---
title: "How long does a microwave oven last?"
description: "A microwave oven lasts 6–11 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/microwave/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a microwave oven last?

**Typical lifespan: 6–11 yr**

A countertop or built-in oven that heats food with 2.45 GHz microwaves from a magnetron.

> Typical service life before replacement.

## How that compares

*Microwave oven against things of a similar time.*

- Cheetah: 8–17 yr
- Dishwasher: 7–13 yr
- Sofa: 7–20 yr
- Green anaconda: 10–30 yr
- Microwave oven: 6–11 yr
- Lawn mower: 6–15 yr
- Capybara: 6–12 yr
- Defibrillator: 7–12 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.111 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1.1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 3.3 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a microwave oven

- [How much does a microwave oven weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/microwave/) — 9–36 kg
- [How much does a microwave oven cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/microwave/) — 60–600 $
- [Microwave oven vs Espresso machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/espresso-machine-vs-microwave/) — Side by side
- [Microwave oven vs Stand mixer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-stand-mixer/) — Side by side
- [Microwave oven vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-microwave/) — Side by side
- [Microwave oven vs Vacuum cleaner](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-vacuum-cleaner/) — Side by side
- [Microwave oven vs Sewing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-sewing-machine/) — Side by side
- [Microwave oven vs Air fryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-fryer-vs-microwave/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a microwave oven last?

A microwave oven lasts 6–11 yr. Typical service life before replacement.

## Related pages

- [How much does a microwave oven weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/microwave/)
- [How much does a microwave oven cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/microwave/)
- [How long does a refrigerator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/refrigerator/)
- [How long does a washing machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/washing-machine/)
- [How long does a air conditioner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/air-conditioner/)
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/)
- [How long does a oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/oven/)
- [How long does a vacuum cleaner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/vacuum-cleaner/)
- [How long does a clothes dryer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/clothes-dryer/)
- [How long does a water heater last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/water-heater/)
- [How long does a freezer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/freezer/)
- [How long does a coffee machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/coffee-machine/)
- [Microwave oven vs Espresso machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/espresso-machine-vs-microwave/)
- [Microwave oven vs Stand mixer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-stand-mixer/)
- [Microwave oven vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-microwave/)
- [Microwave oven vs Vacuum cleaner](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-vacuum-cleaner/)
- [Microwave oven vs Sewing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-sewing-machine/)
- [Microwave oven vs Air fryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-fryer-vs-microwave/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)