Yes, an oven can suddenly stop working. This is a common appliance issue, typically caused by a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, a failed heating element, or a malfunctioning control board.
The possible reasons your oven is not working may include a broken baking or broiling element, a malfunctioning spark element (spark electrode), a broken igniter, a blown fuse, an issue with the control board, or outlets not providing enough power to the oven.
Here's what to watch out for.
The average oven lasts between 13 to 15 years, though models with fewer complex electronic parts can last up to 20 years. Lifespan heavily depends on the type of appliance, brand quality, and how well it is maintained.
Decide Whether the Repair Cost Is Justified
If the repair cost is low, you will likely be better off paying for the repair even if your oven is older than 20 years. If your oven needs a $1,000 repair and it's over 15 years old, you're likely better off replacing the oven if replacement cost is less than $2,000.
The Cost to Fix an Oven
Angi's reported that oven repair costs average around $350 as of 2022. However, the price varies based on the oven type and the part that needs repairing. Repairs on the lower end include fixing the thermostat, door switch, and gas valve.
Incorrect temperature: Calibrate the oven or replace a faulty thermostat. Oven won't turn on: Check power, then seek professional help for electrical or gas issues. Broken oven light: Replace bulbs or consult a pro for wiring issues. Door issues: Handle stuck or misaligned doors with expert repairs.
Should I Repair or Replace my Oven? Oven repair costs range from $150 to $400, making repairs more affordable than replacement when your oven needs simple fixes or parts. You should replace your oven when repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit's value, especially if your appliance is over 15 years old.
Your electric oven may be failing if it takes excessively long to preheat, struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, or produces unevenly cooked food. Other major warning signs include a burning plastic smell, strange buzzing or clicking noises, unresponsive control panels, or error codes.
The Most Common Oven Repair Problems Homeowners Face
Industry data, technician feedback, and consumer surveys point to GE Appliances (including GE Profile and Café) and Bosch as the most reliable electric oven and range brands. They boast robust controls, lower-than-average repair rates, and excellent nationwide service networks.
Replacing an oven temperature sensor costs between $𝟏𝟎𝟎 and $𝟐𝟓𝟎 on average. This total breaks down into $𝟐𝟎 to $𝟓𝟎 for the replacement part and $𝟖𝟎 to $𝟐𝟎𝟎 for professional labor. If you tackle this as a DIY project, you will only pay for the part.
Remove and visually inspect the fuse. When you look from the top, if you see the fusible link is intact, the fuse is good. If the fusible link is not intact, you will need a replacement fuse.
To restart an oven, press the Cancel/Off button. For a full hard reset, disconnect the power by unplugging the unit or flipping your home's circuit breaker to the OFF position. Wait a full 3 to 5 minutes to clear residual charge, then restore the power.
Repairing an electric oven typically incurs a cost range of £100 to £200. However, the total expense can vary based on several factors, including the type of oven and the specific issue at hand. Here's a breakdown of average repair costs for various types of electric ovens: Single built-in oven: £80 - £150.
Temperature problems are another common warning sign. If your oven suddenly takes much longer to cook food or fails to reach the correct temperature, it could mean the thermostat or heating element isn't working properly. On the other hand, an oven that overheats can be even more dangerous.
On average, you can expect your electric oven to last 13 years, these days, and your gas oven to last 15. But, like anything else, the more you use it, the quicker it will wear out. Daily use for a family of five will wear an oven out faster than just heating up a frozen pizza a couple of times a month.
Consider the 50% Rule—If the cost of repairs is more than half the value of the oven, it's usually better to replace it. Additionally, if the oven no longer meets your household's cooking needs, it likely warrants a replacement.
If your oven has a temperature indicator light, you can use this to help determine whether the fault lies with the thermostat or the element when your oven isn't heating up properly. When you first turn the thermostat on, the light should come on and will turn off once the oven has reached the correct level.
You should replace your oven every 10 to 15 years. Gas ovens and ranges typically last slightly longer (15 to 17 years) than electric models because they have fewer electrical components. However, regular maintenance and cleaning can help maximize your appliance's lifespan.
When your stovetop works but the oven does not, the issue is rarely a lack of power to the unit as a whole. Instead, it usually points to a broken component responsible specifically for the oven's heating, such as a heating element, gas igniter, or the electronic control board.
When your electric oven suddenly stops working, the issue is typically a power supply failure, a tripped breaker, or a blown heating element.
You usually need an appliance repair engineer or a domestic electrician. Many faults (heating elements, thermostats, fans, control boards) are best handled by an appliance repair specialist, as they're trained to diagnose and repair specific oven components.
An oven on the verge of failing typically shows clear warning signs: food cooking unevenly, preheating taking excessively long, strange clicking or buzzing sounds, a door that won't seal properly, or persistent burning and gas odors.