How much does it cost to repair a gas oven igniter in 2026?

If your gas oven won’t light, the igniter is usually the culprit. It’s not a complex fix, but the cost can vary depending on your location, oven model, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. In New Zealand, especially in cities like Wellington, the average cost to repair or replace a gas oven igniter runs between $120 and $300. That includes parts and labor. But here’s the thing-some people pay way more, and others pay way less. Let’s break down exactly what you’re paying for.

What does an oven igniter actually do?

The igniter is a small, glowing component inside your gas oven. When you turn the oven on, electricity flows through it. It heats up until it glows red-hot, then it pulls open the gas valve so gas can flow and ignite. If it’s weak or broken, the oven either takes forever to light, makes a clicking sound without firing up, or doesn’t heat at all. It’s not the gas line, not the thermostat, not the control panel-it’s almost always the igniter when the oven won’t light.

Most gas ovens use a hot surface igniter, made of silicon carbide. It’s brittle, wears out over time, and can crack from repeated heating cycles. A typical igniter lasts 5 to 10 years. If your oven is older than that, and it’s struggling to light, the igniter is likely done.

Parts cost: How much does the igniter itself cost?

The igniter part itself usually costs between $30 and $80. Brand matters. If you have a Samsung, Whirlpool, or Fisher & Paykel oven, the part might be more expensive because it’s model-specific. Generic replacements are cheaper but may not fit as well or last as long. You can find them online from appliance parts suppliers like ApplianceParts.co.nz or from eBay, but make sure you match the part number exactly. A mismatched igniter won’t work, and you’ll waste time and money.

For example:

• Fisher & Paykel oven igniter: $65-$80
• Whirlpool or GE model: $40-$60
• Generic universal igniter: $30-$45

Don’t assume all igniters are the same. Even if two ovens look similar, the shape, resistance, and wiring can be totally different. Always check the model number on the oven’s serial plate-usually inside the door frame or on the side of the oven cavity.

Labor cost: What do technicians charge?

Most appliance repair technicians in New Zealand charge between $80 and $120 per hour. Replacing an igniter usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, so labor alone is often $60 to $100. But here’s where it gets tricky: many repair companies have a minimum call-out fee. That’s the cost just for them to show up.

In Wellington, call-out fees typically range from $70 to $110. That means if the job only takes 40 minutes, you still pay the full call-out. Some companies bundle the call-out into the total, so you might see a flat rate of $150-$200 for igniter replacement. Others charge separately.

Pro tip: Ask upfront if the quote includes the call-out fee. Some companies advertise low labor rates but hide the fee until they arrive. Always get a written estimate before they start work.

DIY: Can you replace it yourself?

Yes, you can. If you’re handy with basic tools, replacing a gas oven igniter is one of the easiest repairs you can do. Here’s what you need:

1. Correct replacement igniter (match the model number)
2. Phillips screwdriver
3. Wrench or pliers (sometimes needed to disconnect gas line)
4. Optional: multimeter to test old igniter (optional but helpful)

Steps:

1. Turn off the gas supply and unplug the oven.
2. Remove the oven bottom panel and the flame spreader (the metal plate over the burner).
3. Locate the igniter-it’s a small, rectangular piece near the burner, often held by two screws.
4. Disconnect the wiring harness (it usually unplugs).
5. Unscrew the old igniter and pull it out.
6. Install the new one, reconnect the wires, and put everything back.
7. Turn the gas back on, plug in the oven, and test it.

It sounds simple, and it is. But if you’re uncomfortable around gas lines-even if you’re just unplugging a wire-you should call a pro. Gas leaks are serious. If you smell gas at any point, stop immediately and call a licensed gas fitter.

DIY saves you $100-$200. But if you break something else-like the gas valve or the wiring-you could end up spending more. Only attempt this if you’re confident and have the right tools.

Why do prices vary so much?

Two main reasons: location and oven type.

Location: In Wellington, labor rates are higher than in smaller towns like Palmerston North or Invercargill. Urban centers have higher overhead, so technicians charge more. Rural areas might have fewer repair services, which can drive prices up due to lack of competition.

Oven type: Built-in ovens cost more to service than freestanding ones. If your oven is part of a cooktop range, you might need to pull the whole unit out to access the igniter. That adds time and risk. High-end ovens with electronic controls also require more care during disassembly. A basic oven might take 30 minutes. A luxury model with touchscreens and sensors? That could take 90 minutes.

When should you replace instead of repair?

If your oven is over 12 years old, and you’re already replacing the igniter, think about upgrading. Modern gas ovens are more efficient, have better temperature control, and come with safety features like automatic shutoff. If you’re spending more than half the cost of a new oven on repairs, it’s time to replace.

A new gas oven in New Zealand starts around $1,200 for a basic model. If your repair bill hits $400-$500, you’re close to the tipping point. But if your oven is only 5-7 years old and otherwise works well? Replacing the igniter is a smart, cost-effective fix.

What to watch out for

Some repair technicians will try to upsell you. They might say the control board is faulty, or the gas valve is leaking, when it’s just a worn igniter. Always ask for the old part back. If they say no, that’s a red flag. A reputable tech will show you the broken igniter and explain why it failed.

Also, avoid companies that don’t provide a warranty. A good repair should come with at least a 30-day guarantee on parts and labor. If they won’t offer that, find someone else.

Final cost summary

Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026:

Most homeowners pay between $150 and $220. That’s the sweet spot for a standard oven with a common igniter in a city like Wellington.

What if the igniter isn’t the problem?

It’s possible. If you’ve replaced the igniter and it still won’t light, here are three other things to check:

• Gas supply: Is the shut-off valve fully open? Sometimes it’s accidentally turned partway.
• Thermocouple: This safety device shuts off gas if the flame goes out. If it’s dirty or faulty, the oven won’t ignite. It’s easy to clean with sandpaper.
• Gas valve: Rare, but possible. If the valve doesn’t open, even with a good igniter, you’ll need a licensed gas fitter. This is more expensive-$200-$400.

Don’t guess. Test the igniter first. If it glows bright orange for 30 seconds and the oven still doesn’t light, then move on to the valve or thermocouple.