How Long Should A Dishwasher Really Last?

On average, it can cost between $400 to $700 to buy a new dishwasher. For many people, they're an investment that makes life a little bit easier. However, they're also not cheap, so when you buy a new dishwasher, you want to know that it'll last. To help you understand if you purchased a quality machine or a lemon, here is how long a dishwasher should operate before needing to be replaced.

Clark Howard notes that the durability of your dishwasher is dependent on what kind of brand you buy.  While most dishwashers generally last around 10 years, Miele claims to last up to 20 years, while Kenmore typically lasts 13 years. That's a huge difference. Mr. Appliance confirms these estimates, writing that dishwashers usually last between nine to 16 years. While it's difficult to know for sure how long your dishwasher will run, it is much more likely to last 16 years if you take care of it.

The frequency that you use your dishwasher can also affect its shelf life. Durability Matters explains that the average household loads their dishwasher around five times a week, but if you use it less often, then you're less likely to inflict wear and tear. Similarly, if you service minor repairs quickly, then your dishwasher will likely stand the test of time.

The sole purpose of your dishwasher is to clean your plates and dishes. However, Which? writes that cleaning your dishwasher can be key to its longevity. The consumer website recommends cleaning your dishwasher's filter and door seals weekly, while topping off your dishwasher salt and rinse aid monthly. You should also remove and clean the dishwasher's spray arms every six months, and run the dishwasher on hot with nothing inside it. You might consider investing in dishwasher detergent for this task to ensure that you get rid of any residual dirt or grime.

Cascade notes that doing a monthly once-over maintenance check can help you stay on top of necessary repairs. It's much better to fix a problem quickly than let it compound into something serious. Durability Matters explains that it may seem like a lot of work to check your dishwasher regularly, but it can prevent neglect.

It can be difficult to know when to invest in a new dishwasher, especially if your appliance is still running. Currys warns that if your plates come out of the dishwasher cold, it may indicate that your dishwasher isn't running effectively, and you need to invest in another. Similarly, if your drain is repeatedly getting blocked or you've noticed a leak, then it might be time for an upgrade. Lastly, if the door on your dishwasher no longer closes, it may be a sign that your dishwasher door has warped and the appliance needs to be replaced. 

The Spruce explains that when you're looking for a new dishwasher, there's a multitude of things you should consider. Not only do you need to ensure that the dishwasher is big enough for your household, but that it will also fit in your kitchen. Similarly, you may want to look into how energy efficient it is. It is also good to note whether it has special features (such as silent load features), or if it offers any quality guarantees.