How Long Do Black and Decker Microwaves Last (REAL Numbers!)

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Black and Decker microwaves are a great product for anyone who wants to save space and money. The brand is well-known for its high quality products, but how long do they last?

In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about how long Black and Decker microwaves last so you can decide if they’re right for your kitchen or not.

How long do Black and Decker microwaves last?

Black and Decker microwaves, on average, lasts around 6 years. However, many factors can affect the lifespan of a microwave, including usage, voltage, and frequency. If you take proper care of your Black and Decker microwave, what you’ll typically find is that it can last as long as 8 to 10 years.

6 signs that your Black and Decker microwave needs to be replaced

1. Smoke, sparks, and burning smell

If you smell smoke, sparks or burning smell coming from your microwave, turn the device off and unplug it immediately.

This could indicate that you have a short circuit in the microwave.

If left unchecked, this can be a fire hazard and you should call an electrician immediately.

2. The food isn’t cooking

If you’re noticing that your microwave is taking longer to cook things, it could be a sign that the device is old and needs to be replaced.

Microwaves have decreased in power over time, so when they break down or are simply not powerful enough to get the job done anymore, it can take much longer for food to cook.

3. Microwave is making weird sounds

In addition to your microwave not heating food properly, it can also make weird sounds.

This can indicate that something is wrong with the appliance and that you might need to replace the microwave.

If the microwave is making unusual noises or simply not working properly, it’s time to contact an appliance repairman in order for them to inspect it and see what needs replacing.

4. The door doesn’t properly shut

If you have to press the door in for it to close, this could be a sign that the hinges are damaged.

You can purchase replacement parts for your microwave and install them yourself, or you can also replace the microwave entirely.

Hiring a professional to repair your microwave may be more expensive than buying a new one, but is often worth it if you don’t want to risk damaging an expensive appliance that has been working perfectly well so far.

5. The keypad doesn’t work

The keypad on your microwave is the control panel on the front of your appliance. It’s used to set the timer, heat level and other functions.

The keypad can be damaged by water or cooking splatters and can also stop working from normal wear and tear over time.

6. It’s getting really old

If your microwave is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace it.

Microwaves are only built to last for so long, and if you don’t see any signs that the appliance is ready to go, it’s likely that its lifespan has been extended beyond what was originally intended by the manufacturer.

Even though your microwave might still seem functional and reliable, it may be time for an upgrade if its age matches yours!

How can you extend the lifespan of your Black and Decker microwave?

Microwaves are great, they help you get your food cooked fast and without losing nutrients. They can wear out, however, so here are some tips for extending the life of your microwave.

Clean up spills and messes as they occur. This will prevent staining to the interior of the microwave and will also help prevent stuck on food that cannot be cleaned up easily.
Make sure you degrease and clean the filter. If you have a microwave that is over the stove, you can also use the exhaust fan while you are cooking to help prevent steam from potentially damaging the bottom of your microwave.
Do not slam the door. This can lead to broken hinges, damaged handles, and even broken glass in the door in some cases if you slam it hard enough.
Do not run the machine empty. This can be damaging to the interior of the machine as the microwaves will be bouncing around without any food to penetrate.
Avoid using metals in the microwave. Though some people will tell you that it is ok to put metals in the microwave, it is not.
Using preprogrammed cook times can help make the microwave last longer as well.

What are the factors that affect a microwave’s lifespan?

1. How well you maintain and clean it

Easy maintenance is one of the best ways to extend your microwave’s lifespan.

To clean it, use a damp cloth with hot water and mild detergent to wipe down the inside.

Then, wipe any spills or splatters off using a damp cloth. This will prevent mold from forming and keep your microwave smelling fresh.

To clean the door seals, turn off power to your microwave and remove all food from inside before wiping down both sides of each seal with hot soapy water (or spray them lightly with vinegar if they’re extra dirty).

Do this once per week or as needed—it’s best not to wait too long before cleaning them since they can get dirty quickly!

You should also regularly check for signs that your vents are dirty by removing them from their housing for inspection.

2. Age of the microwave

Based on the research, it appears that age is a factor that affects a microwave’s lifespan.

Microwaves typically have a lifespan of around 10 years, but this can be affected by things like usage and maintenance.

The age of your microwave is also a major factor. A microwave that’s more than 10 years old probably doesn’t have many years left before it.

If you’re buying a new microwave and want to know how long it will last, check out the model number and then look it up online.

You’ll be able to find out how long other people have had their microwaves and what they think about them in general.

You can also read reviews and see if there are any common issues with the model you’re considering buying.

3. Quality of the model microwave

The more expensive the microwave, the longer it will last.
Quality of materials used in construction: the better quality the materials and insulation are, the less likely your microwave will overheat and blow out.
Finally, make sure you have an aftermarket warranty on any new or used model you purchase. This can protect you from unexpected repairs or replacement costs if something goes wrong down the road.

4. Your environment

The environment in which you use your microwave can have a big impact on its lifespan. Some common environmental factors that affect microwaves are:

High humidity, which increases the likelihood of water condensation inside the machine and can cause damage to electrical components.
High temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which may cause arcing or sparking inside the machine. This can lead to an electrical shock if someone gets too close while it’s on. It can also damage internal components like electronic boards or heating elements. If you suspect this has happened, unplugging it will prevent electrical shocks until you can call for repairs or replacement parts.

5. What you’re microwaving

Sometimes it’s also all about what exactly it is you’re microwaving.

If you’re microwaving something that has a ton of water content in it, it may build up pressure and humidity which will make its way into the electrical components behind the walls of the microwave.

6. The hotter and more humid the kitchen, the shorter the microwave’s life

The next factor that affects a microwave’s lifespan is the temperature and humidity level of your kitchen.

As you may have guessed, the hotter and more humid your kitchen, the shorter your microwave’s life.

This is because electronics are sensitive to moisture and humidity.

Moisture can cause rust, corrosion, and other damage inside the device over time.

In addition to this being bad for maintenance purposes (if you don’t know what I mean by “maintenance,” check out my article on how to clean your microwave), it also means that there will be frequent repair costs as well as higher replacement costs down the line if you need to replace it prematurely due to these factors.

7. A typical operating temperature should be below 350 degrees Fahrenheit

It is important to know that a typical microwave operating temperature should be below 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have questions regarding the operation of your microwave oven, consult the manufacturer’s manual.

You may be able to calibrate your microwave by measuring its actual temperature with an infrared thermometer or other high-tech gadget.

To do this, find something heavy enough to give your microwave.

Then place it in the center of your oven and set it for 30 seconds at maximum power.

8. If you cook in it all day long every day, then definitely expect a shorter lifespan

If you cook in it all day long every day, then definitely expect a shorter lifespan.

This is because the interior of the microwave will get very hot due to prolonged cooking.

The inside of your microwave can also get stained and discolored over time due to frequent use.

What are some tips for prolonging a microwave’s lifespan?

Tip 1: Do not overheat foods

Do not microwave foods for too long.

If you’re microwaving something like a frozen meal or popcorn, then you may want to check the label and set your microwave to run for half of what it takes for that particular food’s recommended time.

You can also check on it after one minute of cooking.

If you continue to cook it longer than that, there’s a good chance it’ll burn or dry out (or both).

You can always take a peek at the outside of your food when you take out your container if you want.

If it looks overcooked and dried out, then just scrape off the top layer and eat the rest.

Tip 2: Clean up spills right away

If you are a clumsy cook in the kitchen, spills are inevitable. While you can’t prevent every single spill from happening, there are some things you can do to prevent them from becoming a big problem.

Clean up the spill immediately after it happens. If left on its own for too long, food will begin to dry and harden into sticky messes that can be difficult to remove. This is especially true for liquid spills like hot soup or coffee—it’s best practice to clean up these types of spills as soon as possible!
When cleaning the microwave with water or soapy water, make sure that any excess moisture gets wiped away completely before it has time to sit around (and make everything else wet).
If something doesn’t come out completely clean during washing with soap and water, try using vinegar, lemon, and baking soda instead (you can find white vinegar at most grocery stores). It helps break down tough spots without harming the surface underneath them.

Tip 3: Get proper use, consistent cleaning, and regular maintenance

It’s important to clean the microwave regularly. This will help prevent food buildup and bacteria growth that can lead to a build-up of mold and mildew.

Some experts recommend deep cleaning your microwave at least twice a year, but if you use it frequently, it may be necessary for you to clean it more often than that—once every few months is a good rule of thumb.

Be sure to clean your microwave before using it on its own for the first time after an extended absence from home.

Otherwise, there might be some lingering smells from previous meals that have permeated the appliance over time.

Cleaners like vinegar are great for removing stubborn spots from inside your microwave:

Just mix in some water and vinegar at equal parts (1:1) into your favorite bowl and rub with a sponge or cloth until all food particles are gone!

You can also purchase commercial cleaners designed specifically for microwaves.

Just make sure you keep them far away from children’s reach since they contain chemicals which might irritate their eyes or skin if ingested accidentally.

Tip 4: Check the keypad, door, and buttons for wear and tear

Keep an eye out for anything that is damaged both physically inside and out on your microwave.

I recommend that if you find something like a damaged keypad panel, a loose or broken hinge door, or buttons that don’t work well and have to be pressed hard, the you should get it fixed immediately.

Tip 5: Listen for loud operating noises.

Loud operating noises are not normal. If you hear loud noises while your microwave is running, it could be caused by:

A damaged magnetron (the part that generates microwaves)
A damaged door seal, which will prevent the door from closing all the way and allow air to get into the interior of your microwave
A damaged in the turntable gear

Safe to say that if you have any of these issues, you should probably get it repaired as soon as possible before they become a big issue

Tip 6: Avoid putting metal in the microwave, especially thin metals like aluminum foil

Metal can damage your microwave.
Metal can cause sparks.
Metal can lead to a fire if it’s in the microwave for too long. This is especially common with aluminum foil, but any metal could potentially cause this problem if left in the microwave for too long and heated up enough times.
People may get hurt from burns or injuries caused by the fire itself (depending on how quickly it spreads).

Tip 7: Avoid running the microwave when there is nothing inside it

You’ll want to avoid running the microwave when it’s empty.

The heat from the device will rise and then be trapped inside, which can cause it to overheat and even make a loud noise.

Using it for no reason will only lower its life expectancy.

Tip 8: Look for sparks, smoke, and burning smells

When you’re using your microwave, look for sparks, smoke and burning smells.

All of these could be signs of electrical problems or overheating. If you see any of these when you’re cooking something in the microwave, stop what you’re doing immediately—your microwave Mike Hatch on fire!

If there’s no fire and everything looks fine before use, give the unit a good cleaning before using it again.

This will remove any food particles that might be lingering on the walls and bottom of your appliance.

Can you make a Black and Decker microwave last forever?

You cannot make a microwave of any brand last forever.

Eventually parts will start to wear out and break down and you will have to either repair the machine or get a new one entirely.

That being said, you can make it last for a very long time if you take good care of it and if you replace parts as they wear out or as they become damaged.

FAQs

How long do other brands of microwaves last?

Most microwaves last 6 to 8 years. They can last up to 15 years if you take very good care of them.

While the brand does have a little to do with how long the machine lasts, it is not the only deciding factor.

You can have the most expensive microwave possible and if it is not taken care of, it will not last very long.

How much does it cost to repair a Black and Decker microwave?

It might require a simpler fix like repairing a faulty diode or bad door switch, or a more complex repair like a new magnetron.
The labor required to fix your Black and Decker microwave can cost anywhere between 50 to $100 per hour and that doesn’t include parts.
Replacing a magnetron can cost as much as $100 to $200
Putting in a new turntable motor in can be around $65 to $200
Wiring a power cord can end up costing you about $60 to $190
Repairing a broken Black and Decker microwave door is about $150 to $400
Replacing a faulty diode can cost $55 to $125
Replacing the Black and Decker microwave light can cost around $40 to $70

Is it worth it to repair or replace my Black and Decker microwave?

When it comes down to it, whether or not it is worth it to repair your microwave comes down to a few different factors.

First, how severe is the issue? If it is going to cost more to repair the microwave than it is to buy a new one, you may want to just buy a new machine.

Next, if the machine is very expensive it may be more worthwhile to replace the part or to make the repair than it is to get a new microwave.

Last, you also need to consider how hard it is going to be to replace the part or to make the repair.

What are the most common problems with Black and Decker microwaves?

The most common issue with a black and decker microwave is that the buttons do not work.

When the buttons stop working, it is likely the fault of a bad control panel.

This is something that does not cost a huge amount to fix and that your repair company can repair rather quickly as well.

What are the warranty options for Black and Decker microwaves?

In most cases, the warranty for your microwave is going to depend on when you bought it, where you bought it, and if you purchased the extended warranty.

Most microwaves are going to have a year long warranty so you can call the repair center or customer service for repairs for a year of purchasing it.

You are going to be able to get repairs that are within reason and that are not due to something that you did to intentionally damage the machine.

How can I find a qualified technician to repair my Black and Decker microwave?

You can find a qualified technician by calling the black and decker customer service to see if there are any technicians that live near you.

You can contact them and see if there are any techs that can come or you can contact your local repair company and then you can see if there are any other techs that can come and repair your microwave.

Most hardware stores have some sort of person that can come and work on your machine and many appliance stores do have technicians that are there on their staff that can actually work on a huge range of machines and a huge range of different brands as well.