
The Death of Durable Appliances
from The Wirecutter Show
by Rachel Wharton, Caira Blackwell, Christine Cyr Clisset
Published: Wed Jun 11 2025
Show Notes
Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fridges, ovens, and other large appliances often won’t last more than a decade.
She also reveals the strategies you can use to invest in new appliances that will last you longer.
Additional Reading:
- Rachel's new article: The Real Reasons Your Appliances Die Young
- 14 Best Refrigerators of 2025
The 6 Best Electric Stoves and Ranges of 2025 7 Tips From Our Microwave Expert
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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast