Appliances - Repair or Replace?

The May 2007 issue of Consumer Reports takes a look at whether it is more economical to repair or replace appliances that may not be operating correctly. The consumer based informational magazine based their recommendations on replacement costs, typical repair costs, and improvements that have been made to newer models.


Based on their reports, dishwashers, over-the-range microwaves, and top-freezer refrigerators should be replaced if older than 6 years old and in disrepair.

Their recommendations call for clothes dryers and top-loader washers to be replaced if in disrepair and older than 7 years old.

However, bottom-freezers, side-by-side refrigerators, electric or gas ranges, electric wall ovens, and front-loader washers which are less than 8 years old, the panel recommends that it's probably worth a call to the local appliance repairmen for repair.