When to Replace Appliances: A Kitchen Guide

When should you replace appliances in your kitchen? Most appliances should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, or sooner if they’re leaking, underperforming, or driving up your energy bill. 

Even the most durable appliances, despite proper cleaning and maintenance, have a defined lifespan. Sooner or later, you’ll need to invest in replacements or repairs to keep everything in good working order and your kitchen running smoothly.

This Redfin guide breaks down exactly when to replace appliances in your kitchen so you can plan upgrades and avoid costly surprises.

When do you need a new dishwasher?

Replace every 10 years

For many households, dishwashers are indispensable, offering a valuable and long-lasting way to reduce cleanup and keep the kitchen tidy. However, dishwashers become old, break down, and require replacement.

If you start seeing these signs of wear and tear issues,  it may be time to invest in a repairman or even a  new dishwasher:

• Rust on the exterior
• Standing water in your dishwasher
• A door that doesn’t properly latch or lock
• Leaking water on the floor under the unit
• Dishes that are spotty or dirty after a wash cycle

In some cases, a repair or parts replacement can fix these issues, but most of the time, a full replacement is the best option. 

How long do refrigerators last?

Replace every 10 to 15 years

It’s hard to imagine living in a modern home without a refrigerator, which is why prompt repairs or replacements are necessary. When refrigerator parts start to decline, it can cause numerous issues, including spoiled food, wasted money, and the risk of bacterial growth.

These signs can be indicative of a need for a replacement:

• Excessive condensation
• A motor that runs too hot
• Food that spoils faster than normal
• Excess energy use with no changes in habits
• A loud motor
• Uneven cooling, including freezing within the fridge space

When is a new stovetop and oven essential?

Replace every 10 years

Cooking is virtually impossible without a functional stovetop or oven, but this staple kitchen appliance doesn’t last forever. 

Like most kitchen appliances, a lifespan of 10 years or more isn’t uncommon. However, if you’re seeing signs of trouble and your stove is more than a decade old, replacement is most likely the right choice, especially if:

• The glass is cracked
• One or more burners won’t light, or won’t heat properly
• The oven heats unevenly
• Preheating takes longer than usual
• Burners are uneven

When is a new garbage disposal needed?

Replace every 8 to 12 years

Unlike most appliances, you can’t easily spot wear and tear on your garbage disposal. If yours frequently jams, clogs, makes unusual noises, or needs frequent resets, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. A persistent bad smell, water leaks, or poor grinding performance are also signs it’s time for a replacement. 

When should I replace microwaves and other small appliances?

Replace as needed – Every 5 years at the latest

Unlike large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers, most smaller appliances typically won’t last a decade. You may need to replace things like microwaves on a more accelerated basis.

Microwave

Your microwave should last for at least five years, but inexpensive models may only last one to two years. Signs such as smoke, sparks, burning smells, improperly cooked food, suspicious sounds, and trouble with controls often indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Microwaves can be repaired, but a new microwave is usually a better deal, with prices averaging around $100 or less.

Toasters

Toasters and toaster ovens can be essential for convenience and easy cooking, particularly for meals that don’t require the time commitment of preheating the oven. However, like microwaves, these items aren’t meant to last longer than around five years, either. 

If you see sparks or smoke, experience uneven cooking, or smell strong metallic scents, it’s time for kitchen updates and potentially a replacement.

Stand mixers

Stand mixers can make baking fast and simple, but they’re a significant investment, and most people are hesitant to make a replacement purchase. Little things, such as worn gears, may require simple part repairs that you can do yourself, but bigger problems, like cracked stands, power issues, or strange odors, usually entail a new unit.

Before replacing, be sure to check the warranty. Some units may come with long-term protection that allows you to minimize or eliminate the cost of replacement.

Air fryer

Most air fryers last between 3 and 5 years with regular use. If you notice uneven cooking, longer preheat times, a faulty timer, or a burning smell, it may be time for a replacement. 

While basic maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air fryer, replacing it ensures you’re cooking efficiently and safely.

When to throw away non-stick pans

Replace every 5 years

Pots and pans, particularly non-stick varieties, should be part of your regularly scheduled kitchen updates. Based on the chemicals used to manufacture the non-stick surface, non-stick pots and pans shouldn’t be used for more than five years. If there are any scratches or the surface begins to peel, replacement should be expedited.

When to replace other household appliances

Beyond the kitchen, other major household appliances can quietly drive up costs as they age. In fact, the average U.S. household spends around $1,800 per year on energy bills, much of which is attributed to outdated or inefficient systems. 

FAQs about replacing kitchen appliances

What is the most expensive kitchen appliance to replace?
Refrigerators and stoves are the most costly due to their size and functionality.

Does replacing appliances influence a home’s value?
Yes, modern appliances are a significant selling point in real estate listings.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace kitchen appliances? 

It depends. If the repair costs more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is usually the better option.

Can old appliances increase your energy bill?
Yes. As appliances age, they become less efficient and use more energy. New models, like ENERGY STAR-certified ones, are designed to use less power, so upgrading can reduce your utility costs.

Which kitchen appliance breaks down the most?
Dishwashers and microwaves tend to have the shortest lifespans and highest failure rates.

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