How Long Should It Last? Appliances Overview

The age old question; how long should it last? In this article we will cover the estimated lifespans of your appliances, and tips on how to give it the best chance of lasting as long as possible.

It’s important to note that the given lifespans of these appliances are averages only. Therefore, your appliances may need replacing a lot sooner or a lot later than these times. Hopefully, by following the tips on this article, you’ll keep your appliances running smoothly for many years to come.

The appliances that we cover in this article are:

How long does a cooker last?

This section contains information that applies to cookers, range cookers, ovens and hobs.

The average lifespan of a gas cooker

With regular maintenance, a gas cooker has the average life expectancy of 15 years. This lifespan can be shortened or lengthened depending on the cooker quality, maintenance, and usage.

The average lifespan of an electric cooker

Slightly lower than gas cookers, electric cookers have an average life expectancy of 13 years. However, just like a gas cooker, this lifespan can be shortened or lengthened depending on the cooker quality, maintenance, and usage.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a cooker

If you want to increase the lifespan of your cooker, there are steps that you can take.

• Quality

Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that your cooker is of good quality. Ovens with quality components will naturally last longer than those of a less quality. Therefore, when you’re doing your research for your next cooker, it’s important to look into trusted brands with good craftsmanship.

• Proper Use

Cookers are an important part of our lives, with many being used on a daily basis. So, although we can’t always practically use our cookers less frequently, we can ensure proper usage. 

By avoiding rough use, excessive fidgeting with the settings, and food build-up, you’ll be able to extend its lifespan. Essentially, you just want to make sure you’re taking good care of your cooker.

• Maintenance

Finally, good maintenance will go a long way in keeping your cooker in good working condition. Grease and food build-up causes the oven to overwork to keep the same temperature. Overtime, this will tire it out. Therefore, keeping your oven clean is essential for a long cooker life. 

Furthermore, if your cooker breaks we’d highly recommend hiring a professional to repair it. Attempting to repair it yourself may result in further damage, or even void your warranty.

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How long does a microwave last?

The average lifespan of a microwave oven

With regular use, the average lifespan of a microwave is about 7 years. This average does depend highly on the quality of the microwave, maintenance, and usage.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a microwave

There are a few things that you should be aware of to keep your microwave working for a long time. These include:

• Keep it clean

Keeping your microwave clean isn’t just for hygienic reasons. Microwave energy is absorbed by food and liquid spills, which not only causes burns, but can damage the inner metallic surface.

Ideally you should be cleaning up any spillages as soon as possible after they occur. A deep clean of your microwave should be done at least monthly. However, if your microwave is used very frequently, a deep clean will be needed more often.  

• Use microwave safe dishware

All dishware that is used in a microwave must be labelled as microwave-safe. Ceramic, glass, and plastic are generally considered safe to use, however it’s still important to ensure their safety. This is because they may contain hidden elements that are not microwave safe, or become hotter than the food.

You should never microwave metal. Microwaving metal can cause harmful, uneven heating, or more dangerously, fires or explosions. This rule applies to all metals, including but not limited to: tin foil, gold or silver dishware, and metal cutlery.

• Avoid turning on an empty microwave

You should never turn on an empty microwave oven. With nothing inside, the heat generated by the microwave will instead be absorbed by the interior and components. These are not able to tolerate this heat and will result in damage.

• Handle it with care

Unknown to most, if you open your microwave door whilst the microwave is working, you may cause a fuse to blow! Therefore, you should always ensure that the timer has reset before opening the door.

Moreover, you should always avoid damaging the door through rough usage. Never slam the door shut or open as you may cause damage to the latches. Damaged doors and seals will lead to uneven cooking, and even radiation leaks.

• Use preset timers

By reducing energy waste, pre-set timers will improve the longevity of your microwave. Because pre-programmed cooking times are designed for specific heating tasks, it ensures that your food is being cooked at the correct temperature for the exact right time. Although these aren’t always right on the money, they can be really helpful for saving energy!

• Unplug when not in use

Unplugging your microwave when it’s not in use not only saves on your energy bill, but it avoids voltage fluctuations. These surges can cause damage to your microwave cord in the form of fraying or cracking.

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How long does a dishwasher last?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher

On average, a dishwasher has a lifespan of 10 years. This average is affected by factors such as quality, maintenance, and usage.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a dishwasher

• Proper Use

As always, proper usage of your appliance is going to increase its lifespan. For example, overfilling your dishwasher. Overloading will make it harder for your dishwasher to clean everything and cause it to use more energy in its struggle.

Throwing away food scraps before loading your dishes is also important. We would recommend doing this even if you have a newer model that can handle food scraps. This is because food could get stuck in your dishwasher’s filters and cause damage.

Using dishwasher safe detergent is an essential part of keeping your dishwasher in good working order. Using detergent designed for hand washing will cause suds to overflow. This can cause damage to the pipes, filters, and drainage. Therefore, the use of dishwasher safe detergents, at the recommended quantity, is important.

Finally, always ensure that all items placed in the dishwasher are dishwasher safe. Items that are not dishwasher safe can not only damage your dishwasher, but lead to your dishware or cookware becoming unusable.

• Maintenance

Keeping your dishwasher clean will help it run more smoothly and avoid break down. Areas to pay particular attention to when cleaning are the food trap, filter, door seals, and the water ducts.

One cleaning tip is to pour about a cup of white distilled vinegar into the bottom and run it on empty. This should clean out any debris that has gotten caught in crevices. You can then further reduce the likelihood of debris by using the hot water setting during cycles.

And lastly, if you do find that something is wrong with your dishwasher, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and voiding any warranties.

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How long does a cooker hood last?

The average lifespan of a cooker hood

A good quality cooker hood can last between 10-20 years, depending mostly on how well you maintain it, and its quality.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a cooker hood

For more detailed information on cleaning and maintaining your cooker hook, we have a helpful guide for you: How to Maintain Chimney Cooker Hoods

• Cleaning

Keeping on top of the cleanliness of your hood’s filters is one of the most important factors in increasing longevity. Some cooker hoods are equipped with dishwasher safe filters which can make this task super easy. Otherwise, hand cleaning them will still get the job done.

• Maintenance

Other than cleaning, you’ll want to keep on top of your cooker hood filter replacements. In general, you’ll need to replace your cooker hood filters every 3 to 6 months. For more information on this, check out our How to Maintain Chimney Cooker Hoods guide.

If your cooker hood becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and voiding any warranties.

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How long does a washing machine last?

The average lifespan of a washing machine

The average lifespan of a washing machine can vary, however we’d estimate it to be around 10 years, provided the quality is good and it has a good level of regular maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a washing machine

• Proper Use

Before every cycle, ensure that you empty all of the pockets for objects that may block your washer’s hoses. This includes, but is not limited to: keys, paper, hair accessories, or coins. If you hear a loud humming or buzzing sound coming from your machine, there is a chance that you have an item stuck.

Make sure you don’t use too much detergent or fabric softener. Too much can lead to excessive suds which accumulate residue in your drum and other parts of your washing machine.

Try not to overload your washing machine. As tempting as it can be to jam in as many clothes as possible (I think we’ve all been guilty of this at one time), doing so can cause your washer to become unbalanced and be unable to spin properly.

• Maintenance

To keep your washing machine in good working condition, you’ll first want to regularly clean out your detergent tray. Secondly, checking the hoses every few months, or more regularly if you feel it necessary, for any cracks, frays, or bulges, will help you to keep on top of any potential problems. If you do discover a problem, it’s much easier to replace a hose than it is a whole washing machine. It is also a good idea to replace your hoses every 3-5 years anyway.

For more detailed advice, check out our guide on How To Clean A Washing Machine.

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How long does a tumble dryer last?

The average lifespan of a tumble dryer

On average a tumble dryer should last 10 to 15 years. This depends on factors such as maintenance, ventilation, and quality.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a tumble dryer

• Proper Use

As with your washing machine, you don’t want to overload your dryer. Doing so will add stress to your dryer and will cause it to not spin as efficiently.

After every cycle, you will need to clean out the lint filter. The lint filter will collect a surprising amount of lint after just one cycle, and so it is important to empty this. By allowing it to clog, your machine will not dry your clothes as efficiently, and add stress to your dryer. Overtime, this can cause damage to your tumble dryer.

Be sure that your dryer is ventilated properly. You can do this by ensuring that there is space around its back and one of the sides. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure that your dryer is balanced at all times.

• Maintenance

Although you do need to clean out the lint filter after every cycle, it will also need regular deep cleaning as part of your dryer’s maintenance. To do this, wash it under your tap, and then use a vacuum on a low suction setting to clean the housing. Just be sure it has dried completely before putting it back. 

You’ll also need to clean the filter drawer or condenser, depending on the type of tumble dryer you have. A heat pump dryer will have a filter drawer, whereas a condenser dryer will have a condenser. These are usually found at the bottom of your dryer under a cover. Every appliance is different though so be sure to check your user manual for its location and how to remove it from its housing. You can clean this much in the same way as your lint filter. Once again, just be sure every element is completely dry before placing them back.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your vent hoses are cleaned every three months. This is only applicable to those with a vented tumble dryer. Make sure that you disconnect your machine from the mains before disconnecting your vent hose. From there, you can use a cloth or feather duster to clean it.

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How long does a fridge last?

The average lifespan of a fridge

A fridge will typically last between 10-15 years, depending on maintenance and quality.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a refrigerator

• Proper Usage

This section is less about how to properly use your fridge, but instead some tips on how to allow your fridge to run more efficiently. 

Storing your food items really close together, or overfilling your fridge, means the motors have to work harder to keep everything at the correct temperature. On the flip side, leaving your fridge too empty for long periods of time also means your fridge has to work harder as cold items in your fridge actually help to keep the temperatures down. Ideally, you’ll want to aim to keep your fridge three quarters full.

Additionally, placing your fridge next to a heat source, or in an area that catches a lot of sun, will cause it to need to work harder. Therefore, you’ll want to find a cooler place to put it, whilst allowing it plenty of ventilation.

• Cleaning

Food build-up in your fridge can lead to blocked air vents. This will mean that your fridge will need to work a lot harder to keep everything cold. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth will help you to avoid this issue.

You’ll also want to keep the seal around your fridge door clean. Using water and soap will do the job perfectly for this, just ensure that you give it a good dry afterwards. Food particles or other obstructions to the seal will allow air to escape, and so your fridge will not be running as efficiently. An overworked fridge will reduce its lifespan.

About twice a year, we recommend cleaning the condenser coils. These are found at the back of your fridge. Dust often accumulates here, which means that they can’t do their job properly. To clean them, you can use either a brush or a vacuum cleaner. 

• Maintenance

If you notice any problems with your fridge, such as a broken seal or a humming sound, it’s best to get this issue fixed as soon as possible. The quicker the issue is fixed, the quicker your fridge will get back to normal functioning. Furthermore, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and voiding any warranties.

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How long does a freezer last?

The average lifespan of a freezer

A freezer will typically last between 12-20 years, depending on maintenance and quality.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a freezer

• Proper Usage

Unlike with your fridge, your freezer actually performs better with more food in it. It runs its best when it’s about 75-85% full. That’s because it prevents warm areas from forming when the door is opened. It is still possible to overfill your freezer though. Overfilling your freezer results in air vents being blocked and restricting the flow of cold air. This then leads to your freezer working too hard and could lead to burn out.

• Cleaning

As with all of your appliances, keeping on top of cleaning will avoid any kind of food or other build up from blocking your freezer from performing efficiently. So, regular cleaning is a must.

As with your fridge, you’ll also want to ensure that the door seals are cleaned and in good condition to avoid any leakages.

• Maintenance

To keep your freezer running to its full capacity, you’ll need to routinely defrost it. We have a helpful guide that explains in detail How to Defrost a Freezer. You will need to do this once or twice a year to keep your freezer in its best condition and extend its life. Alternatively, you can avoid this altogether by purchasing a frost-free freezer.

As with your fridge, if you notice any problems with your freezer, such as a broken seal or a humming sound, it’s best to get this issue fixed as soon as possible. The quicker the issue is fixed, the quicker your freezer will get back to normal functioning. Furthermore, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and voiding any warranties.

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How long does a fridge freezer last?

The average lifespan of a fridge freezer

A fridge freezer will on average last around 10 years, depending on maintenance and quality.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a fridge freezer

The tips for extending the life of your fridge freezer are covered within the fridge and freezer sections above. As long as you apply each tip to the relevant compartment, you’ll be sure to keep your fridge freezer in good working order!

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How long does a wine cooler last?

The average lifespan of a wine cooler

Wine coolers can last on average between 10-15 years. This of course depends on quality and maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a wine cooler

• Proper Usage

To allow your wine cooler to last as long as possible, it’s important to use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. So, before you start loading it up, ensure that you’re loading it properly. For example, boxes or other large items may block the inner workings of your wine cooler and cause it to break down.

• Cleaning

You should aim to clean your wine cooler at least once a year. This can be done using water and vinegar. Ensure that everything is dry before you stock it back up again.

As with other refrigeration appliances, you’ll want to make sure that the seal on the door is functioning properly. The simplest way to do this is to give it a regular wipe down with soap and water.

Every 6 months it’s a good idea to dust and vacuum the internal and external fans. Be sure to read your manual to learn how to access these. 

• Maintenance

If your wine cooler becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a boiling water tap last?

The average lifespan of a boiling water tap

Similar to your average faucet, a boiling water tap of good quality will last on average for 15-20 years. This will also depend on how well it is maintained.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a boiling water tap

• Maintenance

Extending the lifespan of your boiling water tap comes down to how well you keep it maintained. Cleaning the water tank should be done yearly. This will prevent the build up of limescale.

You’ll also need to replace the filters every 3-5 years, depending on the quality of your water.

If your boiling water tap becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a waste disposal unit last?

The average lifespan of a waste disposal unit

Waste disposal units, commonly known as garbage disposals, can have an average lifespan of around 10-15 years, but this can vary depending on usage and maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a waste disposal unit

• Proper Usage

To prolong the life of your waste disposal unit, it’s crucial to use it appropriately. Avoid overloading it with large amounts of food scraps at once. Instead, feed it small amounts of food gradually. Also, refrain from putting non-food items, like metal or plastic, into the disposal, as these can damage the blades and motor.

• Cleaning

Periodically cleaning the disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels can help remove buildup and eliminate odours. Additionally, using safe disposal cleaning solutions can keep it in good working condition. 

• Preventative Maintenance

When using the disposal, always run cold water while it’s in operation. This helps to prevent overheating and keeps the motor from working too hard.

Avoid putting hard or fibrous materials like bones, fruit pits, and potato peels down the disposal. These can damage the blades and impede its performance.

Finally, running the motor for about a minute longer after the food has been processed ensures that everything has definitely gone through.

If your waste disposal unit becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a blender last?

The average lifespan of a blender

On average your blender can last anywhere from 5-15 years. However, this of course depends on its quality, maintenance, and how frequently it’s used.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a blender

• Proper Usage

To make your blender last longer, use it for its intended purposes. Don’t overload it with heavy or frozen ingredients beyond its capacity. Avoid blending hot liquids as it can damage the blender’s plastic parts.

• Cleaning

Cleaning your blender immediately after each use prevents food residue from hardening, which can make cleaning more difficult over time. Detach the blade assembly and wash it separately to prevent accidents and maintain sharp blades.

• Maintenance

Keep the blender’s motor base clean and free from spills. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific maintenance recommendations. If the blender starts making unusual noises or experiences decreased performance, have it serviced or repaired by a professional.

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How long does a coffee machine last?

The average lifespan of a coffee machine

How long your coffee machine lasts really depends on the quality of your coffee maker. Therefore, it could last anywhere from 3 years to over 10. You can also extend the lifespan of your coffee machine with regular maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a coffee machine

• Use Filtered Water

Using filtered water can help reduce mineral deposits and extend the life of your coffee machine. It’s especially important if you live in an area with hard water.

• Cleaning

Cleaning your coffee machine is essential to its longevity. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations for your specific model. Furthermore, regularly descale your machine to prevent mineral buildup, which can affect its performance.

• Maintenance

If your coffee machine has replaceable parts like water filters or drip trays, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement intervals. This ensures optimal performance.

If your coffee machine becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a juicer last?

The average lifespan of a juicer

On average, juicers will last between 5-10+ years, depending on their quality and maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a juicer

• Proper Usage

Avoid juicing extremely hard or fibrous materials that can strain the juicer’s motor and components. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients can reduce wear on the machine.

• Cleaning

After each use, disassemble the juicer and clean all the parts thoroughly. Remove any pulp or residue to prevent build-up and maintain proper juicing performance.

• Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, which may include oiling or lubricating certain components. This can help prevent wear and tear on moving parts.

If your juicer becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a kettle last?

The average lifespan of a kettle

A kettle should last 4-5 years on average. This will depend on its quality and maintenance though.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a kettle

• Proper Usage

Avoid leaving water in the kettle after use, especially if you have hard water. Emptying it prevents mineral build-up.

Furthermore, avoid turning on the kettle without water in it, as this can damage the heating element.

• Cleaning

Clean your kettle regularly to prevent mineral deposits from building up. You can use vinegar or a safe descaling solution to remove limescale. 

• Maintenance

If your kettle becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a toaster last?

The average lifespan of a toaster

Depending on maintenance and quality, a toaster can last between 6-10 years.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a toaster

• Proper Usage

Avoid overloading your toaster. Don’t put overly thick or heavy items in the toaster, as this can strain the mechanisms. Stick to items that the toaster can comfortably handle.

Make sure you’re using your toaster on the correct setting. Avoid using excessive heat settings that can lead to overheating and damage to the toaster. Use the appropriate settings for the type of bread you’re toasting.

• Cleaning

Clean the crumb tray and remove any accumulated crumbs regularly. Toast crumbs can accumulate over time and cause issues. These issues can range from damage to the inner mechanisms, to being a potential fire hazard.

• Maintenance

If your toaster becomes damaged in any way, we recommend hiring a professional to fix it. Attempting to fix it yourself may result in further damage and could void any warranties.

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How long does a vacuum cleaner last?

The average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner

Across all types of vacuum cleaner, the average lifespan is about 8 years, depending on quality and maintenance.

The average lifespan of a robot vacuum cleaner

Slightly shorter than the average vacuum cleaner, a robot vacuum cleaner has an average lifespan of 4-6 years. Again, this depends on quality and maintenance.

Tips for extending the lifespan of a vacuum cleaner

• Proper Storage

Store your vacuum cleaner in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or damp areas that can damage the motor and components.

Be sure to only use your vacuum cleaner to pick up what it’s capable of. For example, avoid items that are too large, or liquids if your vacuum is dry pick up only.

• Cleaning

Clean the vacuum cleaner’s filters and brushes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This prevents clogs and maintains suction power.

Be sure to empty your vacuum on a regular basis. If your vacuum becomes full, it will become overworked, as well as significantly reduce its effectiveness.

• Maintenance

If you notice any issues with your vacuum cleaner, address them promptly. This includes fixing or replacing worn-out parts, such as belts or brushes.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the lifespan of household appliances can vary, but proper usage, regular cleaning, and maintenance can significantly extend their longevity. By following these tips and caring for your appliances, you can enjoy their benefits for many years to come.