What is the average life span of kitchen appliances?

The average lifespan for a dishwasher or garbage disposal is 10 years, 14 to 17 years for a refrigerator and 11 years for a microwave, according to a 1998 report from the National Association of Home Builders. For a gas range, the average lifespan is 19 years.

An electric range has a slightly longer average lifespan at 17 years. Water softeners and water filtration systems can extend the life of appliances that use water, according to GE's Terry Dunn. He also recommends cleaning condenser coils on refrigerators once a year and keeping the interior of the oven free from heavy grease buildup to extend the lifespan of these appliances.