If you are thinking of buying a new kitchen appliance, you may wonder how long does a microwave oven last. The best microwaves, after all, tend to be on the pricier side, so you want to protect your investment. Keep reading to learn about microwave lifespans.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- An average microwave oven will last around seven years, though this will life expectancy will vary depending on your make, model, any included safety features, and frequency of use.
- You can ensure your microwave lasts a long time by regularly cleaning, maintaining, and deodorizing the unit.
- Never place metal inside of a microwave, to avoid fires, and use a high-grade surge protector when in use.
How Long Does a Microwave Last?
The average life expectancy of a microwave oven is around seven years with regular use. This metric may increase or decrease depending on the make, model, and frequency of use.
Insider Tip
Another quick tip to helping your microwave last longer is to never use it when the cavity is empty. A microwave needs water to successfully heat food items and an empty cavity could spell trouble.
How to Lengthen a Microwave’s Lifespan
If you want to make sure your microwave lasts the full seven years, or even longer in some cases, there are some tips and guidelines to consider as you go about using your oven.
Keep it Clean
One of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of a microwave oven is to simply keep it clean. If you make a mess during cooking, clean it up. Also, perform regular spot cleans as part of your regular kitchen cleaning process. There are many ways to clean a microwave if you are wondering how to clean a microwave with lemons. Feel free to use paper towels, accepted cleaning solutions, and good old-fashioned water. While you are cleaning, take some time out to learn how to deodorize a microwave. Conventional microwave ovens tend to take on the odors of whatever ingredients are cooked with them.
Avoid Metal and Food Packaging
If you place metal, food packaging, or certain types of plastic inside of a microwave cavity, you could start a fire. Obviously, a fire will not be conducive to a long lifespan. Pay special attention to what you are placing inside the microwave. Generally speaking, microwaves cannot handle any metal, including aluminum foil, and certain types of packaging materials. If you are unsure if a container is microwave-safe, perform a quick Google search.
Use a Surge Protector
One of the best ways to safeguard the electrical components of a microwave oven is to have it plugged into a high-quality surge protector. Using a surge protector will protect the microwave’s internal components from accidental surges caused by lightning storms, faulty electrical installations, and more.
F.A.Q.S
How much extra radiation am I exposed to if I stick my hand in the microwave right after it turns off?
The microwaves are gone the instant you open the door, so no extra danger. As a matter of fact, cooking with a microwave is not as dangerous as cooking with a gas range.
Does microwave popcorn expire?
The oil included with microwave popcorn and additional ingredients do expire and go rancid over time.
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad and needs replacement?
If cooking time is taking longer than usual, it is a sign that the microwave is going bad. Try an experiment and time how long it takes a cup of water to boil, then compare a few weeks later. If it takes longer the second time, look into microwave repair services.
STAT: Revenue in the microwave ovens segment amounts to US$9,746m in 2021. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.32%. (source)
