by How long does a microwave oven last? It may be a question you have if you are looking to purchase a new kitchen appliance. You want to safeguard your investment because the best microwaves can be quite pricey.
How long do microwaves actually last? Even with heavy use and poor maintenance, the typical microwave oven only lasts about 8 years under normal use. As a large family becomes more dependent on the appliance to heat up snacks and leftovers or to defrost meals, they may find that they need to replace it every four to five years.
The lifespans of microwaves are discussed further in the text.
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Table of Contents
History Of Microwave
A military-grade magnetron was being tested by an engineer who discovered it had melted a snack he had in his pocket while he was testing, which led to the accidental invention of the microwave more than 70 years ago.
The first commercial microwave was created in 1947, costing just over $2,000, and weighed 750 pounds. However, in 1967, Amana created a domestic model for the home that was more affordable and compact. The modern microwave oven, which ranges in price depending on the brand and functionality, is a feature-rich, generally safe replacement for its forebears.
How Long Do Microwaves Last?
In the kitchen, a microwave is invaluable. While you continue to cook the rice on the stove, it warms the rice. When your guests are a little late for dinner, it reheats the food. Even your children will be entertained by their preferred buttery popcorn and marshmallow-topped hot chocolate. It’s a blessing in disguise.
But sadly, these rectangular sous-chefs don’t last forever. Actually, a microwave has an 8-year lifespan on average. However, a microwave typically doesn’t live past its fifth birthday in many busy households.
You may be wondering how long your microwave will last after reading this. Confirm the type of microwave user you and your family are. Then, you’ll be able to gauge how long your right-hand man in the electrical department will remain by your side in the kitchen.
What Are Signs That You Need To Repair Or Replace?
Your microwave will eventually need to be replaced, but in a few cases, a repair might be the more economical choice. The qualified specialists at Mr. These hints on which small appliances are worth repairing from Appliance can help you make your decision. You should replace the unit if any of the following symptoms apply:
- The cooking times are incorrect. Place one cup of water inside the microwave, turn it on for two minutes, and see if your food cooks too quickly or too slowly. The unit might need to be replaced if the water isn’t scorching hot when you take it out.
- There is a breach in the door seal. Designed to contain low levels of radiation, the door seal is a crucial safety component.
- the keypad has problems. Your microwave’s functionality may be severely hampered if one or more keypad buttons are inoperative. Call Mr. if a thorough cleaning doesn’t solve the problem. repair equipment for microwaves.
- Old age. If your microwave is getting close to its ten-year anniversary, think about replacing it with a brand-new, energy-efficient model.
- Odd smells. If you notice any burning smells, smoke, or sparks, you should immediately unplug and turn off the microwave and contact a repairman.
Tips To Lengthen A Microwave’s Lifespan
When using your microwave oven, there are a few suggestions and rules to keep in mind if you want to make sure it lasts the full seven years, or even longer in some cases.
Avoid Metal And Food Packaging
A fire might be started if metal, food packaging, or some types of plastic are placed inside a microwave cavity. A fire will obviously not favor a long lifespan. When placing something inside the microwave, be especially careful. In general, aluminum foil and some types of packaging materials cannot be used in microwaves because they contain metal. Make a quick Google search if you’re unsure whether a container is microwave-safe.
Keep It Clean
Simply keeping a microwave oven clean is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan. You still need to keep up with it even though the microwave is a sizable 1.6 cubic feet. Make sure to clean up any messes you make while cooking. Additionally, as part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine, perform frequent spot cleanings. If you’re wondering how to clean a microwave with lemons, there are numerous ways to do so. You may use regular water, paper towels, and approved cleaning agents. Spend some time learning how to deodorize a microwave while you are cleaning. The smells of the ingredients cooked in conventional microwaves often permeate the air.
Use A Surge Protector
Having a microwave oven plugged into a reliable surge protector is one of the best ways to protect its electrical components. The internal parts of the microwave will be shielded from unintentional surges brought on by lightning storms, poor electrical installations, and other sources if a surge protector is used.
Conclusion
A microwave has an 8-year average lifespan. But everyone wants their microwave to last as long as it can.
Your microwave might last you up to ten years with proper maintenance. However, if you engage in these actions, you might be close to replacing them.
If your microwave is used continuously throughout the day, this might be a little challenging. You’ve likely learned some techniques in this article that you can use to increase the microwave’s lifespan.
