How long should a microwave last?

[noahynav]

Ours is 14 years old and still going strong. About 5 years ago on Christmas day a lady bug somehow got stuck inbetween the to plastic panels of the door. It was crawling around in there and couldn't get out. The next day it was just laying in there dead. The stupid lady bug carcass is still there. I have been waiting for the microwave to die ever since then. I just hate seeing that dead bug stuck in the door. I hate to spend money on a new microwave when ours still works.

This made me laugh.....I can so see that happening to me!

 

[Niagara2]

We are going on 16 years. My oldest was just born and then another baby...anyway....the middle of the night bottle warm up numbered thousands and it still gets very heavy use. I always remark that I cannot believe it just keeps on going and going. I thought I would get new stainless steel appliances but these originals are just fine!
I figure stainless will be on the way out before I need new appliances but I guess I should consider myself lucky.

 

[Traveliz]

Ours is 14 years old and still going strong. About 5 years ago on Christmas day a lady bug somehow got stuck inbetween the to plastic panels of the door. It was crawling around in there and couldn't get out. The next day it was just laying in there dead. The stupid lady bug carcass is still there. I have been waiting for the microwave to die ever since then. I just hate seeing that dead bug stuck in the door. I hate to spend money on a new microwave when ours still works.

I think that would be cause for me to get a new one.

Liz

 

[robinb]

I think that would be cause for me to get a new one.

Yeah ... that one's kinda "buggy".

So ... I looked inside the microwave and noticed there was a thin layer of oil from popping popcorn on the carousel. I cleaned it, plugged it in and it sparked again. *sigh*

I don't feel so bad now that it only lasted 9 years. Now I have to decide on a new one. A Kenmore is a top rated microwave according to Consumer Reports BUT it only has 1-minute buttons. My GE has a 30-second button that I use all the time. It looks like I might end up with another GE if the 30-second button is a deal breaker.

 

[dizneechic]

My GE has a 30-second button that I use all the time. It looks like I might end up with another GE if the 30-second button is a deal breaker.

I am hooked on my 30 second button too!

 

[jessica52877]

Our GE one that came with the house only lasted around 6 years (new construction house). I have an OLD one of my mother's that is atleast 15 years old. We don't use it nearly as often anymore but has still lasted way longer then the new one!

 

[neatokimmo]

My Mom and I bought the same one from Sears 13 years ago. Both are still running strong. I'm not at the house right now and can't remember the brand, but it was $200ish back then. So I guess that is a mid model.

 

[teresajoy]

The Little Litton we got for our wedding shower lasted 20 years. It sounds like the ones made in the 80's were made really well! We now have an over the range one. It was my SILs, then she sold it to my parents and they put it in my Grandma's apartment, Grandma thought something was wrong with it (haven't figured out what yet), so my Dad gave it to us. I guess it's 5 or 6 years old or so at this point.

 

[SaraJayne]

We got a microwave as a shower gift 13 years ago, and it's still going strong.

 

[clhcpaca]

My microwave was bought in October, 1989 (to replace the microwave that bounced off the counter during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake). It is still running good.


Cindy

 

[lovesmurfs]

21 years and still working, darn it.

I want a new one but can't just ditch a working appliance!

My problem, too. Ours is 20 years old and all I've ever had to do is replace the light bulb.

I'd love to have one with a turntable!

 

[Heidict]

21 years and still working, darn it.

I want a new one but can't just ditch a working appliance!

I'm the same way!! Ours is 26 years old and is huge, but the darn thing won't die!!!

 

[Danemom]

A better question is... How on earth do you guys all know exactly how old your microwave it?