SIGforum
How long do microwave ovens last?
January 31, 2024, 03:39 PM
BB61How long do microwave ovens last?
I'm still using one we bought 28 years ago. I'm taking a late lunch and just took some food out of it.
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January 31, 2024, 03:48 PM
stoic-oneI have a Litton Gen 2 purchased in 1987, I had to replace the interior light bulb last year, danged planned obsolescence...

Some day either the power supply or the magnetron will die, we'll see.
January 31, 2024, 03:56 PM
Georgeairquote:
Originally posted by SigSentry:
They 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.
Truly, how the hell would you come across and resurrect a 5 year old thread? Not even with a follow-up question or request, just a comment?
Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just wonder if folks do this for some effect I'm missing, or if this is a way to increase my karma points.
You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02
January 31, 2024, 04:04 PM
4MUL8RRecognizing we are in an old thread, I would offer that replacement is a challenge from a mounting point of view, if it is above the stove. The new mounting plate will need to be carefully aligned and installed. Vent outlet on new unit may need to be swapped from back to top exhaust, to match your home vent.
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Trying to simplify my life...
January 31, 2024, 04:14 PM
fischtown7Hope this does not jinx it, but still using a Made in the USA General Electric my Grandmother bought me in 1990.
January 31, 2024, 04:21 PM
parabellumThe one in my kitchen has been in use daily for 25 years or more.
January 31, 2024, 04:34 PM
NismoI don't think we have ever broken a microwave before. The current one is a cheap Emerson brand most likely from Target that was purchased probably 20 years ago used daily, and the only reason we got it was we wanted something bigger and more power, and gave the old one away to someone who needed one.
January 31, 2024, 04:46 PM
YooperSigs7 years now on my Sharp. Damn, does it cook fast!
End of Earth: 2 Miles
Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
January 31, 2024, 05:04 PM
AudioholicBack in `83 or `84 I bought a GE "Dual Wave" microwave for my mother. She used it regularly until Oct. of last year and in that time required one light bulb. 39 years ain't too bad.
"Every time you think you weaken the nation" Moe Howard January 31, 2024, 05:21 PM
cparktdLong time.
I have had only 2 since the 70s.
Was an early adopter when they were expensive. Bought a $400 one on sale for 300 bucks. That would be like about 2k in 2024.
Most everyone thought I was crazy back then... That thing weighed a ton but lasted for decades.
Endeavor to persevere. January 31, 2024, 06:21 PM
MelissaDallasMy Kenmore lasted 32 years.
January 31, 2024, 07:39 PM
arfmelMy Sharp is 25 years old.
January 31, 2024, 07:40 PM
Appliance BradOur Amana was made in June of 1998. Still in daily use. This one was built back shen it was really the same as their single magnatron 120 commercial unit. I have a stash of parts I've slavaged to keep it running as long as I'm able to repair things.
All modern countertop microwaves have no servicable parts. When they fail, you scrap and buy new. Over the range models are repairable as long as parts are available
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Writing the next chapter that I've been looking forward to.
January 31, 2024, 09:27 PM
drill sgtPurchased winter 1974 at Montgomery Ward Catalog Store name brand Montgomery Ward Microwave Oven in Fairbanks, Alaska... Controls were rotating dials (like old school tv channel knob) and actually had a browning hot rod feature.. Back then people thought that the food was not cooked because color never changed.... Lasted 40yrs till the majic smoke escaped and quit working.............................. drill sgt.
February 01, 2024, 11:06 AM
Voshterkoffquote:
Originally posted by chellim1:
Amana Radarange manufactured March 2003
My father has one that’s older than me. Classy woodgrain, not very powerful.
February 01, 2024, 11:57 AM
hurstolds1Our Sharp just went out after 32 years. Purchased another Sharp!
February 01, 2024, 06:38 PM
John Steedquote:
Originally posted by 220-9er:
Older ones, a long time. New ones, many just a few years.
My parents had one that lasted over three decades. My more recent ones sign off after 6 or 7 years.
... stirred anti-clockwise. February 01, 2024, 07:01 PM
OKCGeneWow. Reading this thread shows members who no longer post. Probably passed on.
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February 01, 2024, 09:17 PM
MoosehornManJ C Penny bought sometime in the 80's around the same time a my first CD player, both still work.
“Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.”
John Adams
February 01, 2024, 09:49 PM
Pipe Smokerquote:
Originally posted by Sig2340:
They last right up to the point they stop working.
Basically true. There’s no such thing as a cast iron microwave. When they die you buy a new one.
Serious about crackers.