How Long Do Toasters Last?


Last updated on August 31st, 2022 at 07:21 am

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Morning brings with it rays of sun shining through the curtains and a craving for coffee and a good breakfast. After putting on your slippers, you head to the kitchen to satisfy your hunger. 

Popping a slice of bread in the toaster, you then make some coffee. In a few minutes, the toast pops up and you place it on a plate and spread jam over it for a yummy breakfast. 

Although you don’t give much thought to your toaster, if you like toast, you probably use it quite often. If this is the case, then how long can you expect a toaster to last?

Toasters last for about 6 to 8 years. Some toasters are more expensive than others with more features but on average toasters only last for about this long. If you clean your toaster regularly and maintain it properly then you could help it to last longer.

Toasters are great for making toast you can spread with butter or jam or even toasted bread for sandwiches. This trusty kitchen appliance that gives you perfectly crisp toast wherever you want will eventually stop working. After so many years of use, it will be time to get a new one. 

But, how long do toasters last you ask? Well, most toasters (whether they are expensive or not) last about 6 to 8 years. This is a long time for the little appliance to be supplying your breakfast. So, don’t be too surprised if your toaster won’t toast as good or stops working altogether after several years. 

It’s just what happens. 

Toasters can only last for so long and around 6 to 8 years is the average lifespan of a toaster.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toaster?

So, toasters don’t last past several years. This is unlike their vintage counterparts, some of which still work after many decades. But, modern toasters just don’t last as long. 

Modern toasters are made with less corrosive parts than vintage toasters but are also more fragile appliances. You should replace them. But, how often do you need to replace your toaster?

If you clean and maintain your toaster often, then it can last longer but it is recommended to replace your toaster about every 6 to 8 years. You should also replace your toaster if it isn’t working properly.

As toasters get older, they will be more prone to get crumbs in them which can be a safety hazard. The older and more used a toaster is, the more it is prone to break. This is because of all the buildup from toasting bread. 

Toasters will need to be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Over time, the heating element will fail and in order to avoid an accidental fire, it  is best to replace your toaster as soon as you notice that it is having trouble working. 

By cleaning your toaster regularly and removing all the crumbs from inside the crumb tray, you can avoid any safety hazards from the crumbs catching fire. Toasters get old just like other appliances in your home. But, the good news is that it lasts for a relatively long time.

But keep in mind that you should replace your toaster every 6 to 8 years or if it is not working properly.

According to Wirecutter, “…expect a modern toaster to last between five and 10 years. But…there are a number of other variables that can cause a toaster to give out. For instance, humid climates can accelerate heating-element corrosion, as can moisture from repeatedly toasting frozen items, like bagels or Eggo waffles. Shaking a toaster to get the crumbs out, banging it around, or sticking sharp objects into the slots can also damage the delicate heating elements or the electrical connections, causing the toaster to fail sooner. Often, it’s a combination of these things that causes a toaster to fail.”

How Do You Know When You Need A New Toaster?

A toaster uses electricity to toast slices of bread until they are crispy. You can then top them with the condiment of your choice for breakfast or even a snack. So, toasters can last for several years until they begin to experience some difficulty in how they work. 

You know eventually you will need to replace your toaster, but how do you know when you need a new one?

You will know you need a new toaster if it stops working or isn’t working properly. You will also need a new toaster if the one you have is very old because toasters only last for so long lasting an average of 6 to 8 years.

If you need to get a new toaster there are things you will notice. First, the quality of the toast that it produces will start to change. Over time, toasters experience wear and tear and its quality declines. If your toaster is burning some parts of the bread and not toasting other parts at all then it is likely time to get a new one. 

Next, there may be a more efficient toaster model available. You may even need a better toaster or one that can toast more bread at once. 

Then there’s the upkeep of the toaster, if you don’t maintain it, it will collect buildup resulting in you needing to purchase another one. 

Lastly, if your toaster is failing frequently or not working at all, then it is time to invest in another one.

The article, SIX REASONS YOU MAY NEED A NEW TOASTER explains about toasters failing by saying, “…Failures can be the result of poor-quality equipment or operating equipment that is past the end of its life. Manufacturers typically specify the life expectancy of the equipment, and it is normal for operators to continue using equipment after it has reached its end of life, especially if it’s still operational. This practice, however, eventually results in high dollar repair costs and increased downtime…”

Final Thoughts

Toasters last for about 6 to 8 years. This all depends on if they are properly cleaned and maintained because doing so can help these kitchen appliances to last longer. You should replace your toaster after this amount of time because after years of use it can start to experience failures. 

If you notice that your toaster is not working well or not working at all it is time to get a new one. If your toaster is very old, it is also time to invest in a replacement toaster. 

By replacing your toaster, you can enjoy perfectly toasted bread without worrying about any safety issues or it not working properly. Toasters don’t last forever and most will only last for about 6 to 8 years.

Hannah R.

Hey, I'm Hannah and I'm the founder of Get Eatin'.

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