No dishwasher can ever last forever. Though we depend on our dishwashers to be by our sides for years at a time, there will inevitably come a time when your trusty dishwasher will have to be swapped out for a new and shiny model.

But, parting with your dishwasher is never easy. As such, you’ll want to be sure it’s beyond its best before sourcing out a replacement. But how often should you aim to replace a dishwasher? Do dishwashers only last for a set amount of time? What happens if you keep using a dishwasher past that time frame?

If you’re having trouble deciding whether to replace your dishwasher, then we hope this guide can provide you with some direction. Join us down below to find out how often dishwashers ought to be replaced!

How Often Should You Replace A Dishwasher?

Dishwashers usually tend to last for around 10 years before they encounter catastrophic issues that impact their function. As such, most people believe that a dishwasher should be replaced around every 10 years.

However, there are many cases in which a dishwasher can continue working perfectly even well after passing the 10-year mark. Thus, it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule that your dishwasher must be replaced after reaching 10 years of age.

The 10-year mark can be a great indicator that a dishwasher is on its last legs, but it does not mean that it necessarily needs to be replaced just yet. If you have a 10-year-old dishwasher that’s still working just fine, then by all means keep using it!

Dishwashers usually last around 10 years, so many people assume that a dishwasher should be replaced every 10 years. However, many dishwashers can continue working well beyond the 10-year mark!

There is no set frequency with which you should be replacing a dishwasher. While dishwashers do tend to last only around 10 years, they can easily outlast this. Instead of replacing your perfectly functional dishwasher as soon as it turns 10, hold onto it. Replace it only when the cost of repairs outweigh the cost of a replacement!

Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Dishwasher?

When a dishwasher begins to show signs of failure, there are two options that you can take. You can either replace the older dishwasher with a new one or repair the error of the older dishwasher. Your decision between these two options will most likely depend on the age of the machine, and the cost of each option.

Generally speaking, the older a dishwasher is, the more likely it is to fail. Older dishwashers are also much harder and much more expensive to repair. If your dishwasher is over 10 years old, then it’s best to replace it, rather than repair it.

If you have an older dishwasher that needs to be repaired, you might save more money by replacing it. If the dishwasher is still young, and the damage is minor, then you might save more by opting for repairs!

If your dishwasher is younger than 10 years, then it might be more worthwhile to source repairs. Newer dishwashers are much easier and much less costly to repair.

When considering repairs, it’s always best to compare the cost of the service to the cost of a brand-new dishwasher. If the damage to an older dishwasher is only minor, then it may actually cost less to opt for repairs!

What Should You Look For In A Replacement Dishwasher?

Good Size And Capacity

If you’re planning to grab a new dishwasher to take up the space occupied by an older model, you’ll need to make sure that the new model fits perfectly into the space. Be sure to measure the space you plan to insert the new model, and then compare those measurements against the dishwasher’s dimensions.

When looking at the size of your new dishwasher, you’ll also need to consider the internal dimensions. Be sure that there’s plenty of space for all of your dishes, and that every inch of space is made use of!

Energy Efficiency Features

Replacing your dishwasher is a great excuse to upgrade to a shiny new energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient dishwashers are now much more readily available, at much fairer prices. The greatest benefit of energy-efficient dishwashers (aside from saving the planet) is that they can help you to save on your monthly energy bills!

Modern Features!

Dishwashers are now packed with far more extra features than ever before. When replacing your dishwasher, it’s a good idea to take your time and look through some of these features. Modern dishwasher features can include more specific cleaning cycle types, or specialised water jets that can target those hard-to-reach areas in your water bottles!

These features will often increase the overall cost of a dishwasher, but they can help to make your washing far more efficient!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Replace Your Dishwasher?

Dishwashers tend to last for around 10 years. However, this does not mean that you should simply chuck your dishwasher away as soon as it reaches 10. If your dishwasher keeps working even after pushing past 10 years, then there’s no reason to replace it. Simply replace it once the unit goes beyond the point of repair!

Can A Dishwasher Last 20 Years?

Though it does not happen often, there have been cases of dishwashers lasting up to 20 years! However, for a dishwasher to reach a full 20 years, it would need to be well cared for. Your dishwasher is instead far more likely to reach 10 years before it breaks down!

Is It Worth Fixing A 12-Year-Old Dishwasher?

This will depend on the extent of the repair job. If it is an incredibly minor repair, then you may not have to spend too much. However, more extensive damage to a 12-year-old dishwasher will be more costly and difficult to repair. In such a case, it would be better to instead simply replace the dishwasher with a new model.