How Long Should an Electric Stove Last? Real-World Expectations and When to Replace It

Most people assume their electric stove will last forever-until one day, the burner won’t heat, the oven won’t turn on, or the control panel starts flashing error codes. If you’ve been wondering how long an electric stove actually lasts, the answer isn’t a single number. It depends on how you use it, how well you clean it, and what brand you bought. On average, a well-maintained electric stove lasts between 13 and 15 years. But that’s just the starting point.

What Actually Determines How Long Your Stove Lasts?

Not all electric stoves are built the same. A basic model from a discount retailer might start showing wear after 8 years. A premium brand like Bosch, GE, or Whirlpool with thicker heating elements and better insulation can easily hit 18 years. The difference isn’t just price-it’s materials. High-end models use ceramic glass that resists cracking, solid-state control boards that don’t overheat, and sealed burners that keep debris out. Cheaper stoves use thinner metal, plastic components near heat sources, and open coil elements that rust faster.

Usage matters more than you think. If you boil water five times a day, bake every weekend, and leave spills to bake on for weeks, you’re wearing out your stove faster. Each time the heating element cycles on and off, it expands and contracts. Over time, that thermal stress cracks the element’s internal wiring. Same with the oven thermostat-constant temperature swings wear out the sensor. A stove used lightly, once or twice a day, will outlast one used like a commercial kitchen.

Signs Your Electric Stove Is Near the End

You don’t need to wait for it to die completely to know it’s time to replace it. Here are the real red flags:

• One or more burners take forever to heat up-or don’t heat at all. If replacing the element doesn’t fix it, the issue is likely the infinite switch or wiring harness.
• The oven doesn’t reach the right temperature. Even after calibration, if your food comes out undercooked or burnt unevenly, the temperature sensor or control board is failing.
• Sparks or flickering lights when you turn on a burner. That’s not normal. It means insulation is worn, wires are exposed, or the terminal block is corroded.
• The control panel is glitchy. Buttons that don’t respond, random error codes like E1 or F3, or a display that fades in and out. These are signs the main control board is failing-and replacement boards for older models are often discontinued.
• Excessive noise. Loud buzzing, clicking, or humming from the oven fan or element isn’t just annoying-it’s a sign of mechanical stress.

If you’re seeing two or more of these issues, it’s not worth repairing. The cost of parts and labor often hits 60% of a new stove’s price by year 12. And even if you fix it, another component will fail soon after.

How to Make Your Stove Last Longer

You can extend your stove’s life by a few years with simple habits. Most failures aren’t from age-they’re from neglect.

• Wipe spills immediately. Sugar, grease, and salt left on the cooktop can melt into the ceramic glass and damage the heating elements underneath. Use a razor blade scraper designed for glass cooktops-never steel wool.
• Don’t overload the burners. Heavy pots on small coils cause uneven heating and stress the element. Match pot size to burner size.
• Keep the oven clean. Buildup on the heating element or walls forces the oven to work harder. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and run the self-clean cycle once a year-only if your model allows it. Older stoves can overheat during self-clean and damage the control board.
• Check the power cord and outlet. A loose plug or frayed cord causes arcing, which fries the internal wiring. If the plug feels warm when the stove’s on, get an electrician to check the circuit.
• Don’t ignore small issues. A burner that flickers? A door that doesn’t seal right? Fix it early. A $20 thermostat sensor is cheaper than a $600 new stove.

When Repair Makes Sense-And When It Doesn’t

Some repairs are worth it. Replacing a burner coil costs $30-$80 and takes an hour. A new oven temperature sensor? $50-$120. Both are easy fixes and common on stoves under 10 years old.

But here’s the catch: after year 12, parts become scarce. Manufacturers stop making control boards, switches, and igniters for older models. You might find a used part on eBay-but it could be just as worn as the one you pulled out. Labor costs for older models also go up because technicians need to dig through outdated manuals or fabricate solutions.

Here’s a quick rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new entry-level stove, walk away. A basic electric range today costs $500-$700. So if you’re spending $300+ on repairs, it’s time to replace it.

What to Look for in a Replacement

If you’re replacing your stove, don’t just buy the cheapest one. Look for these features:

• Induction-compatible cooktops (even if you don’t use induction yet-they’re more durable and energy-efficient).
• Stainless steel or ceramic glass with a scratch-resistant coating.
• Self-cleaning with a low-heat option (not just 900°F cycles).
• Warranty of at least 5 years on parts and labor.
• Brand with local service support. Brands like LG, Samsung, and Frigidaire have repair networks in New Zealand.

Also consider a dual-fuel model if you cook often. Gas burners heat faster and respond better than electric, while the electric oven gives even baking. It’s a small price jump for big performance gains.

What Happens to Old Stoves?

Most people just leave their old stove by the curb. That’s not just wasteful-it’s illegal in many areas. In New Zealand, electric stoves are classified as e-waste under the National Environmental Standards. You can’t throw them in the trash. Most councils offer free pickup for large appliances, or you can drop them off at a recycling center like Retravision or Waste Management sites. Some retailers even take back your old stove when you buy a new one.

Recycling recovers copper, steel, aluminum, and glass. The control board gets shredded and processed for precious metals. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the right thing to do.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Age-It’s About Condition

Your electric stove doesn’t die on a calendar date. It dies when the cost of keeping it running outweighs the benefit. A 10-year-old stove that’s been cleaned and maintained might still work like new. A 6-year-old one covered in burnt-on grease and with a flickering display? It’s already on borrowed time.

Keep an eye on performance, not years. If your stove’s heating unevenly, sparking, or acting up, don’t wait for it to break completely. Fix it early-or replace it smartly. Either way, you’ll save money, avoid frustration, and keep your kitchen safe.