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.

---

TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: appliance; microwave

[bigbob]

I use my GE every day and it was made in the Carter administration

[Fledermaus]

About 30 for mine

[WHATNEXT?]

All of a sudden the fan turns on when I open the door...should only turn on when door is closed and I’m nuking something. Should I be worried?

[spokeshave]

My small microwave is a GE...I know that the timer and power for warming a cup of coffee is 2 mins....its got buttons for pizza slice and food plate

I have another larger one over the stove that has other functions ,,,,but I can't figure it out,,,so I never use it

[aquila48]

“Understanding the lifespan of your microwave can help you plan for its replacement and budget accordingly.”

You got to plan to budget for a $100 item?

[skr]

Do you recall the brand names?

[Battlestar]

30 years for my parents old Kenmore. They used it almost daily. Worked beautifully. Weighed a ton compared to newer ones. And they’re both nearing 90 and still walking, talking, living in their own home. So to those who told use when I was kid that the microwave ovens would kill you, cause cancer, fry your insides, etc., well looks like that wasn’t necessarily true.

[George from New England]

What I call ‘the safety police’ have locked up microwave designs ...
The doors are built with micro switches interlocked such that any one failing will short out and deactivate the microwave. The short blows an internal fuse by design.
Made to be disposable.

[NonValueAdded]

Little bro was stationed in Korea near the DMZ at a Hawk battery. He said they would put hotdogs on a stick and hold them up to the dish. Another fun trick they would use is to point the dish at a neighboring battery. "Hey, is it getting pretty hot in here?"

Back on main topic, my concern is that the microwaves would no longer be contained within the device as time went on.

[skr]

One without food buildup inside or out. One where the door latch and door are immediately attended to if not working properly.

[Albion Wilde]

I don’t remember the brands, except that they were major brands. The latest one I got, I made sure it was not manufactured in China. If I recall correctly, it’s a Sharp brand; but I’m only on Year Three, so I don’t know if it will outlast the others. Also, I don’t buy top of the line with many bells and whistles — usually mid-range price and usually from a warehouse club or Best Buy.

[SpaceBar]

The original microwave for many Americans was the Amana Radar Range.

[LambSlave]

16 years, used a few times a day to heat up food.

[Paladin2]

“Be sure to discharge the capacitors before you poke around!”

They apparently have some Big Ones inside.

[Paladin2]

A ~1500 W micro of decent internal volume is the way to go.

60 sec. makes a cupa plenty hot.

[Vermont Lt]

That extra zero can be dangerous.

[KarlInOhio]

I have a 35 year old Amana. The keypad is a little twitchy sometimes but not worth throwing it out.

So many appliances break early because of government energy efficiency regulations. The manufacturers will cut every bit of weight and strength they can to get an extra 1% more energy efficiency, but having to buy a replacement or two doesn't count as wasted money or energy.

It's like cash for clunkers. The slight amount of energy saved from better milage of new cars was far less than the energy used to make those new cars.

[Boiler Plate]

30 years plus. Constantly used GE in wall unit.

[daniel1212]

How many do not usually cover food in the mic?

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Mine generally last 2-3 years then caput. We have a small kitchen and only room for a 1000 watt microwave, so they are cheaply replaceable. The main problem is some dummie (who looks like me) forgets to put the bacon in before turning it on, which apparently cooks something in the innards. The current one has a safety feature that prevents that, so it may last longer.