5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Oven

Knowing when to say goodbye to a trusty, well-used oven can be hard. After all, they’re expensive appliances, and purchasing a new one is a big decision. If you’ve noticed your oven experiencing issues or are considering upgrading or remodelling your kitchen, you might wonder if it’s time to replace your old appliance. Our guide walks you through the top five signs you should and also provides tips on choosing your replacement. Let’s get started!

How Long Do Ovens Last?

Ovens are among the longest-lived kitchen appliances, lasting on average around 15 years. This can vary, however, based on factors like usage patterns and the quality of the appliance. The most common factors that affect your oven’s lifespan are:

Brand quality

High-end brands like Bosch or Miele ensure their appliances are built to last so that you can expect a longer lifespan—especially compared to budget brands. 

Frequency of use

An oven that gets heavy use cooking for a large number of people will wear out sooner than an oven that is only used occasionally. 

Maintenance

Regular maintenance such as cleaning and replacing worn parts will ensure your oven lasts as long as it possibly can. 

Oven type

In general, gas ovens have a longer lifespan than electric ovens, lasting around two years longer. 

Signs Your Oven Needs Replacing

If your oven needs replacing, there will usually be some telltale signs. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these are the top things you need to look out for.

1. It Needs Frequent Repairs

An oven that needs frequent repairs is usually one that is getting to the end of its lifespan. While the odd repair such as replacing a faulty burner or replacing a blown interior lightbulb is nothing to worry about, repeated issues indicate your oven needs replacing. If more than one of the following issues occurs within six months, it’s a good sign that replacement may be a sensible option:

• Faulty heating elements
• Broken thermostat
• Display or control panel issues

Another thing to be aware of is the cost of the repairs, particularly if your oven is an older model. If the cost of repairs is getting close to half the cost of a replacement, it’s a sign you should be thinking about purchasing a new one. This is particularly true if your oven is more than 10 years old, as even if you repair it you may not have many years of use remaining. 

2. Decreased Performance

A noticeable decline in your oven’s performance is another clear sign it is time to replace it. Particular areas of concern are:

• Increased preheating times
• Uneven cooking
• Fluctuating temperature
• Over or underheating

All of these issues are caused by the components wearing out over time, and they usually indicate your oven is in need of either repair or replacement. Continuing to use your oven as normal after you notice a decrease in performance can lead to the issue worsening, further shortening the lifespan. 

3. Noisy Performance

If you’ve noticed your oven making louder noises than usual, this is a common sign that the moving parts are wearing out and that it needs to be replaced soon. Noisy operation is usually an issue with the fan, which can become worn or misaligned after many years of operation. Noisy performance often means that excessive wear and tear is occurring. If you don’t resolve the issue and continue using a noisy oven, the wear and tear can damage other components. Not to mention that a noisy oven is annoying and creates a stressful kitchen environment!

4. Visual Wear and Tear

While looks aren’t everything, an oven that is visually showing wear and tear will likely need to be replaced soon. Some signs to watch out for are:

• Rusty spots: These suggest that the oven’s paint is starting to chip and wear out, allowing the metal components of the oven to corrode and degrade. 
• Worn seals: Worn seals mean the heat from your oven’s interior can escape, resulting in your oven having to work harder to maintain heat. 

5. Excessive Electricity Use

A less obvious sign that your oven needs replacing is an increase in your electricity bills. As ovens age they tend to be less energy efficient thanks to degraded insulation and worn seals. With these issues, your oven has to work harder to maintain its temperature, which can spike your energy bills. Older oven models often use more energy than modern ovens, even when they’re in peak condition. Replacing your high-energy usage oven with a modern, efficient model will not only reduce your electricity bills, but it will also benefit the environment!

Tips for Choosing Your Replacement 

Once you decide your oven needs replacing, it’s time to do your research. Some of the top factors to consider are:

Brand reputation

Do your research into brands you like and ensure they have a good reputation for being long-lasting and high-performance. It’s also a good idea to check out the warranties offered by different brands. 

User reviews

Make sure you look at consumer reviews for the ovens you’re considering before you make your choice. These can help you get a good idea of how the ovens perform as well as revealing any hidden issues you may not know about. 

Energy Star rating

If energy efficiency is important to you, look for brands that have been awarded an Energy Star by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy.

Suitability for your needs

Most important of all, make sure the new oven fits your needs. Research the pros and cons of gas vs electric, and ensure the new oven fits your space and has all the features that are important to you.