Here’s How Long Microwaves Last (4 Aging Microwave Signs)

Appliance Analysts ^ | 9/4/25 | Craig Anderson, James Blackford

[DallasBiff]

Are you wondering how long do microwaves last?

You’ve come to the right place! Understanding the lifespan of your microwave can help you plan for its replacement and budget accordingly.

The lifespan of a microwave can vary depending on the frequency of maintenance, type, brand, and extent of use. A well-maintained microwave can last up to 10 years.

[DallasBiff]

I know an inane thread, but the microwave died after 4 years and had to get a new one.

I used the heck out of it, surprised it lasted that long.

[stanne]

35 yrs I use it once a month maybe

[crusty old prospector]

We use ours daily, if not hourly. 23 years.

[avital2]

i had one for 17 years! but still cursed when it gave up the ghost.

[marktwain]

I had one which lasted over 30 years.

[Jim W N]

Except for my cast iron skillets and toaster oven, the microwave is all I use for cooking.

[Inyo-Mono]

Bookmark.

[Carry_Okie]

A well-maintained microwave can last up to 10 years.

Our first Amana lasted 25 years. After that it was a series of Chines magnetrons until I gave up on it. It was a 30" built-in over a matching oven. Big mistake. I should have gone 36". But now we have a 30" over-the-range model. More easily replaced but I hate the programming and the push-to-close latch. The latter is noisy when the wife is asleep upstairs.

[Seruzawa]

Microwaves speed on into eternity.

[FLNittany]

[SpaceBar]

I have done several post-mortem investigations on dead microwave ovens, and they really started to crap out when manufacturers started using aluminum wiring instead of copper in the power supply to save money.

[Larry Lucido]

Had a microwave “die” and then figured out it was a blown internal fuse. After I had bought a replacement. Then I had two microwaves.

The one I have now is over 15 years old.

[Openurmind]

The generator not the output... lol

[Jamestown1630]

When I retired, there was an ancient microwave in one of the buildings that had been there over 30 years. It hadn’t even been very well cared for.

[READINABLUESTATE]

My Father had one that lasted only 3 months.
That’s what happens when you cook a bowl of oatmeal for 6 hours.
Melted it.

[Red Badger]

They last until the warranty runs out..............

[Paladin2]

I still have my first microwave, a Litton, from ~1977.

It worked for a long time.

I afraid to take it apart, but it still looks good.

Its replacement is still working.

Four years sounds short....

[Larry Lucido]

Hard to believe that that's Mike "Pimento Cheese" Ehrmantraut.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Uncle Mike has lasted 10 years and counting.

[Albion Wilde]

My last three lasted 7 years apiece. Usually used them less than 2 mins once a day, occasionally twice.