What is the average life of a GE microwave is 7 to 10 years with normal residential use and proper maintenance, which is near industry average for microwaves of 7 to 10 years and similar to Whirlpool microwaves. Countertop models like JES1097SMSS 1.1 cubic feet and over-the-range models like JVM6175SKSS 1.7 cubic feet average 7 to 10 years because they use magnetron, high voltage diode, and control board designed for 3 to 5 uses per day. Life depends heavily on usage frequency, cleaning, and power surges. A family using microwave 10 times per day for reheating will wear out magnetron faster at 6 to 8 years than household using microwave 2 to 3 times per day that may last 9 to 10 years. Not cleaning interior weekly causes food splatter that damages waveguide cover made of mica and causes sparking that damages magnetron. Running microwave empty causes magnetron to overheat and fail prematurely. Power surge without surge protector can damage control board costing 40 to 80 dollars. Over-the-range microwaves tend to have slightly shorter life than countertop due to exposure to cooking heat and grease from stove below that clogs vent filter and causes overheating. To maximize life, clean interior weekly, clean grease filters monthly for over-the-range, do not run empty, avoid slamming door that breaks latch at 20 to 40 dollars, and use surge protector. First part needing replacement is usually magnetron after 5 to 7 years at 50 to 100 dollars.
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