SIGforum
How long do microwave ovens last?
February 10, 2019, 09:22 PM
darthfusterHow long do microwave ovens last?
My parents bought a microwave back in the mid 70's (IIRC). It weighed a ton and occupied 20% of my mom's counter space (avocado green). You know what? It still works. They used it regularly through the 90's. When they moved into a new house, it came with a new microwave among other appliances, so they put the relic in storage in the basement. It does still work though......unevenly heated food just like back in the day.
You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier February 10, 2019, 09:37 PM
casLike all things, it depends on when you bought it.
The one in my kitchen that I use evert day is a Sharp carousel. I remember when we bought it at MACY's... in 1982.
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February 10, 2019, 09:42 PM
Steve CollinsOurs was already in the house when we bought it in 1992. It was well used then so I can't know for sure how old it is. We have been using it for 27 years so if I had to guess, I would say it is around 35 years old. GE. The only issue it has is the led timer lights have gone dim enough that you can't see them with the kitchen light on. Turn the light off and they are very readable.
February 10, 2019, 10:03 PM
jimmy123xYou guys do realize that even though newish microwaves don't last longer than 10 years +/-.
They DO cook food a hell of a lot better and faster than these relics you guys are still using and only cost $200 +/-
February 10, 2019, 11:48 PM
BassamaticWe have a Sharp that is 14 years old. When it dies I will have no complaints. I bet that thing gets used 20 or 30 times a day.
.....never marry a woman who is mean to your waitress. February 11, 2019, 12:20 AM
PorterNour Panasonic we got as a wedding gift 10 years ago.
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February 11, 2019, 10:01 AM
VonFatmanwe have not had one last over a year for many years.
February 11, 2019, 02:18 PM
chellim1For anyone wondering... I just ordered the Whirlpool.
Whirlpool UMC5225GZ
2.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave
Quick Specs: View All
Width: 24"
Height: 12.56"
Depth: 19.63"
https://www.goedekers.com/Whirlpool-UMC5225GZ.htmlWhy the Whirlpool?
Well, the Amana is the same size, and would fit my built-in, but it was on back order. So I went with Whirlpool.
"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible."
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-rduckwor February 11, 2019, 03:45 PM
RedhookbklynWe also owned a Sears Kenmore that lasted approximately 30 years.
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February 11, 2019, 04:00 PM
lizardman_uI have a Kenmore countertop microwave that is over 12 years old and running strong.
February 11, 2019, 04:13 PM
flashguyI don't remember when I bought my microwave, but it was probably soon after I moved into my townhouse. I've been here 35 years.
Wouldn't the life be at least somewhat dependent on how much use it gets?
flashguy
Texan by choice, not accident of birth February 11, 2019, 04:29 PM
chellim1quote:
I don't remember when I bought my microwave, but it was probably soon after I moved into my townhouse. I've been here 35 years.
There's a cult following for the original Radarange models. They lasted forever.
Late 1970's, early 80's. Heavy duty, lots of chrome:
https://www.radarange.com/
"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible."
-- Justice Janice Rogers Brown
"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth."
-rduckwor February 11, 2019, 04:58 PM
ZSMICHAELquote:
Wouldn't the life be at least somewhat dependent on how much use it gets?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Probably more likely WHO has used it. The one in the work breakroom probably has a short life.
January 31, 2024, 01:47 PM
SigSentryThey seem to last a long time. Whirlpool (with a scan wand that I never use). However, after 25+ years the door switch died. Disassemble to diagnose and a couple days for the $3 part to arrive. Figured the switch that doesn't click is the bad one. I only replaced the one so I'm guaranteed to have to do it all over again for another soon.
January 31, 2024, 01:55 PM
JohnOMy 2006 GE profile just croaked so thats 18 years.
I bought a new GE unit (from china) and it sucks.
January 31, 2024, 01:57 PM
casquote:
Originally posted by cas:
The one in my kitchen that I use evert day is a Sharp carousel. I remember when we bought it at MACY's... in 1982.
I stopped using this one this past spring. I didn't throw it away, I stuck it in the basement. I ended up with a much larger new one, which sat in the way, on my living room floor for a while. When it dies in a few years, I bring the old Sharp back up.
January 31, 2024, 02:00 PM
WaterburyBobWe bought a Kenmore countertop microwave in 1983 and are still using it daily.
An under cabinet model we bought around 2008 lasted only ten years.
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January 31, 2024, 02:06 PM
RogueJSKquote:
Originally posted by JohnO:
I bought a new GE unit (from china) and it sucks.
Yep. The LCD display on my 3 year old GE microwave is already starting to go out.
January 31, 2024, 02:12 PM
erj_pilotWe had one last over 30 years? GE, I think. Non-digital…
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ggileI had a Panasonic going on 30 years before it finally quit working.
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