Posted on 11/20/2025 11:07:24 AM PST by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at applianceanalysts.com ...
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Modern appliances are trash, with poorly designed, cheap electronics - half of which are unnecessary for features no one cares about. That’s why they only last a few years, while stuff designed 50-80 years ago lasts decades.
I found mine in the garbage about 12 years ago and fixed it and it still works fine. The latches are getting a little bit hinky. My brother probably has a 1974 microwave that still works, it looks like the station wagon in Family Vacation, that Chevy Chase movie.
Replace with air fryer to decease the grease. The CR best is $50
What is a well maintained microwave?
I bought one about 50 years ago and it still work fine. The only thing that’s not functioning properly is it had a little bell that would ring when the timer ran down. It doesn’t ding anymore.
Lots of fun parts inside! Be sure to discharge the capacitors before you poke around!
“Modern appliances are trash, with poorly designed, cheap electronics - half of which are unnecessary for features no one cares about.”
Why so much electronics and readouts we despise? Because electronic package is cheaper install. Than wires, switches dials. My refrigerator electronics was killed by a few power surges. I now have a surge protector it plugs into. Heavy duty one.
I HAD A MAYTAG MICROWAVE THAT LASTED 29 YEARS.
Not sure your question
A maintained microwave like anything would be one that is used according to manufacturer guidelines
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certifies electrical appliances for safety.
Someone ought to start a company that tests and certifies electrical appliances for longevity. I’d happily pay extra for such a certification.
Here is something that may help some folks.
I had a microwave that started arcing and popping during operation. I was told it was the waveguide cover. This can be a cause but was not in this case. I examined the inside of the unit carefully and noticed minor dings in the paint. I got some microwave paint, covered the dings and scratches and the problem went away. A very small gap in the paint in the cavity can result in some impressinve arcing. You must use actual microwave safe touch up paint.
“The history of the microwave oven began completely by accident in 1945. American military engineer Percy Spencer, working in his lab testing magnetrons at defense contractor Raytheon, noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Spencer realized that food could perhaps be cooked using radar waves and designed a box that isolated the electromagnetic waves and heated the food that was put in there. The American appliance company Tappan Group, later acquired by Electrolux in 1979, licensed the patent from Raytheon and introduced the first microwave for the home in 1955.”
https://www.electroluxgroup.com/en/the-microwave-oven-from-accident-to-household-essential-29720/
My smallish, no-name microwave was left by the previous owners of my house. I use it every day.
It’s lasted 33 years (not a typo) and counting.
Good quality microwaves can last a very long time. We have found microwaves that are 13.8 billion years old!
I dried damp socks when the laundry dryer bust...note to self check the lint filter.
A couple of years ago I was showing the cubs the cabin and the family who now owns it invited us in. The microwave was still there on it's stand. I asked, it still works.
A friend of mine put a raw egg in a microwave once, but he put a hole in the end “so it wouldn’t explode.”
It exploded.
We were at another friend’s house, and he came in the kitchen to see what was going on because we were laughing our heads off.
“What did you do? Did you put an egg in the microwave?”
It took half an hour to clean up the mess.
This was in the late 70s, and the appliance was an early Amana Radar Range in chrome.
Since spouse passed last year ..I am promoted to Mr. Mum
We were married 62 years...2 boys and 4 grandkids.
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