts much longer.
There’s not much maintenance that can be carried out other than keeping the interior and door seals clean. And remember, metals and aluminium foil have no place inside a microwave. They will only damage the kitchen appliance, reducing its lifespan. You can seek repairs for high end, expensive microwaves, but it would be cheaper to replace budget models.
Budget: 4 – 6 years
Mid range: 6 – 8 years
High end: 8 – 10 years
Average warranty: 1 – 2 years
Repair or replace: repair high end, replace budget
Air Fryer Lifespan
The latest in efficient cooking technology, air fryers are currently all the rage. But how long can you expect one of these innovative kitchen appliances to last? Their expected lifespan is just 6 months to 3 years.
Air fryers are compact, often cheaply made, and generate immense heat. They’re essentially a portable oven made using plastic, which goes a fair way to explaining why they don’t last long. At least they’re affordable, and it’s almost always best to buy a new one rather than seek repairs.
You can help extend the lifespan of an air fryer by keeping it clean. Otherwise, food debris and grease can build up, reducing performance. Overfilling can also cause problems. Too much food can reduce airflow, which is essential for cooking with an air fryer.
Budget: 6 months
Mid range: 6 months – 2 years
High end: 2 – 3 years
Average warranty: 1 – 2 years
Repair or replace: replace
Fridge Lifespan
It’s not uncommon for a parent or relative to still rely on a decade’s old refrigerator. However, fridges appear to be a case of ‘they don’t make them like they used to’. Still, you can expect a quality modern fridge to last 12 to 16 years. It’s also reported that single door fridges last for a few years longer than standard two door models.
Door seals can be replaced for cheap, which should improve the efficiency of an aging fridge. Replacing the thermostat can also breathe new life into these kitchen appliances. Newer models have more efficient compressors and lower running costs, so it might be worthwhile to upgrade instead.
Budget: 6 – 8 years
Mid range: 8 – 12 years
High end: +12 years
Average warranty: 2 – 3 years
Repair or replace: replace after 8 years
Dishwasher Lifespan
Dishwashers are a staple of modern kitchens and can save you money compared to washing by hand. Canstar Blue reports that its readers keep a dishwasher for just 8 years before upgrading. However, premium models are expected to last 12 years or more.
Dishwashers can be expensive kitchen appliances, so seek repairs before a replacement unless you’ve reached that 8 year mark. It’s cheap and straightforward to replace interior parts. Contact the manufacturer who may have spare parts for old machines. But always weigh up the costs of repairs versus a replacement before proceeding with either.
You can perform essential maintenance on your dishwasher to help it last longer by regularly cleaning out the filters and waste catchment and by running the cleaning cycle at the recommended intervals.
Budget: 5 – 8 years
Mid range: 8 – 12 years
High end: +12 years
Average warranty: 2 – 3 years
Repair or replace: replace after 6 – 8 years
Oven Lifespan
Ovens are one of the most durable kitchen appliances. Whether it’s an electric oven or a gas burning model, you should expect it to keep roasting and baking delicious meals for at least a decade.
Gas burning models are rated for longer because they have fewer electrical components. Either way, doors, thermostats and heating elements are easy to repair or replace. It’s when electrical panels and circuitry fail that you may want to consider purchasing a new oven over costly repairs.
Cleaning the oven regularly and keeping the heating element clean of debris can only help with performance. A licensed electrician/gas fitter must install both electric and gas ovens.
Budget: 8 – 10 years
Mid range: 10 – 15 years
High end: 15 – 20 years
Average warranty: 2 years
Repair or replace: repair
Stove Top Lifespan
You can rest easy knowing stove tops have a long lifespan. You’re looking at a minimum of 8 to 10 years for both electric stove/cooktops and gas burning models. Gas stoves are easy to repair, but electric ones can be costly. However, you will find that warranties are similar, whether it’s an electric or gas burning stove top.
Maintenance-wise there’s not a lot that you can do beyond keeping the cooktop clean and ensuring there are no gas leaks or visible damage. Note that stove/ cooktop installation must be completed by licensed electricians or gas fitters.
Budget: 8 – 10 years
Mid range: 10 – 13 years
High end: +13 years
Average warranty: 2 years
Repair or replace: repair gas, replace electric outside warranty
Electric Kettle Lifespan
Electric kettles fall in the same replaceable category as toasters. These common kitchen appliances are never expected to last long unless you purchase a premium model. And it will almost always be cheaper to replace the kettle than seek repairs.
One solution to the disposable nature of an electric kettle is to replace it with a stove top kettle. With no electric components, these alternatives can last for years and years, albeit slower at reaching boiling point and, all around, less efficient for frequent use.
Budget: 1 – 2 years
Mid range: 2 – 4 years
High end: 4 – 6 years
Average warranty: 1 – 2 years
Repair or replace: replace
Coffee Machine Lifespan
The lifespan of these luxury kitchen appliances depends on whether it’s a machine that brews coffee from pods or a high quality espresso maker that any barista would be proud to own. An automated coffee maker that takes pods should last around five years and are almost always cheaper to replace.
However, a premium espresso maker could last much longer. Expect one of these to last for 10 years and possibly longer with regular maintenance. Regular cleaning is imperative to keep these appliances free of coffee grounds and build up caused by potential splashback. Seek repairs for a premium espresso machine and replace budget options if outside of the warranty.
Budget: 2- 5 years
Mid range: 5 – 8 years
High end: +8 years
Average warranty: 1 – 2 years
Repair or replace: replace budget, repair premium
Rangehood Lifespan
It’s a fact that you can’t have a stove top without a rangehood or at least some form of an exhaust fan. The good news is that a rangehood has a lifespan similar to the stove top, with an average of 15 years.
Even with its lengthy lifespan, it’s only the electric fan that should ever need replacing. The canopy and duct can often be removed from the fan and remain in place, making a replacement cheaper than you might think.
You can always try to extend the lifespan of a rangehood by regularly cleaning the filters. They become caked with cooking grease over time, so removing the filters and scrubbing them in warm soapy water can only improve the performance of the rangehood.
Budget: 5 – 10 years
Mid range: 10 – 15 years
High end: +15 years
Average warranty: 2 years
Repair or replace: replace
Being aware of the expected lifespan should help when deciding whether to repair kitchen appliances or start budgeting for a replacement. Let’s hope you get lucky and don’t need to upgrade any of the current appliances for years to come.
If you need an upgrade, call Metropolitan Electrical Contractors 24/7. We can install your new oven, stove or rangehood, often with same day service.
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Published: 2021-08-10