If you’ve been wondering how long dishwashers last, then you’re in the right place, as we explain how many years you can expect to get out of these handy appliances and give you the tell-tale signs of when to get a new one. Plus discover tips and tricks to keep your dishwasher in tip-top condition for as long as possible.
Whether you’re in the market for one of the best dishwashers or if you need to know how long your current appliance is likely to last, we’ve got you covered.
Dishwashers are some of the most heavily used appliances in our homes, and it’s fair to say they’ve come a long way from the very first dishwasher machines. The earliest dishwasher was invented in 1850 by Joel Houghton. It consisted of a wooden box and a wheel, which, when you turned it, would rinse water over the dishes.
Whilst such an invention, would have, at the time no doubt been a luxury and a relief to many, these days, we are accustomed to slightly more sophisticated dishwashers, to say the least.
Thankfully, there’s no longer the need for manual labor each time we need to do the dishes, and brands are more frequently looking to AI and smart technology to improve dishwasher models.
So, how long can consumers expect dishwashers to last and what can we do to ensure the longevity of our machines?
How long do dishwashers last?
Dishwashers typically last between 10 and 15 years, with regular use and careful maintenance. Some dishwashers can last as long as 20 years, depending on the brand, make, and model, as well as the regularity of use, and how well the machine is cared for.
For most brands, you can expect a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. Occasionally, the odd model will inevitably end up being a faulty machine, however, aside from manufacturing defects, a dishwasher's lifespan may also be shortened if proper care, attention, and maintenance are not given to the general upkeep of the machine.
Discover how to clean a dishwasher to keep your machine in the best possible condition.
Do more expensive dishwashers last longer?
It's not necessarily true that a more expensive dishwasher will last longer than a more affordable dishwasher.
A more expensive dishwasher may be priced higher than a cheaper model simply because of the brand that manufactures it, or often because it’s packed full with more features than you’d get with a cheaper and more basic model.
While an expensive dishwasher might give you more functions to play with, the price doesn’t dictate how long it lasts.
Many well-known brands including Samsung, LG, GE, Miele, and Bosch are industry leaders and are renowned for being experts in dishwashing technology. These well-known brands are also often the first to experiment with innovative technologies and smart features, as well as forerunners in the energy-efficiency market, tailoring the specifics of each model to be energy-star-rated machines.
You may pay a premium by choosing to purchase a model by one of those acclaimed brands, above a lesser-known manufacturer. Many of the models manufactured by these popular brands also offer AI technology and smart features which are highly sought after in the market, and more expensive to manufacture, leading to inflated price points. The price will also be increased with energy-star-rated models, as the strict criteria for energy-efficiency is costly to achieve.
Depending upon your lifestyle and preferences, you may benefit from some of those smart features, and for others, they may not be particularly relevant.
What is notable is that newer and more energy-efficient models may perform better, on a regular basis, and conserve energy more effectively, leading to a longer-lasting performance than slightly older and cheaper models.
When should I replace my dishwasher?
If your dishes come out of the dishwasher and still aren’t clean, it’s easy to assume the machine is broken, but often, it just needs a good cleaning.
However, if the dishes don’t come out hot, as soon as the cycle finishes, it’s a sign that the dishwasher isn’t heating. That alone can normally be fixed by a specialist, but when other issues start to pile up, it’s often more affordable to replace the appliance instead.
Other signs that show your dishwasher hasn’t got long left include rusting, cracks, water leaks, the racks snapping, and faults with the door. It is important to remember, however, that if just one of these things occurs, it could be worth repairing the machine instead, as this could be cheaper and kinder to the environment.
On the flip side, if you’ve got a huge list of issues and the dishwasher is well over 10 years old, technicians may struggle to find the appropriate replacement parts, and with labor costs, it might not be worth it to get it repaired.
If your dishwasher is on the way out, read our advice on how to dispose of a dishwasher.
How to make your dishwasher last longer?
- Clean it regularly
- Don’t wash really greasy items in your dishwasher
- Wait until the dishwasher is full to put it on
- Be careful with the door
- Avoid overfilling
- Stack items carefully according to design layout and instructions
- Consult the manufacturers guidelines to care for your machine
Nobody wants to be constantly splashing out on new appliances, so it’s well worth reading up on how to make yours last as long as possible.
One of the most common causes of dishwashers stopping working is when they haven’t been cleaned properly. Large pieces of food can get stuck in the filter, along with oil, grime, and debris, and the water jet arms can get clogged up over time - especially if you live somewhere with hard water.
Cleaning your dishwasher once a month will help to get rid of food residue and prevent any bad odors.
The filters on your dishwasher will need regular attention so that the machine can still clean properly, but it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s manual that came with your appliance for specific instructions. For more handy tips, head to our feature covering how to clean a dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
You can use your dishwasher to clean a whole range of household items. In fact, we found 9 surprising things you can sanitize in your dishwasher.
However, don’t be tempted to place things that are really greasy in your dishwasher because the grease can damage the machine. Always scrape off any large pieces of food into the bin and rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Reduce wear and tear on your dishwasher by waiting until it’s full before you put the machine on. This will also be more economical than putting the dishwasher on all the time for smaller loads. Be sure to stack the machine properly, according to the intended design.
While the dishwasher door might look like a fun place for children or pets to climb on, try to avoid this as much as possible, as it can snap the door hinges, which can be a costly repair job.
Finally, be sure to avoid overfilling your dishwasher because this can cause it to overheat. Plus, you’ll likely end up with a few items that are not quite clean if the hot water can’t reach all sides of the bowls and plates.
