Electric Stove Lifespan: How Long Do They Last and When to Replace

When you buy an electric stove, a household cooking appliance that uses electrical resistance to generate heat for cooking. Also known as electric range, it’s built to last—but not forever. Most last between 10 and 15 years, but with proper care, some hit 20 years or more. The key isn’t just how old it is, but how well it’s been maintained. A stove with a broken heating element or faulty thermostat isn’t necessarily done for good. Often, it’s just one part that needs replacing.

What kills an electric stove isn’t usually age—it’s neglect. If you don’t clean the coils, let spills bake on, or ignore strange smells and uneven heating, you’re speeding up its decline. The heating element, the metal coil that glows red when powered. It’s the most common point of failure wears out from constant heating and cooling cycles. The thermostat, the component that controls temperature by turning power on and off. It’s the brain behind even cooking can drift out of calibration, making your oven run too hot or too cold. And if the door seal gets cracked, heat escapes, forcing the system to work harder and wear down faster. These aren’t mysterious failures—they’re predictable. And they’re often fixable.

Many people jump straight to replacement when their stove acts up, but that’s not always the smartest move. Replacing a heating element costs less than $100, including labor. Fixing a thermostat? Usually under $200. Compare that to buying a new stove, which can run $500 to $1,500. If your stove is under 10 years old and the rest of it still works—burners, controls, oven cavity—repairing it makes sense. But if you’re juggling multiple repairs, or your energy bills are climbing because the unit’s inefficient, it’s time to think about upgrading. The real question isn’t just "How long does it last?" It’s "Is it still worth keeping?"

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on diagnosing common electric stove problems, replacing parts yourself, and knowing when to call in a pro. Whether you’re dealing with a burner that won’t heat, an oven that won’t hold temperature, or a unit that just feels like it’s giving up, there’s a post here that matches your situation. No fluff. Just clear, practical advice from people who’ve been there.