Smaller or simpler items tend to be more variable, and how often they\u2019re used, how they\u2019re maintained and whether spare parts are easily available all affect longevity.<\/p>\n
Appliances you can often keep for decades<\/p>\n
Some product categories have changed very little in core function over the years. For these, newer models may offer extra bells and whistles but not fundamentally better performance.<\/p>\n
The good old trusty stand mixer is an appliance that withstands the test of time. Photo \/ Sarah Ivey<\/p>\n
Irons, basic microwaves<\/a> and food mixers fall into this group. These appliances rely on straightforward heating or mechanical components and tend to have fewer electronic parts that can fail.<\/p>\n Consumer NZ spokesperson Bryan Wall says longevity often comes down to what happens after purchase. <\/p>\n \u201cAppliances that last longer usually have strong repair networks behind them. That includes access to spare parts and technicians with brand-specific knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n Owner behaviour matters too. <\/p>\n \u201cIf a consumer is happy with the performance, function and look of a product, they\u2019re more likely to maintain and service it, extending its lifespan. It\u2019s very much like a prized car that\u2019s looked after by its satisfied owner.\u201d<\/p>\n Other relatively low-tech appliances such as kettles, toasters and stand mixers also fit this pattern. While newer versions may offer digital displays or cosmetic changes, the core function hasn\u2019t changed enough to justify replacing a working older model in many cases.<\/p>\n Appliances that are usually worth upgrading<\/p>\n Other categories have seen real improvements in efficiency, performance and everyday usability.<\/p>\n Washing machines are a clear example. <\/p>\n \u201cMany newer washing machines now include smart functionality that reminds you when servicing or cleaning is required, or alerts you to faults \u2013 sometimes even via an app,\u201d Wall says.<\/p>\n Dishwashers have also improved significantly over recent years, with better water efficiency, quieter operation and more effective drying than many older models. Meanwhile, modern vacuum cleaners offer stronger suction, improved filtration and better performance on pet hair and hard floors compared with older units.<\/p>\n These upgrades aren\u2019t just about flashy features \u2013 they can reduce running costs, improve results and make everyday chores quicker and easier.<\/p>\n That said, not every \u201csmart\u201d feature is worth paying for. <\/p>\n \u201cThere seems to be an abundance of new smart functionality added to appliances,\u201d Wall says. \u201cYou might feel like you\u2019re missing out, but do you really need a smart dustbin, cooktop or fridge? Often, smart functions are a waste of time.\u201d<\/p>\n What about technology becoming obsolete?<\/p>\n Some appliances are affected not by mechanical wear but by software and support obsolescence. Consumer NZ has noted that appliances with connected or app-based features can age faster in terms of usability when software support ends or compatibility changes, even if the hardware remains sound. This is an added reason to be cautious about over-valuing \u201csmart\u201d upgrades that may not be supported long term.<\/p>\n Practical factors to consider: repair or replace?<\/p>\n Before writing off an appliance, Consumer NZ recommends a pragmatic checklist.<\/p>\n \u201cStart by thinking about how long you\u2019ve had the appliance and realistically how much longer it may last,\u201d Wall says. Ask yourself if other components are likely to fail soon.<\/p>\n Then check costs and logistics. <\/p>\n \u201cTalk to spare parts suppliers and service centres for estimates. If parts aren\u2019t available in New Zealand, what\u2019s the lead time? If a washing machine part is going to take four months to arrive, you\u2019ll need another way to wash clothes in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n Efficiency should also factor into your decision. <\/p>\n \u201cConsider whether newer models are significantly more efficient or perform much better. If the improvement is substantial, it may not be worth keeping the old one.\u201d<\/p>\n And don\u2019t ignore the environmental cost of sending a still-functional appliance to landfill.<\/p>\n Warranties versus your consumer rights<\/p>\n Many Kiwis assume that once an appliance is outside its manufacturer\u2019s warranty, there\u2019s no recourse when it fails. That\u2019s not the case.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Consumer Guarantees Act doesn\u2019t currently stipulate an expected lifespan for product types,\u201d Wall says. \u201cPeople don\u2019t realise that an appliance that fails just outside the two-year manufacturer\u2019s warranty may still be covered under the CGA.\u201d<\/p>\n Warranties are often more convenient because they shift the burden of proof, but they\u2019re not the only protection you have.<\/p>\n Does paying more up front guarantee a longer lifespan?<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t assume a higher price means best quality,\u201d Wall says. \u201cOur product tests often find that cheaper brands can outperform the expensive ones.\u201d <\/p>\n What matters more is long-term support. <\/p>\n \u201cAny manufacturer who supports their products with readily available spare parts and service documentation is going to have products that last longer,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Not all appliances benefit from constant upgrading. Knowing which category your appliance falls into can save money, reduce waste and help Kiwi households make smarter replacement decisions.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the approximate lifespan for my household appliances?<\/p>\n (Estimates vary by brand, usage and maintenance, but these are typical ranges cited by Consumer NZ and related NZ research.)<\/p>\n Fridge\/freezer: about 10-15 yearsChest freezer: around 10-20 yearsOven\/cooker: roughly 13-15 yearsCooktop\/hob: about 10-15 yearsDishwasher: around 9-10 yearsWashing machine: about 10 yearsClothes dryer: roughly 10-11 yearsRangehood: about 10-14 yearsMicrowave: roughly 8-10 yearsVacuum cleaner: about 8-10 years (often longer for well-maintained uprights)Television: around 7-8 yearsSmall appliances (kettles, toasters, coffee machines): typically 5-10 years<\/p>\n Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she\u2019s shared some helpful advice recently, including how to prep your barbecue<\/a> for summer grilling, gourmet hacks for elevating budget ingredients<\/a> and what toppings to choose for different crackers<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Smaller or simpler items tend to be more variable, and how often they\u2019re used, how they\u2019re maintained and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":293283,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[36671,95,29766,37364,38501,138,9060,36729,1872,9872,2082,27892,29012,194,685,5829,111,139,69,48211,42917,4514,3271,1361,223,2044,14043,1316,197],"class_list":{"0":"post-293282","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-always","9":"tag-and","10":"tag-appliance","11":"tag-appliances","12":"tag-breaks","13":"tag-business","14":"tag-decades","15":"tag-dilemma","16":"tag-face","17":"tag-finally","18":"tag-for","19":"tag-household","20":"tag-households","21":"tag-kiwi","22":"tag-last","23":"tag-many","24":"tag-new-zealand","25":"tag-newzealand","26":"tag-nz","27":"tag-ones","28":"tag-repair","29":"tag-same","30":"tag-should","31":"tag-that","32":"tag-the","33":"tag-time","34":"tag-upgrade","35":"tag-when","36":"tag-you"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293282\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/293283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Newer vacuum cleaners often come with added health benefits from advancements in filtration. Photo \/ 123RF<\/p>\n