Your oven is the workhorse of your kitchen. Whether you're roasting vegetables for dinner, baking cookies with the kids, or preparing holiday meals for the whole family, it's one appliance you count on almost every day. So when it starts acting up (taking forever to preheat, cooking unevenly, or refusing to hold the right temperature), it's natural to wonder: how long should an oven last, and is mine on its last legs?
If you're facing frequent repairs, noticing performance issues, or just questioning whether your aging oven is still reliable, you're not alone. Understanding how long ovens typically last and recognizing the warning signs of decline can help you make a confident decision about whether to repair or replace. Let's break down what you need to know.
Most ovens last between 10 and 15 years with regular use and proper maintenance. That's a pretty solid lifespan for a major appliance, but it's not a guarantee. Some ovens give out earlier, while others keep cooking reliably well into their second decade.
The actual lifespan depends on several factors, including the type of oven you have, how often you use it, the quality of its components, and how well it's been maintained over the years. A high-quality oven that's been well cared for can easily reach or exceed 15 years, while a budget model that sees heavy daily use might start showing problems closer to the 10-year mark.
Gas ovens tend to have a slight edge in longevity (15-17 years) over electric ovens (13-15 years), even though they have more moving parts like pilot lights and gas lines to worry about. Convection ovens, which use fans to circulate heat, may experience fan motor issues over time, but they're generally built to last just as long as standard models.
Several variables play a role in determining whether your oven will last 10 years or 20. Here's what matters most:
Type of oven. As mentioned, gas ovens typically outlast electric models by a slight margin, but both can provide years of reliable service. Higher-end brands often use more durable components and better insulation, which can extend lifespan.
Frequency of use. If you're cooking or baking multiple times a day, your oven will experience more wear and tear than one used only a few times a week. Heavy use accelerates the aging process on heating elements, igniters, thermostats, and door seals.
Quality of components. Ovens with cheap heating elements, flimsy racks, or poorly designed control boards tend to fail sooner. Investing in a mid-range or premium oven upfront often pays off in the long run.
Maintenance and care. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners on self-cleaning models, and addressing small issues early can add years to your oven's life. Neglecting spills, grease buildup, or minor malfunctions accelerates deterioration.
Installation quality. Proper installation—especially for gas ovens—ensures safe, efficient operation and reduces the risk of early breakdowns.
Even the best ovens don't last forever. Here are the most common warning signs that yours may be nearing the end of its useful life:
Temperature inconsistencies. If your oven can't hold a steady temperature or runs significantly hotter or cooler than the setting, it's not just annoying; it's a sign of failing components like the thermostat or heating element. Uneven cooking and burnt or undercooked food are telltale symptoms.
Long preheat times. An oven that takes much longer than usual to reach temperature may have a weakening heating element or igniter. This inefficiency wastes energy and makes cooking a hassle.
Frequent breakdowns. If you're calling for repairs every few months, your oven is telling you something. Repeated failures suggest that multiple components are wearing out, and the next breakdown is always around the corner.
Strange noises or odors. Unusual sounds like buzzing, rattling, or clicking—or burning smells that aren't from food—can indicate electrical issues, motor problems, or gas leaks. Safety should always be your top priority.
Visible damage. Cracked glass, damaged door seals, rust, or broken racks aren't just cosmetic issues. They affect performance and safety and can be expensive to replace on older models.
The oven won't heat at all. If your oven stops working completely and the repair estimate is high, replacement is often the better move.
This is the big question, and the answer depends on a few key factors: the age of your oven, the cost of the repair, and how many issues you've already dealt with.
The 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new oven, replacement usually makes more sense. For example, if a new oven costs $800 and the repair estimate is $450, you're better off upgrading. Instead of sinking money into an aging unit that could fail again soon, you'll get a brand-new appliance with a warranty, better energy efficiency, and modern features.
Age of unit: If your oven is less than five years old and the repair is affordable, fixing it is probably the right call. But if it's 12 or 15 years old and starting to show multiple problems, replacement is the smarter long-term investment.
Parts availability: Older ovens may require hard-to-find or discontinued parts, leading to longer repair times and higher costs. If your technician is struggling to source the components, that's a sign your oven has reached the end of the line.
Safety: Gas leaks, electrical shorts, and faulty igniters aren't worth the risk. If your oven poses any safety hazard, replace it immediately.
If your oven is still in good shape and you want to extend its lifespan, here are a few simple steps:
Proper care won't make an oven last forever, but it can help you get the most out of your investment.
Replacing an oven is a big expense, especially if it happens unexpectedly. Between the cost of the appliance itself and potential installation fees, you could be looking at a significant upfront payment. But going without a working oven isn't an option for most families.
That's where Katapult's lease-to-own option comes in. Instead of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars all at once, you can get the oven you need today and make manageable payments over time. Katapult provides a clear path to ownership with predictable monthly payments, so you can upgrade your kitchen without the financial strain or traditional credit hurdles.
Whether you're replacing an oven that finally gave out or upgrading to a more efficient model, lease-to-own appliances give you the flexibility and control you need. You get to choose the oven that fits your needs and budget, without waiting or settling for a subpar appliance.
Your oven should last around 10 to 15 years with proper care, but its actual lifespan depends on usage, maintenance, and quality. When performance issues start piling up, repairs become frequent, or safety concerns arise, it's time to seriously consider replacement.
If budget is a concern, remember that Katapult offers flexible lease plans with no surprises. You deserve a kitchen that works for you—and an oven you can count on every single day.
Mr. Appliance. How Long Do Ovens Typically Last? https://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2020/august/how-long-do-ovens-last-/
Don’s Appliances. How Long Do Electric Ovens Last? 5 Signs It's Time for a New One
https://www.donsappliances.com/blog/how-long-do-electric-ovens-last?srsltid=AfmBOookosj1y1JYdn9ZDU1txN69gRyvbENECOTVQhWXS2lECZuIQo2a
House Digest. The 50% Rule That’ll Help You Determine Whether It’s Time To Replace Your Kitchen Appliances. https://www.housedigest.com/2022441/50-percent-rule-determine-replace-repair-kitchen-appliances/
Synchrony. How Much Does a Stove or Oven Cost? https://www.synchrony.com/blog/home-improvement/cost-stove-oven