Most ovens last 13-15 years, but signs like uneven heating, slow preheating, or control panel failures mean it’s time to consider replacement. Learn when repair makes sense and what to look for in a new model.
When to Replace Oven: Signs, Costs, and Smart Decisions
When your oven, a key appliance in every kitchen that heats food using electric or gas elements stops working right, you face a simple but costly choice: fix it or replace it. Most ovens last 10 to 15 years, but that doesn’t mean yours will. If you’re dealing with uneven heating, strange noises, or controls that glitch out, it’s not just annoying—it could be a sign your oven is done. Replacing it isn’t always the first move, but waiting too long can cost you more in energy bills, broken food, or even fire risk.
One of the biggest red flags is a burned-out oven element, the heating coil inside the oven that glows red when working. If your oven takes forever to heat up or parts of your food are raw while others are burnt, that element might be dead. Testing it with a multimeter is easy, and replacing it costs under £100. But if you’ve already replaced the element once, or your oven is over 10 years old, it’s probably not worth doing it again. Same goes for the oven control board, the digital brain that manages temperature, timers, and settings. If the display is flickering, buttons don’t respond, or error codes keep popping up, replacing the board can cost £200–£300. That’s nearly half the price of a new oven. And if your oven’s efficiency has dropped—your bills are up, and it takes longer to cook—you’re paying more to run it than you would to swap it out.
Don’t ignore safety signs either. Sparking inside the oven, a burning smell when it’s off, or the door not sealing properly aren’t just inconveniences—they’re hazards. Older ovens often lack modern safety features like auto-shutoff or child locks. If you’re using a 20-year-old model, you’re not just risking your dinner—you’re risking your home. A new oven isn’t just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind. Plus, modern models use 15–30% less energy, which adds up over time.
So when should you pull the trigger? If repairs keep adding up, if your oven’s over 12 years old, or if the cost to fix it hits 50% of a new unit’s price, it’s time. You don’t need to rush—but don’t ignore the signals. Below, you’ll find real-world guides on testing your oven’s parts, comparing repair costs, and deciding whether to fix or replace. No fluff. Just clear, practical advice from people who’ve seen it all.