Oven Repair vs Replace Calculator
Oven Assessment
How It Works
This calculator helps you decide whether to repair or replace your oven based on:
- Age relative to typical lifespan (10-15 years)
- Repair cost vs 50% of new oven price
- Energy savings from newer models
Rule of thumb: If repair costs exceed half the price of a new oven, replace it.
Your Recommendation
Most people don’t think about their oven until it stops working. But if you’ve had yours for more than a decade, you might be wondering: is it time to replace it, or can it still be fixed? The truth is, ovens don’t come with expiration dates - but they do have realistic lifespans based on how they’re used, maintained, and built.
How Long Do Ovens Usually Last?
A standard electric or gas oven typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. That’s the average you’ll see from manufacturers, repair technicians, and consumer reports. But this number isn’t magic. It’s the result of real-world wear and tear. Some ovens die at eight years. Others still work fine at 20.
The biggest factor? Usage. If you bake daily, roast weekly, and use the self-cleaning cycle every month, your oven is working harder than one that’s only turned on for holiday dinners. Heavy use shortens lifespan. Light use, combined with good care, can stretch it.
Gas ovens tend to last slightly longer than electric ones - often reaching 15 years or more. That’s because gas burners have fewer electronic components that can fail. Electric ovens rely more on heating elements, thermostats, and control boards, which are more prone to breakdowns over time.
Signs Your Oven Is Reaching the End of Its Life
Don’t wait for total failure. Watch for these warning signs:
- Food takes longer to cook, or cooks unevenly - even after recalibrating the temperature
- Heating elements glow red only in patches, or don’t glow at all
- The oven doesn’t heat to the set temperature (use an oven thermometer to check)
- Sparks, strange smells, or smoke when turning it on
- Control panel buttons stop responding or display error codes
- Door seal is cracked, brittle, or no longer closes tightly
These aren’t always signs of death. A faulty thermostat or broken element can be replaced for £50-£120. But if you’re fixing the same part twice in a year, or multiple components are failing, it’s cheaper to replace the whole unit.
What Drives Oven Failure?
It’s not just age. Here’s what actually kills ovens:
- Self-cleaning cycles: These heat the oven to over 500°C. Doing them too often stresses the wiring, insulation, and door seals. One or two a year is fine. Monthly? You’re asking for trouble.
- Moisture and spills: Spilled grease and sugar bake onto surfaces and seep into wiring. Over time, this causes corrosion and short circuits.
- Power surges: Ovens are sensitive to voltage spikes. If your home doesn’t have surge protection, a lightning storm or faulty appliance can fry the control board.
- Poor ventilation: If your oven is crammed into a tight cabinet with no airflow, heat builds up and overheats internal parts.
- Low-quality models: Budget ovens often use thinner metal, cheaper sensors, and plastic parts that warp or crack faster.
One technician in Bristol told me he sees the same pattern every winter: people who used their oven non-stop during holiday cooking end up calling him in January with a dead control panel. The oven didn’t fail because it was old. It failed because it was pushed too hard.
Repair vs. Replace: When Does It Make Sense?
Here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new oven, walk away.
Let’s say your oven is 12 years old and the heating element needs replacing. That’s £80. Easy win. But if the control board is dead? That’s £250-£400. A new mid-range oven costs £400-£700. You’re spending almost as much as a new one - on an appliance that’s already halfway through its life.
Also consider:
- Energy efficiency: An oven from 2010 uses 20-30% more electricity than a 2025 model. Over five years, that adds up to over £150 in wasted power.
- Warranty: New ovens come with at least a one-year warranty. Repairs rarely do.
- Features: New ovens have better temperature control, smart timers, steam cleaning, and even Wi-Fi. If you cook often, these matter.
There’s one exception: vintage or built-in ovens. If yours is part of a custom kitchen and replacing it means tearing out cabinetry, repair might be worth it - if the part is still available.
How to Make Your Oven Last Longer
Even if your oven is already 8 years old, you can still extend its life. Here’s what works:
- Clean spills right away. Don’t let burnt-on food bake into the interior. Use baking soda and water, not harsh chemical cleaners.
- Use self-clean sparingly. Once a year, max. For regular cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth after cooling.
- Check the door seal. If you can see light around the edge when it’s closed, the seal is worn. Replacement seals cost under £20 and take 15 minutes to install.
- Don’t overload the oven. Blocking vents with trays or pans forces the fan and elements to work harder.
- Use a surge protector. Plug your oven into a heavy-duty surge protector if it’s on a shared circuit.
These habits won’t make your oven last forever. But they’ll add years - and save you hundreds in repairs.
What to Look for in a New Oven
If you’re replacing, here’s what actually matters:
- Brand reliability: Bosch, Siemens, and Neff consistently rank highest in UK consumer surveys for longevity and repair rates.
- Warranty length: Look for at least two years. Some brands offer five-year parts warranties.
- Heating type: Fan-assisted (convection) ovens cook faster and more evenly, which reduces strain on components.
- Self-clean type: Steam-clean models are gentler on the oven than high-heat pyrolytic ones.
- Energy rating: Choose A+++ for the lowest running costs.
Avoid models with too many smart features if you don’t need them. Touchscreens and Wi-Fi connectivity add complexity - and more things that can break.
What Happens to Old Ovens?
Most broken ovens end up in landfill. But in the UK, you can recycle them for free through your local council’s bulky waste service. Some repair shops also take old units to recover usable parts.
Don’t just leave it on the curb. Ovens contain metals, glass, and sometimes hazardous insulation. Proper recycling keeps toxins out of soil and saves resources.
How long should a gas oven last compared to an electric one?
Gas ovens usually last longer - around 15 years on average - because they have fewer electronic parts that can fail. Electric ovens rely on heating elements and control boards, which wear out faster. But both types can last 20+ years with light use and good maintenance.
Is it worth repairing a 12-year-old oven?
It depends on the repair. Replacing a heating element or thermostat for under £100 is usually worth it. But if the control board, fan motor, or wiring is damaged - costing £200 or more - it’s better to replace the oven. At 12 years, you’re past the halfway point of its life, and other parts are likely to fail soon.
Can I extend my oven’s life by using it less?
Yes, but not dramatically. Ovens wear out from heat cycles, not just usage time. Turning it on and off repeatedly causes metal to expand and contract, which stresses components. The best approach is moderate, consistent use - not infrequent, high-stress baking.
Do expensive ovens last longer than budget ones?
Generally, yes. Premium brands use thicker steel, better insulation, and more durable sensors. Budget ovens often cut corners with thinner heating elements and plastic housings that warp under heat. You pay more upfront, but you save on repairs and energy over time.
Should I replace my oven if it’s still working but outdated?
Only if you care about efficiency or features. An old oven that works fine won’t suddenly become dangerous. But newer models use 20-30% less energy, which adds up to £100+ in savings over five years. If you cook often, upgrading makes financial sense.
Final Thought: Think Long-Term
Your oven is one of the most-used appliances in your home. It’s not just a tool - it’s part of your daily routine. Treating it well means fewer surprises, lower bills, and less stress. Don’t wait for it to die. Watch for signs. Clean it regularly. Repair smartly. And when the time comes, replace it with something built to last.
