How Often Should I Replace My Kitchen Appliances?

We rely on a range of electrical machines that make working in the kitchen faster and our life more comfortable. From preserving food to cooking our meals and keeping the kitchen sparkling, anyone who has responsibility for the kitchen knows how crucial these appliances are. 

Once we purchase and install kitchen equipment, we may routinely use them to serve their purpose and forget that they are machines. Often, we forget that they wear with time and require replacement. But is wear the only reason we should change kitchen appliances?  

Some of the many reasons for changing kitchen appliances 

Every kitchen appliance works differently. Of course, this depends on its make which is an indication of quality. Also, consider how often you put them to use, and how well you maintain them. These and other factors define the following six reasons for replacing your kitchen appliances. 

Faulty switches and parts

Your refrigerator, microwave, range, and dishwasher units are all high power consumers. If the burners of your stove do not turn on or you smell gas escaping, your stove may have done its average 13-15 years and needs replacement. Similarly, if you can't get your microwave's power button to start the cycle, it needs to be replaced.

Your appliance does not complete the job

Large or small kitchen appliances, you need them to perform. Here's an example.

You switch on your juicer with an assortment of fruits and a spice of nuts for your morning smoothie, and it comes out half-blended. Don't forego your tasty smoothie!. Your smoothie maker may have done 5-10 years and may not be worth repairing. Consider replacing it for a more efficient one.

Your appliance has done its lifespan

Those first two factors allude to the lifespan of any appliance. Machines wear and tear, and their efficiency depreciates. As an example, the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 13 years. But the appliance may show signs of aging earlier than expected. These may include: 

• The refrigerator does not cool food anymore
• The device makes unusual noises
• The back of the refrigerator heats and is hot to touch
• There is a buildup of frost in the freezer compartment 
• There’s water leaking from your refrigerator

Replacing your refrigerator on these signs is not only a choice pro the health of your family but it also saves on power and improves your kitchen environment.

You’ll spend more repairing the appliance than buying a new one

Some people have 'repair syndrome.' They get attached to things and find it difficult to let go. This phenomenon is common among the elderly. But the old you reflects of your younger version. If we learn the logic of separating emotional value with monetary or functional value while in our prime years, we’ll not struggle with replacing a 700-watt microwave that defrosts a piece of steak in 10 minutes with a 900-watt modern model that does the job in 2 minutes.

So, the 50/50 rule applies. If your microwave has done half its lifespan, and a repair will cost half the amount for buying a new one, replace it for Pete's sake!

You don’t like the look of your appliance anymore

Who enjoys using a kitchen appliance that makes their friends stare open-mouthed in surprise?  And not in a kind way.

Aesthetics are part of a pleasant kitchen environment, and there is no problem in desiring a modern appeal for it. Besides, going for the latest model may also mean saving energy and burning it for a lesser time because of greater appliance-efficiency. However, remember to couple the purchase of new kitchen appliances with environmentally friendly disposal methods for the old ones. That may mean delivering them for recycling.

You don’t want to put “old wine in a new bottle."

When moving to a new house, most people will opt to furnish their new home space with modern equipment, including the kitchen appliances. While this may have an aesthetic touch, it may also save you the surprise of machines that don't fail you sooner than later. Whatever precautions we take, moving appliances exerts pressure on the power box of the equipment. Opting for new kitchen appliances may be a safer choice. 

The same logic applies when you are renovating your house and want to furnish your renewed kitchen with new appliances.

Final thoughts

The timeline for changing your kitchen appliances may be determined by aesthetic and functional factors or even personal preferences. Whichever may be your case, it is essential to remember that what works for you is what's best for you. In the end, the core purpose of installing appliances in your kitchen is to improve your life.