How long should an element in an oven last?

Author: Amelie Roberts  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

The lifespan of an oven heating element can vary depending on various factors such as usage patterns, maintenance, and the quality of the element itself. On average, a heating element in an oven can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

How often should I replace the oven element?

As an estimate, most cooker elements should last for about 5 years. Of course, this is dependent on the health and overall quality of your oven; the better your oven, the longer its parts should last.

What causes an oven element to burn out?

Due to the hot temperatures within the oven cavity, it isn't unusual for it to burn out while enduring the high temperatures.

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old oven?

Age of the Oven: If your oven is relatively new (less than 10 years old), it may be worth repairing. Older models might not be worth the investment, especially if they are prone to more issues. Cost of Repair: Get an estimate for the repair. If the cost is less than half the price of a new oven, it may be worth fixing.

How do I know if my oven element is bad?

  1. Visible damages. The most apparent signs the heating element is broken are visible damages. ...
  2. Dirty oven. With constant use and abuse, your kitchen range becomes dirty over time. ...
  3. No longer bright orange. ...
  4. Uncooked or half-cooked food. ...
  5. An increase in the electrical bill. ...
  6. Conclusion.

Oven Won’t Heat? Bake/Broil Element Testing, Troubleshooting

Is it worth replacing an oven element?

If you have oven issues, it's worth investigating the heating element as a potential culprit, but a broken heating element doesn't always signal the end of your oven's life. Spotting the signs of a faulty element early allows you to fix the issue with a simple replacement, saving time and money.

Can I still use my oven if the heating element is broken?

The heating element will stop working. The sparking ceases after a few seconds. There may also be a "burning plastic" odor at this time. We recommend that you not use the oven if the bake or broil element fails.

What is the life expectancy of an oven?

The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.

How much does it cost to fix an oven that won't heat?

Average oven and stove repair cost

An oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $325. The cost to replace a heating element in an oven is $150 to $450. The cost to get an oven fixed is $50 to $125 per hour for labor. *Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

How do I know when my oven needs to be replaced?

Keep reading to learn about the seven signs it's finally time to replace your oven.
  1. Cracked Glass. The glass on your oven door allows you to safely keep an eye on your food as it cooks, and it helps insulate the front of your oven. ...
  2. Rust Buildup. ...
  3. Escaping Heat. ...
  4. Insufficient Heat. ...
  5. Noise Problems. ...
  6. Strange Odors. ...
  7. Constant Repairs.

Why do electric oven elements fail?

The constant heating and cooling cycles cause the metal to expand and contract, eventually leading to fatigue and failure. If your oven element is several years old and used frequently, it may simply be at the end of its lifespan. Electrical problems are another common cause of oven element failure.

What to do if oven element catches fire?

If the fire is inside your oven, all you have to do is to turn off the power and wait it out. If the fire is on your stove, there are a few things you can do to extinguish it. One is to clamp a pot or pan cover over it to snuff it out. Another is to smother it in a generous amount of baking soda.

Is it easy to fix a heating element in an oven?

Replacing a broken element isn't too complicated, but it can be tricky working in such a small space. Before you begin, you'll need to turn the power off to your oven. Then, take out the old element by unscrewing it and detaching the wires running into it.

Do you need an electrician to change an oven element?

Electric oven heating element replacement is a surprisingly simply DIY fix.

When should I be concerned about my oven?

Undercooked. An oven's job is to cook food, so when it's not cooking food properly, it's a sign there's something wrong. If your food is coming out undercooked, despite following the recipe, instructions, or what has worked for you in the past, a component within the oven is likely broken.

Do I need to unplug the oven before replacing the element?

Always consult your owner's manual and refer to your manufacturer's instructions before replacing an oven element. Turn off the power to the oven at the breaker box and unplug the oven. Remove the screws that secure the element to the oven with a screwdriver.

Is it worth repairing a 7 year old oven?

Considering ovens can last 15 years (and sometimes more), it is likely a better idea to repair a 10-year-old oven, assuming the repair won't cost more than 50% of the oven's value. So, for instance, if your oven is worth $1,200 and the repair is only $400, it's a better option to complete the repair.

How do you know if oven element or thermostat is broken?

If there's a problem with the element, the light is never going to turn off because it's never going to hit the correct temperature. On the other hand if when you turn the thermostat on the light does not turn on at all, that shows there's a problem with the thermostat.

Is it cheaper to fix an oven or buy a new one?

The rule of thumb is that if repair costs exceed 50% of the price to install a new oven, you should buy a new oven instead of replacing it. For example, if your oven costs $2,000 but costs $1,500 to repair, you could use that $1,500 for a new and improved oven.

What would cause an oven to not heat up?

WHAT CAUSES AN OVEN NOT TO HEAT UP?
  • OVEN DOOR MIGHT NOT BE FULLY CLOSED. ...
  • HEATING ELEMENT MAY BE MALFUNCTIONING. ...
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER MAY HAVE BLOWN A FUSE. ...
  • OVEN MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. ...
  • CONTROL PANEL MAY BE LOCKED. ...
  • TEMPERATURE SENSOR MAY BE BROKEN.

Who makes the best ovens?

GE is often considered one of the best oven brands for American shoppers. Check out the scan-to-cook feature on the SmartHQ app, which allows you to scan packaged meals and automatically send the instructions to the oven. The eight-pass broil element on this GE single-wall oven can also give you the power you need.

Should I replace my 20 year old oven?

The lifespan of an appliance is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to replace it. Most appliances have a useful life of about 10-15 years, although some may last longer or shorter. If your appliance is over 20 years old, it is likely approaching the end of its useful life.

How much does it cost to replace a heating element in an oven?

Repairing a broken heating element will set you back $150 to $400. If the heating element has gone, your oven simply won't cook because it isn't able to heat. The most common problems with heating elements include cracking and splitting, neither of which are repairable.

How do I know if my oven needs a new heating element?

The most common problem with oven elements is when the oven light and fan come on but the oven element won't heat up at all. This is the classic sign that the element needs replacing.

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