When and How to Replace a Kitchen Oven

Most ovens have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. That’s when components start breaking down, things stop working, and safety becomes an issue. But how do you know for sure when it’s time to replace an oven? That’s what we’ll discuss here, along with how to go about replacing it.

“Unless your oven is over 15 years old, you should always move in favor of a repair, rather than a replacement,” explains home repair expert Puls. “Believe it or not, most oven and stove-related frustrations can be fixed quickly and easily, either on your own or via a professional, and many repairs can be completed within as little as an hour.”

So first, find the age of your oven to see if it’s less than 15 years old. If so, you’ll want to seriously consider repairing it over buying a new oven. In terms of cost, the average price to fix an oven that’s not working is $50 to $200. However, to replace an oven, you’ll typically spend $1,000 to $3,000.

But if it’s over 15 years old, go ahead and replace it. If it’s younger than that, you’ll want to look for several signs that could indicate a major problem.

One problem is heat escaping to areas it’s not supposed to. If, for instance, you notice scorched surfaces on nearby cabinets and countertops, that’s a bad sign. This means your oven isn’t properly insulated, and the temperature isn’t adequately regulated. Not only can this increase your power bill, but it also creates a serious safety hazard.

Another sign to replace an oven is major rusting. New appliances have a coated finish that makes them resistant to extreme heat, scrubbing brushes, and chemical cleaners. But, over time, this can dissolve, making the oven susceptible to rusting. While a little rust isn’t necessarily a sign of concern, extensive rusting usually means the oven is near the end of its lifespan.

Finally, if you’ve had to make multiple repairs and are still having issues, it’s likely time to replace the oven. While it’s normal for individual components to need replacing here and there, frequent repairs usually indicate major problems.

The basic process works like this:

From there, you’ll need to unplug your existing oven. If it’s gas, you’ll first need to shut off the gas valve and disconnect it. Then, slide the oven out slowly, being sure to watch for any loose wires.

At that point, it’s just a matter of installing your new stove and sliding it into place. If it’s electric, you’ll need to place the plug into the power outlet. If it’s gas, you’ll need to connect your gas line to the stove (the gas should be turned off beforehand). Once connected, you’ll need to turn the gas supply back on, which can be done by turning the control valve left. You can find a step-by-step video tutorial here.

Note that it’s never recommended to switch from an electric oven to a gas oven or vice versa, as it creates complexities and dangers. However, if you have to switch, hire a professional for installation.

Because most ovens cost well over $1,000, and most manufacturers’ warranties only last a year, it’s important to have extended coverage from Upsie. Upsie’s oven warranties protect appliances in the event of defects, mechanical failures, power failures, heating and cooling issues, and more. As a result, customers have complete peace of mind.

Upsie is the best choice for consumers because Upsie’s warranties last up to five years and cost up to 70 percent less than in-store offers. In addition, customers can file claims 24/7 and speak with a real person. Upsie also offers complete transparency in every step of the warranty process, and customers have full control of their plan through Upsie’s website.

Customers can purchase an Upsie warranty for large appliances bought in the last 11 months.