Is it worth replacing an oven thermostat?

Author: Sydni D'Amore  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

We recommend replacing the oven thermostat if it temperature changes between uses or is off by more than 10% of the set temperature.

How do I know if my oven thermostat is bad?

Place the multimeter on the thermostat. If the thermostat has a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible, it is working fine. However, if it has no reading at all, your oven thermostat is faulty and will need replacing.

Is it expensive to replace a thermostat in an oven?

Great question, replacing an existing thermostat is a pretty simple job, it would cost around $120-$200 for an electrician to replace it with a new one but if you find a good electrician it could cost around $80. However, if you're replacing an older model it may cost a little more but not much.

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 long should an oven thermostat last?

Many of the programmable thermostats on the market today, including flashy smart thermostats, can last about 10 years.

How to Replace an Oven Thermostat in an Electric Cooker

Can I replace an oven thermostat myself?

Locate the thermostat and disconnect the wires to remove thermostat. Remove the screws holding the thermostat in place and gently pull it out. Install the new thermostat: Position the new thermostat in the same place where the old one was.

How much does it cost to repair a thermostat in the oven?

On average, electric oven repair costs tend to sit between £80-£170 for a new element to be fitted. If the problem lies with the thermostat, you'll need to get an oven thermostat repair cost from a specialist. Alternatively, you could be looking at paying between £50 - £150 if your thermostat needs to be replaced.

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.

How much does it cost to replace the temperature sensor on an oven?

To replace your oven sensor, you'll pay between $100 and $250.

What is the lifespan 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.

Can you use an oven with a broken thermostat?

If you have a faulty oven thermostat, you will know about it. As the heat is no longer regulated, this could cause burnt or even undercooked food - and nobody wants that!

How can I tell if I need to replace my thermostat?

Signs You Need a New Thermostat
  1. Heating or cooling system will not turn off or on.
  2. The temperature reading is incorrect.
  3. Recent spike in your energy bill.
  4. Frequent temperature fluctuations.
  5. Thermostat is 10 years old or older.

Should I replace my thermostat myself?

While replacing a thermostat is a manageable DIY project for many, there are situations where professional help is invaluable.

How much to replace a thermostat in an oven?

The cost to replace an oven thermostat is $100 to $350 on average. Signs of thermostat failure include the heating light never switching on or the oven not heating. A thermostat turns the heat on and off as needed to reach the right temperature setting.

How do I reset my oven thermostat?

Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. It should have one or two screws on the back. If the oven is running cold, you will want to turn the screws counterclockwise, and if it is running hot, you will want to turn them clockwise. Turn them gradually, about an eighth of a turn each time.

Will a bad oven thermostat cause no heat?

A broken thermostat is another common cause of an oven not heating up. It is the component that controls the temperature inside the oven. To check for a broken thermostat, you can check the oven's temperature using an oven thermometer while the oven is on.

How long does an oven thermostat last?

The lifespan of a thermostat is dependent on several factors, including the type of thermostat, usage, and maintenance. On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old oven?

You should typically lean toward replacing a wall oven only if it's older than 10 years, or if you're otherwise unhappy with your oven's performance and feel that buying a new model makes more sense. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

What are the symptoms of a faulty oven thermostat?

A faulty temperature sensor will cause the oven not to heat to the correct temperature. If food is taking longer to cook, or is undercooked when cooking time is completed this is due to the oven not reaching the desired heat. You need to make sure that the temperature sensor isn't touching the interior oven wall.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old oven?

Consider Your Oven's Age

Age of your oven is a key factor in making your repair/replace decision. When your oven is over 20 years old, you'll likely want to replace it when it needs a repair costing more than $500.

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.

Is it worth getting oven repaired?

Repair Versus Replacement Costs

The financial aspect undoubtedly plays a significant role in your decision-making process. A rule of thumb is considering the repair cost: if it's more than 50% of the price of a new oven, replacement might be the more economical choice in the long run.

Is it worth replacing thermostat?

Replacing your thermostat offers several benefits, such as: Modern features: New thermostats often feature programmable options for different times of the day or week, allowing your system to automatically adjust when you're at work or school, arriving home, or asleep.

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.

Does my oven need a new thermostat?

We recommend replacing the oven thermostat if it temperature changes between uses or is off by more than 10% of the set temperature.

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