Posted by Orin Trask
0 Comments
Enter your oven details to see if repairs make sense
Most people don’t think about their range oven until it stops working. But if you’ve had yours for over a decade, you’re probably wondering: is it time to replace it, or can it still go a few more years?
A typical electric range oven lasts between 13 and 15 years. That’s the average you’ll see from manufacturers, repair technicians, and consumer reports. But that number means little if you don’t know what affects it. Some ovens die at 8 years. Others still work fine at 20.
The real answer isn’t a number - it’s a mix of build quality, usage habits, and maintenance. A high-end model from a brand like Wolf or Thermador, used lightly and cleaned regularly, can easily hit 20 years. A budget model from a no-name brand, cranked up daily for roasts and baking, might start acting up after 10.
Most people assume the heating element is the first to go. It’s not. The control panel and temperature sensor fail more often than the bake or broil elements.
Here’s what actually breaks, in order of frequency:
If your oven’s display shows an error code like F1, F3, or E6, it’s usually the control board. Those repairs cost $150-$300, and if the oven is older than 10 years, it’s rarely worth it. Replacing the temperature sensor? That’s $50-$80 and usually fixes the problem. Easy fix. Worth doing.
You don’t need a technician to tell you it’s time. Look for these five clear signals:
One of my clients in Wellington had a 17-year-old GE range. The oven worked fine - until the display started showing “PF” for power failure every morning. No power outage. No tripped breaker. Just the board giving up. Repair quote: $275. New oven: $950. She chose to replace it. Smart move.
Yes - but not as much as you think. If you bake daily, roast weekly, and use the self-clean cycle every month, your oven will wear faster. But the bigger issue isn’t use - it’s how you use it.
Self-cleaning cycles are the silent killer. They heat the oven to over 900°F to burn off grease. That extreme heat stresses the wiring, seals, and control board. One self-clean cycle per year is fine. Three or four? That’s asking for trouble.
Also, splashing water on a hot oven door or element? That causes thermal shock. Metal expands and contracts. Over time, that cracks the glass, warps the frame, and breaks seals.
Here’s the simple rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new oven, walk away.
Let’s say your oven is 12 years old. A new mid-range model costs $800. If the repair is $450? Don’t do it. Even if it works for another two years, you’re spending $1,250 total. A new oven comes with a warranty, better efficiency, and modern features like convection or smart controls.
But if the repair is $100 - like replacing a sensor or a door gasket - and your oven still heats evenly? Go ahead. That’s a smart investment.
Another factor: energy bills. Ovens older than 15 years use 15-25% more electricity than new ones. If your monthly bill has crept up without changing your cooking habits, that’s a hidden cost you’re paying every month.
You can extend its life by five years or more with just a few simple habits:
One trick I’ve seen work: every six months, wipe the inside of the oven door with vinegar and water. It keeps the glass clear and prevents grease buildup that can crack the seal over time.
If you’re replacing, don’t just buy the cheapest one. Look for these features:
Avoid models with touchscreens if you cook with greasy hands. Physical buttons last longer and are easier to clean.
Waiting until your oven dies completely is a mistake. When it fails in the middle of Thanksgiving or a dinner party, you’re stuck with last-minute replacements - and higher prices.
Also, older ovens often don’t meet current safety standards. Faulty wiring, cracked insulation, or leaking seals can pose fire risks. Insurance companies in New Zealand have started asking about appliance age during home inspections. An oven over 20 years old could raise red flags.
And let’s not forget resale value. Buyers notice when the kitchen appliances look like they’re from the 2000s. A modern range adds perceived value - even if you’re not selling soon.
Your range oven isn’t a disposable item - but it’s not forever either. Treat it like a car: regular maintenance, watch for warning signs, and replace before it leaves you stranded.
If your oven is 10+ years old and you’re seeing any of the signs above - start shopping now. Don’t wait for it to quit. Pick a model with a good warranty, plan for delivery, and replace it on your terms - not because you’re stuck with cold food and a broken appliance.
Most electric range ovens last between 13 and 15 years. High-end models with light use and good maintenance can last up to 20 years. Budget models or those used heavily may start having issues after 10 years. The key is not age alone - it’s how the oven performs. If it takes longer to heat, cooks unevenly, or shows error codes, it’s nearing the end.
It depends on the repair cost. If the fix is under $150 - like replacing a temperature sensor or door seal - then yes. But if the repair costs $300 or more, especially for a control board, it’s usually better to replace the oven. At 12 years, the appliance is past its halfway point, and newer models are more energy-efficient and reliable.
The biggest culprits are frequent self-cleaning cycles, poor ventilation, power surges, and ignoring small problems. Self-cleaning heats the oven to over 900°F, which stresses wiring and seals. Water splashed on hot surfaces causes thermal shock. Power surges fry control boards. And delaying small repairs - like a loose door seal - leads to bigger, costlier failures.
Yes. Clean spills right away, use the self-clean cycle only once a year, check and replace the door seal if it’s cracked, avoid slamming the door, and unplug during storms. Wiping the inside of the door with vinegar every six months helps prevent grease buildup that can damage seals. These small habits can add 5+ years to your oven’s life.
If your oven is 10+ years old and showing signs of decline - uneven heating, long preheat times, error codes - it’s smarter to replace it before it fails completely. Waiting until it breaks means you’ll be stuck with emergency replacements, higher prices, and possibly a kitchen without a working oven during holidays or busy times. Planning ahead saves stress and money.