Most cookers last 10 to 15 years, but signs like uneven heating, ignition failures, and rising energy bills mean it might be time to replace instead of repair. Learn what affects longevity and how to make the smart choice.
Cooker Replacement: When to Replace Your Oven or Hob and What to Know First
When your cooker replacement, the process of swapping out a broken or outdated oven or hob for a new one. Also known as oven replacement, it’s not just about buying a new appliance—it’s about fixing your daily routine. If your oven takes forever to heat up, the glass hob has a crack, or the control panel is flashing errors, you’re not just dealing with a broken appliance—you’re dealing with a daily hassle. Most ovens last 13 to 15 years, but signs like uneven heating, sparking elements, or a control board that glitches constantly mean repair isn’t worth it anymore. The same goes for glass hobs: once cracked, they’re unsafe to fix. No DIY sealant or tape will make them safe again. You need a replacement.
Before you call a technician or head to the store, ask yourself: is this a repair job or a replacement job? Replacing an oven control board, the brain of your electric oven that manages temperature and settings can cost £150–£300, and if the oven is over 10 years old, you’re throwing money at a ticking clock. Same with glass hob repair, a common issue where surface cracks spread and create safety hazards. You can’t weld it back together. You can’t glue it safely. The only fix is replacement. And if your cooker’s wiring is outdated, or it doesn’t match your new kitchen’s power needs, that’s another reason to replace—not repair. A new electric oven often needs a dedicated 32-amp circuit. Plug-and-play? Rarely. That’s why installation matters as much as the appliance itself.
You’ll find real stories below—people who waited too long and ended up with no hot food during dinner, or those who replaced their hob only to learn the new one didn’t fit the cutout. We’ve got guides on how long ovens last, what the real repair costs are, and why an electrician isn’t always the right person to call. You’ll also see what happens when you ignore a cracked hob, how to spot a failing element before it leaves you in the cold, and whether it’s smarter to replace your cooker now or wait until it dies completely. This isn’t about pushing you to buy. It’s about helping you decide when it’s time—with facts, not fear.