How to Make Your Kitchen Appliance Last As Long As Possible
You should have the right tools in your kitchen. Welcome to The Guide to Outfitting Your Kitchen series , where I help you outfit your space with all the small appliances you need (and ditch the ones you don’t).
Major kitchen appliances like a new refrigerator or stove can cost a fortune. It’s not unreasonable to expect these things to last a couple of decades after dropping a few Gs, but is that time frame realistic? The last thing you want is to plan on buying a long-lasting appliance only to find yourself needing a new one 10 years ahead of schedule. Here’s how long you can expect some common kitchen appliances to last, and what to consider when buying a new one.
On my last visit to Bangkok, I expected to eat my favorite food, enjoy time with my family, and bask in the ridiculous humidity. What I didn’t expect was serious thinking about sustainability in the US. In Thailand I noticed that the household appliances, carts and motorcycles were old but worked well because the parts were replaced and the machines were inspected. after. There things are made to be taken care of, unlike in the US where I feel more and more like things are made to be disposable. This wasn’t always the case, and this shift is reflected in the lifespan of many kitchen appliances.
It’s not just you: Appliances don’t last as long as they used to.
I emailed the Refurbishment Association and learned that, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers ( AHAM ), the average lifespan of large appliances used to be 20 years, but the average has now dropped to 12 – and that’s not the case. I look up.
This change is primarily due to the computer electronics built into the device’s system (cars aren’t the only devices using computer chips these days), which can lead to big hurdles if something goes wrong. If you have a smart refrigerator and your computer has buggy software, you may not be able to fix or update it without violating your warranty or copyright rules. Some companies will only provide specialized equipment to authorized repair technicians to perform these fixes and updates, which narrows your repair options, increases wait times, or makes the device so difficult to repair that you’re better off just buying a new one. .
When it comes to small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and mixers, some companies sell replacement parts. Not just accessories like a new carafe or paddle attachment, but actual parts like couplings, mounting hardware, and internal replacement water tubes. Other companies don’t do this. This means that just one broken part can cause your entire appliance to fail ahead of schedule.
Keep these things in mind when purchasing new equipment.
If you’ve recently had an appliance break, look on the bright side – you now have the opportunity to make a smarter choice for a more durable appliance. Here are some questions to ask (yourself and your creators) to try to get the full benefit from your 20s.
Does the company sell spare parts?
You can find the answer with a little research. Companies that are open and upfront about repairs and parts will have a service and repair tab. KitchenAid even has a section on its website dedicated to do-it-yourself repairs and replacement parts . If it’s difficult to find more than simple accessories on a company’s website, it’s worth calling them to get answers or consider choosing a different brand.
Is the device heavily dependent on computer software?
If you’re considering a Wi-Fi enabled device or otherwise dependent on computer components, check to see if there’s an authorized service center near you. If there is an electronic problem, they are more likely to send a repair technician to you. It’s also worth contacting the manufacturer before purchasing to see how they handle software issues and updates.
Cleaning kits may be useful for preventive maintenance:
Does the company make it easy to care for the device?
Part of extending the life of your device is preventative maintenance. Follow regular cleaning practices recommended by the company. I prefer devices with mechanisms that are easy to disassemble for cleaning or removing dirt and that are just as easy to assemble. Check to see if the company makes cleaning kits or if there are counterfeit cleaning kits available. If you can’t get many answers on the official site, you can always go to Reddit and see if anyone has experience and advice .
New electronics don’t necessarily mean your equipment will fail prematurely, and there are a number of other factors that influence how much wear and tear your equipment will experience over time. “Average usage” may depend on how often the appliance is run and how many people it serves. The best thing you can do is try to make sure you have options when it comes time for a little maintenance.