Many quality home appliances should last a lifetime. Your fridge, stove, freezer, dishwasher, hood vent, sink…the list goes on.

You don’t want to be replacing or repairing appliances every few years. That’s a lot of money that could be better spent elsewhere.

But what about a microwave? They get used so much. How long do microwaves last?

Most microwaves last about 10 years, depending on their quality and how often you use them. Most microwaves last 1500 to 2000 hours but some low-quality microwaves last only 500 hours.

One problem with a low-quality microwave is you will have to run it longer to heat up your food. The more you use the microwave, the shorter its lifespan – and the more likely it is to break. Whereas a quality microwave heats food up quickly and evenly, so it lasts much longer.

Let’s say you use your microwave 15 minutes per day. A microwave that runs for 500 hours will last about five and a half years. At 1000 hours, it will last 11 years. At 2000 hours, it will last over 20 years.

The more people you live with (assuming you use your microwave frequently), the more important it is to find a quality microwave. If you live with five people, and they all need to heat up food for 5 minutes a day, that’s 25 minutes of microwaving. Keep this in mind as you shop!

It’s important to look for a quality microwave from a trusted appliance brand like Whirlpool, Kenmore, Frigidaire, LG, and others. Most manufacturers do not advertise exactly how long their microwave will last so it’s a good idea to go with a trusted brand. Look at the number of positive reviews as well.

The average homeowner should look for a microwave between $250 and $500.

Anything under $150, you may not get the quality you want.

Over $500, you’ll be looking at higher-quality microwaves. They may have more settings, larger capacity, more power, or all of the above. You also might find commercial microwaves, which aren’t what most people want for their homes.

What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?

• Food cooks unevenly
• Food takes forever to cook
• The microwave makes loud noises as you use it
• Food cooks much faster than usual
• You can see sparks, smoke, or smell something burning
• The handle or door is broken
• The controls don’t work
• You’ve had your microwave for 10+ years

How long should you keep a microwave before replacing it?

Most microwaves last about 10 years. If you keep it clean, your microwave may last much longer. Of course, the less you use it, the longer it will last too. If you own an OTR microwave, make sure to clean the microwave filter about every six months.

Should I replace my 20-year-old microwave?

If your microwave works, keep using it and keep it clean. Three things could go wrong, but they are all rare – especially for a 20-year-old microwave.

1. The door or seal on the door could break and microwaves would leak into your kitchen. This is not dangerous unless you’re right up against the microwave.
2. The interlock mechanism that shuts off the microwave when you open the door can break too. You should definitely stop using your microwave if that part is broken.
3. The microwave could short circuit and the fuse could blow.

If your microwave stops working or doesn’t heat properly, the magnetron is probably dead. In this case, it’s time to replace your microwave.

Can a damaged microwave harm you?

It’s highly unlikely, according to the Food and Drug Administration. They have many safety standards in place to ensure microwave radiation is kept well below harmful levels. Microwave radiation is exponentially less dangerous the further you are from the microwave. But even if you’re right next to the microwave oven, your risk of injury is incredibly low.

How long does a microwave magnetron last?

Most microwave magnetrons last about 2000 hours. Low-quality microwave magnetrons won’t last as long. If your microwave does not heat properly or dies, it’s possible the magnetron died. If so you’re better off replacing the whole microwave. It’ll cost about the same as replacing the magnetron.

What is a magnetron?

A magnetron is the heart of a microwave oven. It is a powerful vacuum tube that generates microwaves. Microwaves heat your food up quickly. Without a functioning magnetron, a microwave won’t heat food properly. Magnetrons were first used in radar communications dating back to World War II.

How long do over-the-range microwaves last?

Over-the-range microwaves last about 10 years if you keep them clean. Make sure to clean the microwave filter about every six months to keep heavy grease and moisture out of the microwave.

Do microwaves wear out?

Yes. Microwaves are powered by a device called a magnetron. After about 2000 hours, this device will burn out and you’ll need a new microwave. Occasionally the fuse could blow, which is often caused by a defective part like the magnetron or door interlocking mechanism. As your microwave gets older, it could simply break as well. The door, handle, seal on the door, or control panel could get damaged over time. 

Are old microwaves safe?

As long as your microwave functions properly, it’s as safe to use as a new microwave. If you notice smoke in your microwave, turn it off and unplug it immediately. Food heating unevenly, not heating at all, or heating quickly are signs of a faulty microwave as well.

Recently my microwave had to be replaced. I had it for over 10 years. Under the microwave plate, there was a small plastic piece attached to the base of the microwave. This caught fire producing a lot of smoke and a loud rattling noise inside the microwave. Luckily I caught it in time before a fire started.

After removing the plastic piece, the microwave would still run. But it burned popcorn in under a minute! I knew at this point the microwave had to be replaced.

Microwave Repair Cost

Microwaves cost about $150 to repair on average, according to HomeAdvisor. Depending on the repair, you can spend up to $400.

You can find a quality microwave for between $250 and $500. So in most cases, it’s not worth it to repair your microwave. The most expensive piece to replace is the magnetron, which typically costs $100 to $200 by itself. If this breaks, you’re better off buying a new microwave.

Is it safe to use a damaged microwave?

No, do not use a damaged microwave. The biggest risk is causing a house fire. Microwave radiation leaks are possible but not nearly as dangerous. The amount of radiation is too small to cause any harm.

Can you get sick from a broken microwave?

No, you cannot get sick from microwaves. The amount of radiation is too small. In greater quantities, they can cause harm – but not from ovens. They do not cause cancer, according to the Cancer Council.

Is it safe to use a dented microwave?

Physical damage is not nearly as dangerous as any electrical problems. As long as the door and interlocking mechanism still work, you are safe. The interlocking mechanism turns the microwave off when you open the door.

If you dented it with a cooking utensil or pan, you should be fine. If you dropped the microwave, there might be more damage than you think. Be cautious as you continue to use it.

That’s all for our article, How long do microwaves last? Hopefully you found the answer to your questions. If not, check out more articles on microwaves below.

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