Oven Longevity: How Long Should Your Oven Last and When to Repair or Replace

When you think about oven longevity, how long a typical oven lasts before it needs repair or replacement. Also known as cooker lifespan, it depends on how often you use it, how well it’s maintained, and whether minor issues get fixed before they turn into big ones. Most electric ovens last between 10 and 15 years, but that’s not a guarantee. Some fail after 7 years because of a burnt-out heating element or a broken thermostat. Others keep going for 20 years because their owner checked the door seal every few months or replaced the element when it started taking longer to heat up.

Oven repair, fixing common problems like uneven heating, no power, or strange smells without replacing the whole unit. It’s often cheaper than buying new—especially if the issue is something simple like a faulty element, a worn-out thermostat, or a broken door latch. Replacing a heating element costs less than $100, and it can add 5 more years to your oven’s life. But if you’re spending more than half the price of a new oven on repairs, or if multiple parts are failing at once, it’s usually smarter to replace it. Oven replacement, installing a new oven when the old one can’t be fixed economically or safely. Modern ovens use less energy, heat more evenly, and come with smart features that make cooking easier.

What really kills an oven isn’t age—it’s neglect. A dirty oven doesn’t just look bad; it puts stress on the heating elements. A loose door seal lets heat escape, forcing the thermostat to work harder. Water spills near the control panel can fry the electronics. These aren’t accidents—they’re preventable. Regular cleaning, checking the door seal, and listening for unusual noises can extend your oven’s life by years. And if you’ve had the same oven since before your kids were born, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacement, even if it still works.

Don’t wait until your oven stops working completely. If it’s taking twice as long to preheat, the heat is uneven, or the display is flickering, those are red flags—not just inconveniences. The posts below show you exactly how to diagnose these problems yourself, what parts are worth fixing, and when it’s time to walk away. You’ll find real cost breakdowns, step-by-step fixes for common issues, and honest advice on whether repair makes sense in 2025. No fluff. Just what actually works.