Give your kitchen appliances some TLC, and they will give it back for longer.
Kitchen appliances take lots of heavy work off our hands, especially those that consume most of our time in the kitchen (I’m not talking about eating, though). So, when your kitchen appliance malfunctions, it’s incredibly frustrating and expensive.
Like the other major appliances that you have at home, kitchen appliances are also big and significant purchases that you can’t easily dispose of. So, it’s really understandable to want to extend the lifespan of your kitchen workhorses.
Here are some tips to boost efficiency and make the most of your kitchen appliances’ lifespan.
How Long Do Appliances Last?
Most major kitchen appliances last for about 15 years. Small to medium kitchen appliances typically last 3-5 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they can extend their life expectancy up to 10 years. This depends on the quality of the appliance, how it is used, and how it is maintained.
Many appliances undergo regular maintenance and can be repaired to preserve their lifespan. Here is a breakdown of the average life expectancy of your kitchen appliances:
|
Major Appliance |
Average Lifespan |
|
Refrigerator |
13 years |
|
Dishwasher |
9-10 years |
|
Oven |
13-15 years |
|
Microwave oven |
9 years |
|
Kitchen hob |
13-15 years |
|
Chest Freezer |
11 years |
Major kitchen appliances are designed to handle heavy tasks and constant usage. Appliances like refrigerators typically have long lifespans and may only require component repairs when damaged. Compact appliances, on the other hand, have shorter lifespans.
As for the oven lifespan, gas ovens may last slightly longer than electric ones. Proper care and avoiding overloading are key to maximising an oven's operational lifespan.
|
Kitchen Appliance |
Average Lifespan |
|
Coffee machine |
5 years |
|
Air fryer |
2-3 years |
|
Blender |
3-5 years |
|
Stand mixer |
10 years |
|
Juicer |
5-7 years |
|
Toaster |
6-8 years |
|
Electric kettle |
4-5 years |
|
Rice cooker |
3-8 years |
Depending on the frequency of usage, small to medium-size kitchen appliances can last from two years to 10 years. More sophisticated kitchen appliances are also expected to handle heavier tasks without breaking down easily.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Kitchen Appliances
Here are some simple steps that you can follow to preserve the lifespan of your favourite kitchen appliances.
Read and Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Many of us are guilty of skipping the manufacturer’s manual when buying a new kitchen appliance. However, carefully reading the manual is one way to make the most of your kitchen workhorse. In the end, the best way to prolong the lifespan of your investment is to use it correctly.
The manufacturer’s manual will help you understand how it is used and maintained to improve its longevity. This can also ensure your safety when using the appliance.
Clean Your Appliances Regularly
Cleaning the home is one thing; cleaning the appliances is another. We all have a long to-do list when it comes to maintaining our homes, and maintaining our kitchen appliances should be one of them. You’ll be surprised at how advantageous having clean and well-maintained appliances is.
Proper cleaning can boost the energy efficiency of electric appliances. It can also prolong their lives and ensure your safety. Not to mention, clean appliances are so pleasing to see.
First, make sure that all your appliances, from the microwave oven to the refrigerator, are free from dust.
Dust can block the air circulation within the appliance and cause it to overheat and malfunction. Dirt and grease can also build up in your appliance and corrode its materials.
Prevent future hassles and costly repairs by cleaning the components of your appliance after each use and deep cleaning the whole unit every month.
Note: Do not use abrasive tools and harsh chemicals when cleaning your kitchen appliances.
Avoid Over-Usage
Kitchen appliances make our daily cooking and food prep tasks lighter. However, heavy usage of the appliance can take a toll on its quality and cause it to break down. To extend the lifespan of your kitchen appliance, sometimes the best way is to turn it off and let it cool down.
Use the Right Kitchen Accessories
Some kitchen appliances, like blenders, juicers, and mixers, require attachments to work more efficiently. When using these appliances, make sure to get the right attachments for the task or recipe. You can check the manufacturer’s manual, the recipe, or browse the internet to understand what accessories are recommended for the recipe.
When mixing ingredients with a blender or stand mixer, be more mindful of the pressure that you exert on the appliance. For instance, if you are making bread dough with your stand mixer, be sure to only exert the right amount of pressure to prevent your appliance from being damaged.
Use the Right Dish Soap for Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is a helpful yet overlooked appliance that also needs some care. This is where the manufacturer’s manual especially comes in handy. When using your dishwasher, use the right kind of soap to prevent clogging and potential problems with your dishwasher. Doing this can also improve the efficiency of your hardworking appliance.
Schedule Regular Servicing and Maintenance
Even the best appliances in Singapore can break down. Luckily, kitchen appliances are made from high-quality materials that are meant to stand the test of time. To preserve the quality and efficiency of your kitchen appliances, be sure to have them professionally checked regularly, especially major kitchen appliances.
Some appliances, like coffee machines, require regular descaling to remove the mineral buildup, clear blockages, and improve the efficiency of your appliance. A refrigerator also needs defrosting to prevent ice buildup.
When to Replace Your Appliance
If you’ve done all the things above and still have a problem with your appliance, it is best to ask for the help of professionals to determine the underlying issues and make the necessary repairs.
If your kitchen appliance is old enough or is nearing the end of its lifespan, it will be more practical to have it replaced, especially if it requires a hefty repair. Even if there are still a few more years left on your appliance, it's a good idea to start saving money and planning for your next appliance purchase. This is to make sure that you get the best one when it’s already time for a replacement.
Takeaway
The best way to make sure that your appliances will last for a long time is to buy high-quality appliances. The next important thing to do is to use them properly and keep them clean and well-maintained.
Every kitchen appliance has a pre-defined lifespan, but you can get the most out of it with a little bit of effort on your end.
Megafurniture is passionate when it comes to improving the comfort of your home. That's why we offer the best furniture, appliances, and home essentials at affordable prices! If you are ready to repurpose your kitchen with new appliances, be sure to check out our collection of kitchen appliances from your trusted brands in Singapore!