How Long Do KitchenAid Microwaves Last: 11 Lifespan Factors

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A lot of people have been asking this question lately, so we decided to find out for you. We’ve been reviewing products for a long time, and we know that sometimes you just want to know whether a product is worth it or not.

And since microwaves are such an important part of your kitchen, you want to make sure you’re buying one that will last. So how long do KitchenAid microwaves last?

Here’s what we found.

Key takeaways

KitchenAid microwaves typically last around 7 years, but proper care and maintenance can extend their lifespan up to 10 years.
The frequency of use, proper care, and adherence to usage guidelines impact a microwave’s lifespan. Overuse, lack of cleaning, and improper usage can all shorten its life.
If you notice smoke, sparks, or a burning smell, or if the microwave isn’t heating properly, it’s time to replace it. Other signs include loud noises, malfunctioning doors or keypads, and an appliance over 10 years old with decreased performance.
Regular cleaning, cautious handling of the microwave door, and following usage guidelines are crucial for extending a microwave’s life. Proper maintenance and adherence to safety measures contribute to longevity.
Balancing quality and value is essential when choosing a microwave. Quality ensures performance, while value ensures utility for money spent. A combination of these factors leads to a well-functioning and durable appliance.

How long do KitchenAid microwaves last?

Microwaves typically last around seven years. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 10 years.

Some of the things that affect a microwave’s lifespan are how often it is used, how well it is taken care of, and if it is used properly. For example, if a microwave is used multiple times a day, it will not last as long as one that is only used occasionally. This is because the more a microwave is used, the greater the wear and tear on its parts.

In addition, if a microwave is not cleaned regularly or properly cared for, it will also not last as long. Finally, if a microwave is not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions (e.g., placing metal objects inside), this can also shorten its lifespan.

11 factors that affect the lifespan of a KitchenAid microwave

1. Overuse and underuse

If you use your KitchenAid microwave too often, it can shorten its lifespan. Overuse of your microwave can cause it to overheat. And overheating is a problem because it can cause the microwave to catch fire and destroy itself.

Also, if you don’t use your microwave for many years, the internal components could become rusted or corroded from nonuse. The power supply might stop working, which will prevent you from being able to cook food in your kitchen at all.

2. Quality and value

Quality and value are not the same thing. Value is how much you get for your money, whereas quality refers to how well a product performs its function.

Both of these factors are important when making buying decisions, but it’s easy to confuse them or assume they are one and the same. Quality is important because it determines whether a product will last long enough to justify its price tag—but don’t forget that the opposite can also be true.

Poor quality often means poor performance, which can lead to an unsatisfactory experience with your new appliance. Ultimately, it comes down to this: always look for both quality and value when shopping for new kitchen appliances!

3. Design and features

The design and features of a microwave can have an impact on its lifespan. For example, if the door is not easily cleanable then it may be more prone to damage over time. If your microwave has a lot of buttons or other functions that are difficult to use and understand, then you may find yourself using it incorrectly and damaging it further.

4. Performance, power, and energy efficiency

The power of a microwave oven is measured in watts, and it’s usually listed on the side of your unit. If you’re shopping for a new microwave, be sure to check out its wattage rating before making your final decision.

Watts are an important part of the equation when it comes to cooking efficiency—the higher the wattage, the more powerful the microwave will be. Higher-powered microwaves cook food faster and more thoroughly, so if you have a large load to heat up or if you often cook foods with thick shells (like frozen dinners), this will be an important consideration for you.

5. Size and capacity

The size and capacity of your microwave oven will have a huge impact on how long it lasts. A larger capacity means more power, which translates to a device that is capable of heating up food faster.

This can be great if you’re starving and in a hurry (or if you need to cook something quickly). However, these microwaves are usually more expensive than smaller ones and tend to be harder to clean because they’re so large.

If you’re looking for something portable or space conscious, then consider getting one with less power and capacity.

6. Cleanliness and maintenance

The final factor that affects the lifespan of your microwave is cleanliness and maintenance. Like any other appliance, you should ensure that you keep it clean. You can do this by wiping down the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth or sponge.

If there are some stubborn food stains on the inside of your microwave, try using a little mild dish soap to get rid of them before cleaning as well. Next, clean off any spills on the outside of your microwave using a soft cloth dipped in warm water and wrung out well so no excess water gets onto other parts of it.

Keep an eye on how much dust is building up between uses dust can build up quickly if you don’t wipe away food crumbs regularly or wipe down the exterior often enough!

Finally, it’s important for proper airflow through your appliance that both filters (one inside and one out) are cleaned regularly. Check with KitchenAid for guidelines on how often these should be replaced based upon use volume/frequency!

7. Where it’s placed

Where it’s placed is another factor that affects the lifespan of a KitchenAid microwave. For example, if you want to place it on your kitchen countertop, there are certain things you should consider.

Is the location in direct sunlight? If so, this may shorten the life of your appliance because sunlight can damage its components and make them wear out more quickly.
Is it near a heat source? If so, this could also shorten its lifespan by causing damage to its internal components.
Is there room for air? Microwaves build up heat when they are on. It’s important that they are well ventilated and kept in large spaces so that air can circulate freely.
Are there fans or open windows nearby where dust enters regularly? This could also cause shortening in life expectancy due to dust collecting inside your appliance over time and causing corrosion which would lead to malfunctioning or failure of some parts (like fans).

8. Slamming the door

While the microwave door is designed to be opened quickly and easily, it’s best not to slam it open.Not only can the door break, slamming the door really hard can damage components such as the turntable, gears, and heating element.

It’s always better to open your microwave slowly and gently. Most microwaves have a long travel button that you can press down that will unlatch the door. I would even advise press and holding that button down first and then closing the microwave door.

The hinges on most microwaves are designed with a certain amount of force in mind—so if you don’t use them properly, you may end up damaging the hinge or breaking a handle off entirely!

9. What you’re microwaving

When microwaving food, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re heating and how long it takes. A good rule of thumb is that if the packaging or container used for cooking says “microwave safe” or something similar on it, then the food inside should be safe for your microwave.

It’s also important to consider what type of material your plates are made out of: some plastics can absorb microwaves and cause damage to the device. This is why some plastic containers won’t work in a microwave unless they have been specifically designed for that purpose.

You also want to avoid eating things such as metals which can cause sparks and fire that can damage your microwave and decreases longevity.

10. Turning it on while it’s empty

It’s also important to remember that putting anything in the microwave while it’s off can cause damage and even start fires. If the inside of your microwave is empty when you turn on your microwave, there’s nothing to absorb or deflect heat when it starts working.

This can cause serious damage to your appliance and possibly lead to burning yourself in the process.

11. What foods you’re microwaving

Don’t microwave food that is too hot. The temperature of your food can affect the lifespan of your microwave.
Don’t microwave food in plastic containers, unless they have a microwave-safe stamp on them. These types of containers are known as “microwave safe,” and they’re typically made from glass or plastic that won’t harm the microwaves inside the oven or melt when heated up to high temperatures (which could cause a fire).
Don’t microwave anything in metal containers. It’s not safe for them! They can reflect the microwaves, which will cause them to bounce around inside your machine and possibly damage it even more than usual.
Don’t put paper bags or other plastics into your microwave oven. When you place paper bags or other types of compostable materials into your microwave oven, you can end up with toxic fumes getting into your home causing headaches & nausea as well as possibly burning down everything within sight!

What are some signs that it’s time to replace your KitchenAid microwave?

Smoke, sparks, and burning smell

If you notice smoke, sparks or a burning smell coming from your microwave, it’s time to replace it. This is one of the most common signs that something is wrong with your appliance.

The problem could be anything from an electrical wiring issue to an internal malfunction within the microwave itself. The point here is that whatever is causing this type of smoke and burning smell isn’t safe for you or anyone else in your home.

The food isn’t cooking

If your microwave isn’t heating up, it could be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade! This is usually caused by a faulty heating element or magnetron tube in your machine—both of which are fairly easy fixes with KitchenAid products (and other brands). However, sometimes these parts can get damaged over time due to age or misuse.

If so then they need replacing before they become irreparable damage causes further problems down the line – like fire hazards!

Loud noises

Your microwave is a workhorse appliance in your kitchen, but it’s also an excellent indicator when it’s time to replace or repair the unit.

If you hear very loud noises coming from your microwave, this is a sign that something isn’t operating correctly. A professional should be able to diagnose what needs to be done and help you decide whether or not it’s worth repairing.

If your microwave is making a loud noise, it might be because the food is overworking the motor or because the heating element or circuitry inside the microwave is malfunctioning.

The door doesn’t properly shut

If your microwave door doesn’t close properly, the problem could be in one of the following areas:

The door latch or hinges. Use a screwdriver to check these parts for damage, and if necessary, replace them.
The seal around the door frame. If it’s cracked or damaged, replace as needed with new seals from a hardware store or online store such as Home Depot or Amazon.
Leveling feet that keep the microwave stable on uneven surfaces (check yours). If you don’t have any leveling feet on your unit already and need to install some after purchase, adhesive-backed rubber pads work great for this purpose.

The keypad doesn’t work

You may have noticed that the keypad is not working. When this happens, you will not be able to set any cooking times or functions.

The keypad may also be unresponsive to your input and will not allow for modifications of time and temperature settings. If this is happening, then you may need to replace the microwave.

It’s getting really old

You should consider replacing your microwave if it’s more than 10 years old. You might also be ready to replace yours if it isn’t working as well as it used to. If things like the display or buttons feel sluggish or nonresponsive, or if the appliance doesn’t seem to be heating food evenly, that’s another sign that you may need a new microwave.

If you worry about your appliance breaking down and are concerned about safety, then getting a new one is probably the best option for you.

Can you make a KitchenAid microwave last forever?

Making a KitchenAid last forever only happens if you never use it and keep it sealed away from damage and debris. Therefore, you can’t really get a KitchenAid microwave to last forever. Most microwaves will last about 9-10 years with proper maintenance, which includes keeping the microwave clean and ensuring food is covered.

KitchenAid appliances are known for their quality, and the combination oven has a built-in microwave and sensor steam cycle. To make your KitchenAid microwave last even longer, avoid overcooking food and place it on a dry surface before cooking.

Clean the inside of the appliance regularly to prevent build-up. With proper care, your KitchenAid microwave will continue to be a valuable part of your kitchen for many years to come.

What are some tips for using a microwave?

Clean your microwave regularly to prevent small everyday stains from building up.
Use a cleaner designed specifically for microwaves so you don’t damage the appliance with harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Wipe down your microwave after each use to help it last longer. Give it a monthly deep clean to remove any build-up or debris.
Use caution when reheating leftovers as they may cause the oven to work harder and wear out faster.
Do not microwave potatoes or eggs as they can explode and cause a mess. Instead, reheat them in a separate dish.
To avoid condensation build-up on the glass door of your microwave, position it near the wall or place a towel on the floor beneath it.
Always read the instructions carefully before using a microwave, and be aware of the danger of sparks and fire by never operating it while plugged in or charging, and staying within the safe operating limits set by your appliance manufacturer .

FAQs

What are some of the most common problems with KitchenAid microwaves?

The most common problems with KitchenAid microwaves are that they stop working or make strange noises. Other common problems include not heating up properly, difficulty in use, and button malfunctions. The main cause of these problems is typically attributed to malfunctioning fans or power cords.

To fix these issues, users should check to see if the power cord is plugged in and grounded properly. Clean the microwave’s interior and exterior regularly to remove built-up grease and food debris.

How do I properly clean my KitchenAid microwave?

Clean your KitchenAid microwave regularly to keep it running smoothly. To reset the microwave, push the cancel/off button, clear the display, and if there is an error code, remove power for one minute.

To deep clean your microwave, you will need: a microfiber cloth, a bucket of warm water, and dishwashing detergent. Monthly deep cleaning is necessary to keep your microwave in optimal condition. To clean a KitchenAid microwave:

Wet a cloth with water and wipe down the microwave
Use a mild dishwashing detergent to wash all surfaces of the microwave
Rinse off the microwave with water
Dry the appliance with a dry cloth.

What is the warranty on my KitchenAid microwave?

KitchenAid microwaves come with a 1-year warranty that covers parts. Labor is covered under the warranty. If you experience problems with your microwave, you can call 1-800-422-1230 for repair service.

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