Electric Range Life Expectancy: How Long Do They Last and When to Replace

When you buy an electric range, a kitchen appliance that combines an oven and stovetop powered by electricity. Also known as an electric stove, it’s one of the most used appliances in the home—so knowing how long it’s supposed to last matters. Most electric ranges last between 10 and 15 years, but that’s not a guarantee. How long yours sticks around depends on how often you use it, how well it’s maintained, and whether small problems get fixed before they turn into big ones.

The biggest factor in an electric range’s lifespan is the heating element, the coil or ribbon that generates heat in the oven and stovetop burners. It’s the part that wears out first. A blown heating element is common after 8–12 years, especially if the range is used daily. You might notice uneven baking, slow preheating, or one burner that won’t turn on. Replacing it is cheap and easy—usually under $100—but if you’re replacing it more than once, the range itself is probably near the end. The infinite switch, the dial that controls heat levels on the stovetop. It’s a small part with a big job. When it fails, burners might stay on full blast or not heat at all. These switches don’t last forever, and repeated failures mean the control system is aging.

Other parts like the oven thermostat, control board, or door seal can also wear out, but they’re less common. If your range is over 12 years old and you’re spending more than half the cost of a new one on repairs, it’s usually smarter to replace it. Newer models are more energy-efficient, have better safety features, and often come with warranties. A 15-year-old range isn’t just old—it’s probably using 20–30% more electricity than a modern one.

Don’t wait for a total breakdown. If your oven takes forever to heat, the burners flicker on and off, or you smell burning plastic near the controls, those are red flags. Regular cleaning helps, but it won’t fix worn-out internal parts. And if you’ve had two or more repairs in the last year, you’re likely just delaying the inevitable.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on diagnosing common electric range problems, how much repairs cost, and when it’s better to walk away. Whether you’re trying to fix a single element or deciding if it’s time for a new appliance, these posts give you the facts—not the fluff.