Why modern appliances break so often and don’t last long

Whether it’s your fancy washing machine, high-tech fridge, or even a simple coffee maker, modern appliances just don’t seem to last like the ones our parents or grandparents used. But why is that? Are we just imagining things, or is there something going on with the way today’s appliances are built? Let’s find out.

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Why does it seem like modern appliances break more often?

There are several factors that impact the durability of modern appliances and their parts. Here are a few of them.

Change in materials

Many modern appliances are built with lightweight and less durable materials, like plastic, instead of the metal that was commonly found in older models. While plastic is cheaper and lighter, it’s also more prone to wear and damage over time, especially in high-stress parts like hinges, seals, and handles. This shift in materials may help manufacturers save money, but can result in an appliance that wears out faster and is less resilient to daily wear and tear.

More compact designs

To reduce shipping costs, modern appliances are designed to be lighter and more compact. This can lead to closer fits and tighter tolerances between parts, which can make them more prone to breaking during regular use. The demand for sleeker, more compact designs can also mean fewer structural reinforcements, which can leave appliances more vulnerable to issues like cracks, warping, and premature part failures.

Outsourced & cheaper production

The production of many appliance parts has been outsourced to third-party manufacturers — many in other countries — that focus on minimizing costs. These suppliers often produce parts at a fraction of the cost of in-house production, but the downside is often lower-quality parts. Parts that are cheaply produced may lack durability or be more prone to defects or recalls.

“Smart” demands

With the rise of digital controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smart features, many modern appliances are now equipped with complex electronic parts. These features can be very convenient, but they also add more points of potential failure. It’s also more difficult to diagnose problems with these complex systems than with simpler, mechanical ones, which can lead to longer repair times and increased repair costs.

Throwaway designs

Some manufacturers design or change appliances to limit repair options. For instance, some parts may be permanently sealed, making them impossible to access or repair without specialized tools or knowledge. Others may discontinue replacement parts for models after just a few years. This “throwaway” design approach encourages consumers to replace appliances rather than repair them, leading to higher long-term costs for owners, increased profits for manufacturers and more production of new units.

Lack of quality control or testing

As companies rush to release new models and stay competitive, quality control and testing may be reduced. The push for quicker production cycles often means that appliances undergo very basic or minimal testing, which makes it more likely that issues will appear after a few years of use. Reduced quality control can result in more frequent recalls, part failures, safety hazards and general dissatisfaction for consumers.

Overuse by consumers

In many households, appliances are used more frequently than in the past, and some people expect them to handle high demands. Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers may be used daily, which can put extra strain on internal parts and accelerate wear and tear. If people try to treat standard appliances as commercial ones, that can also hasten wear and tear. 

Decreased competition

Consolidation in the appliance industry has led to fewer manufacturers, which can reduce the motivation to prioritize quality products. With fewer competitors, companies may focus on maximizing profits by cutting costs in materials used, production, and design. This can have a drastic impact on the overall quality and durability of appliances.

Read more: Reduce Your Energy Bill with These 6 Easy Home Tasks

How often do appliances typically break down?

The frequency of breakdowns for large household appliances can vary based on usage, maintenance, brand, and age. Here’s a general idea of how often large appliances may break down or need repairs:

• Refrigerators: Breakdowns are fairly common after 8-10 years, especially models that have features like ice makers, water dispensers, and smart technology. Compressors, condenser coils, and defrost systems are some of the most common points of failure.
• Washing machines: Washing machines often need repairs around the 5-7-year mark. Some of the most common parts that need to be replaced include the motor, pump, and control board. 
• Dryers: Electric dryers generally last around 8-12 years, while gas dryers tend to last longer. 
• Dishwashers: Dishwashers tend to have problems within 5-7 years, especially if they’re used every day. Many units eventually experience problems with the pump, heating element, or control panel.
• Ovens and ranges: Gas ranges usually last longer than electric models, which generally last around 10-15 years. Electric ovens may experience more breakdowns related to heating elements, control boards, or sensors.
• Water heaters: Traditional tank water heaters often last 8-12 years before issues like sediment buildup, leaks, or thermostat failures arise. Tankless models may last up to 20 years but may need regular descaling or maintenance to prevent issues.
• HVAC systems: HVAC systems (furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, etc.) typically need repairs every 10-15 years, with maintenance (such as replacing filters and servicing coils) required more frequently to avoid premature breakdowns.

Read more: When Is It Time to Buy a New Appliance vs. Fix It?

How to avoid appliances that don’t last as long

While you can’t always prevent an appliance from breaking down, there are some things you have the power to do as a customer. 

Research before purchasing

Look for user reviews and professional opinions that comment on the appliance’s durability — not just performance. Check trusted sources for reliability ratings of various brands and models. You can also search for common complaints related to breakdowns or repairs on forums or review sites.

Buy well-known brands

Choose brands with a track record of producing durable, long-lasting products to get the most out of your model. While a lower upfront cost may be appealing, cheaper or lesser-known brands often cut corners on quality, which can cause the appliances to have shorter lifespans.

Check for warranties

It’s best to select appliances that include longer warranty periods, as they indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability. If you have the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty for a major home appliance, our technicians recommend that you buy it!

Opt for simpler models

Appliances with fewer or no “smart” features and simpler mechanics tend to last longer. The more complex the device, the more it can break. If you don’t need advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity or smart sensors, it’s best to get a model without them to reduce the incidence of repairs.

Check for replacement parts before you buy

Choose appliances that are designed to be repaired easily, with accessible parts and service manuals. You can check for replacement parts online to see if they’re available for your specific model. Brands that are known for producing parts long after the initial sale tend to be more reliable in the long term.

Read more: 5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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