Why does my microwave heat food unevenly?

Usually a weak magnetron or a broken turntable motor.

Is a sparking microwave dangerous?

Yes. Stop using it and have it looked at, or replace it. Sparking usually means damage inside the cavity.

Should I repair or replace a microwave?

A countertop microwave is almost always cheaper to replace. Built-ins are worth a repair quote.

Make it last

How long does a microwave last, and how do you extend it?

Updated July 2026Reviewed by the HomesBrain team

Written for Florida homes, St. Johns County first

Kitchen and laundry

+0years

Maintained lasts 11 years, left alone about 8. That gap is yours to keep.

Left alone

8 yrs

Maintained

11 yrs

Quick answer

A microwave typically lasts about 8 to 11 years. Keeping the door and interior clean, and not running it empty, is most of the maintenance.

Two lifespans

Left alone

8yrs

Maintained

11yrs

You gain

years

Source: InterNACHI: Florida life expectancy chart

The risk you can't see

Failing door seals can leak, and running it empty damages the magnetron; mostly a replace item, but never run it empty.

HomesBrain remembers it, and warns you before it's due.

Your record tracks its age so the fix happens before the failure.

Overview

A microwave is the shortest-lived kitchen appliance. There is not much to service on one, so the goal is to avoid the things that kill it early, like a damaged door seal or running it empty.

The maintenance that buys you the years

Clean spills inside
High impact
As they happen
Splatter absorbs energy and eventually damages the interior coating.
Keep the door and hinges clean and undamaged
High impact
Ongoing
A damaged door seal is a safety issue, not just a cosmetic one.
Never run it empty
High impact
Always
With nothing to absorb the energy, the magnetron can burn out.
Clean or replace the vent filter (over-the-range models)
Medium impact
Every few months
A grease-clogged filter stresses the fan and the electronics.