What's the Life Expectancy of Small Appliances?

You use them every day. They’re some of the most indispensable items in your home. They’re your small appliances, and they won’t last forever. We can help you gauge the average life expectancy of several of the most common—and valued—small household appliances.

Toaster

Whether you’re using it to warm up a quick breakfast pastry or perfect a slice of wheat toast, you count on your toaster to deliver the goods. While toasters can range in price and features, most toasters have an average lifespan from six to eight years. You can extend the life of your appliance by cleaning it regularly to remove excess breadcrumbs and additional food particles. Just be sure the appliance is unplugged from any electricity and cooled after use before attempting any cleaning. 

Related: Lifespan of Modern Home Appliances

Toaster Oven

A good toaster oven can be an unheralded hero of a kitchen. Taking up to 1/2 to 1/3 the energy of conventional, electrical ovens, a toaster oven is a great, energy-conscious way to cook up smaller meals. With a range of sizes and options, the average lifespan of a toaster oven is up to five years. Regular cleaning can help you avoid food build up and increase the life expectancy. Looking for more advice, cleaning tips and recipes? We can help you get even more from your toaster oven. 

Microwave

When it comes to convenience, the microwave oven changed the game. Luckily, their life expectancy comes in at a pretty solid nine years, so you can enjoy lots of hastily-heated burritos and bags of popcorn. Microwaves can come with a variety of features and range anywhere from $100 for a generic, counter-top model to $2,000 for a sleek, built-in. That’s not all, learn more about our favorite cleaning and maintenance tips for microwaves. 

Coffee Maker

Depending on your level of caffeine addiction, the coffee maker can be considered one of the most indispensable appliances in your home.  When a steaming hot cup of coffee is a requirement of your morning routine, you don’t want to fathom waiting in line at a drive-thru. Get the most out of your machine by selecting an appliance with minimal moving parts. A basic drip coffee machine can last seven years while a conventional French press can go ten+ years, no problem. 

Vacuum

A dustpan and a broom will only get you so far, then you have to call in the vacuum. The good news is that a common vacuum can last up to eight years on average. If you are reserved in your vacuum use and don’t punish it too much, you can stretch those eight years into ten or more. You can add additional time to the lifespan of your vacuum by cleaning you attachments regularly. Be sure to check the beater bar for any especially clingy carpet fibers or debris. These items can be cut loose with scissors. 

All Good Things…

Eventually, your appliances are going to stop working. When it comes time to replace your larger, more expensive appliances, be sure to consider the length and coverage of the warranty. Taking a few moments of research can turn you into a smart and savvy homeowner. Additionally, you can totally eliminate the worry about the life expectancy of your appliances with a home warranty from American Home Shield. With flexible plans and pricing to fit your budget. 

AHS offers Appliance Warranties and protection plans.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.