Is It Worth Repairing a Stove?

If you are currently going without a stove, you are probably experiencing the difficulties and inconveniences that come along with it. There is only so much you can do without a stove, and it won’t be long before you are looking for ways to either repair or replace it.

So, is it worth repairing a stove?

The biggest concern that many people have is that repairing or replacing your stove can end up costing a lot of money, which is something that you might be trying to avoid if it is at all possible.

The cost really boils down to whether you need to repair your stove or replace it entirely.

One thing that is worth keeping in mind is whether it is even worth repairing your stove, or if you should bite the bullet and go for a replacement.

The answer to this will depend on the age of your stove and what the problem is. 

To help you to make a decision, we are going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both repairing and replacing your stove and how you can tell which one you need to do.

How Long Does a Stove Usually Last?

Typically, a stove will have an average lifespan of around 13 to 15 years. Gas stoves tend to last for a slightly longer 15 years, but an electric stove will last for an average of 13 years.

If you want your stove to last for as long as possible, you will need to regularly clean and maintain it. 

It is well known that gas stoves will typically last for longer than electric ones, but the difference in time is not high enough to warrant this being the deciding factor for your purchase.

Is It Worth Repairing a 20-Year-Old Oven?

When it comes to repairing your oven, the age of the appliance is something that you should really think about.

One way of knowing if it is worth repairing a 20-year-old oven is by applying the 50% rule to the situation. 

This rule would apply to the age of your appliance and the cost of repairing it.

Essentially, if you are replacing an oven that is more than halfway through its expected life span, and the repair work will cost more than half of its original cost, then it probably isn’t going to be worth it.

Should I Repair or Replace My Stove?

The same 50% rule can apply when you are thinking about either repairing or replacing your stove. If the cost to repair the stove is more than 50% of the cost of a new replacement, then you should get the replacement.

If the cost of the repairs is less than 50% of the cost of a replacement, then you should think about repairing it. 

Another thing to consider is the cost and availability of any replacement parts that you require. You might find that you can no longer get the parts that you need, or that they are much too expensive to replace.

If you do decide to repair your stove, then you will need to make sure that you are sourcing high-quality replacement parts from a trusted source.

This will ensure that the parts are going to hold up well and not break again after a short amount of time. There is no point in splashing out on replacement parts, only to have to replace them again.

It is often relatively simple to do minor part replacements yourself, which can also help to save on installation costs.

Another thing to consider is the rest of your stove, other than the part that isn’t working. If you can predict that it will likely need additional repairs over the next 6 months, then you are probably better off getting a replacement.

How to Know When Your Stove Needs to Be Replaced

Knowing when to give up and replace your stove can be helpful when something goes wrong. The following factors will indicate that your stove needs to be replaced.

Burners or Hot Plates Not Heating Up

In this instance, it doesn’t matter if you have a gas or electric stove. If the burners or plates are not heating up, then you have lost all function of your stove.

For gas stoves, if the flame that is usually produced is no longer blue, or it produces sparks, then you should try to clean it before you replace it. However, if this did not help, then you should replace your stove. 

Broken Control Panel

If the control panel of an electric stove is broken, then you are probably out of luck.

This is one of the most expensive parts of the stove to replace, so if your buttons are not working, or they malfunction, then a replacement is probably going to cost less than a repair.

The Surface is Cracked

If you have a glass stovetop, and it has cracked, it will no longer be safe to use.