Replace your gas oven igniter if the oven takes an unusually long time to preheat, fails to reach the set temperature, or won't ignite at all. Igniters are consumable parts and typically need to be replaced every 3 to 10 years, depending on how frequently you use your oven.
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.
Gas oven igniters typically last 3 to 8 years, heavily depending on frequency of use. Because they degrade with every heating cycle, heavy use or baking at very high temperatures will shorten their lifespan compared to light, occasional use.
Oven igniter replacement cost
A gas oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $325 on average, depending on the brand and model. A new oven igniter costs $20 to $50 for the part alone. A broken igniter results in the oven not heating, clicking noises without lighting the gas, and gas leaks.
Oven igniters usually fail because their brittle internal elements degrade from constant thermal stress, voltage surges, or contamination from grease and cleaning chemicals. Over time, this wear prevents the igniter from drawing enough electrical current to open the gas safety valve, resulting in a cold, unheated oven.
Between 5 and 10 years – Compare the cost of repairs to buying a new one. If the repair cost is more than half of a replacement, consider upgrading. Over 15 years – Replacing is usually the better long-term decision. For example, gas stoves should be replaced every 15 years to maintain safety and efficiency.
An oven igniter is likely bad if it fails to glow bright orange, glows but takes more than 90 seconds to light the gas, or shows no electrical continuity when tested. You can diagnose a faulty igniter by observing its behavior and performing a few simple tests.
Oven lifespan generally spans 13 to 15 years, though premium luxury and mechanically simple brands can last up to 20 years. Industry experts and repair data consistently highlight Thermador, Maytag, Miele, and Bosch as the most durable brands, offering the fewest repairs over time.
Many folks go by the 50-50 rule. If the appliance has reached 50 percent of its expected life and it costs more than 50 percent of the cost of new, buy a new one. Oven failures can start with underperformance. For example, a family favorite just doesn't come out like it used to.
Ovens typically last 15 to 20 years, making them one of the most durable household appliances. Factors such as oven type (gas vs. electric), usage frequency, maintenance habits, and brand quality can influence their lifespan, with gas ovens often outlasting electric ones due to fewer issues with electrical components.
Control Panel Problems
If your oven's buttons aren't responding or the display is flickering, the control panel may be failing. This is a common issue, especially in digital ovens. In most cases, a replacement control board or minor repair can bring your appliance back to full functionality.
You could be looking at a faulty oven heating element. However, there's no need to panic – this is a simple, straightforward repair that you can complete yourself, with no need for a professional. In this article, we will explain how to change the oven heating element and how to tell if it's broken in the first place.
Disconnect and Remove the Old Ignitor: Unplug the wire connector for the ignitor and carefully unscrew the bracket holding it in place. Install the New Ignitor: Screw the new ignitor into place and connect the wiring. Safety Reminder: Never touch the gray or black part of the new ignitor with your bare hands.
A bad igniter generally fails to start or sustain a flame. Common symptoms include a system that won't start at all, clicking noises without the flame lighting, frequent system shutdowns, or the system blowing cold air.
Small appliances with the shortest lifespan typically include kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. These tend to have more limited warranties and are generally less durable compared to larger household appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.
Holiday Sale Periods (May, September, and November)
Certain holidays have become synonymous with appliance discounts, and for good reason. Many shoppers wait for these times to make big purchases, and retailers respond with competitive pricing across most major brands.
Your heating and cooling system is by far the biggest energy consumer in your home. Air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pump HVAC systems work hard to keep your home comfortable year-round, but they also account for almost half of your energy bill.
Our Top Oven Picks
The Appliances That Fail Fastest
When comparing LG and GE, reliability heavily depends on the specific appliance. Overall, LG dominates in laundry and dishwashers, while GE generally holds the edge in kitchen appliances like refrigerators and ranges.
Oven igniters typically last 3 to 5 years under normal, daily use, though they can last up to 8–10 years with infrequent use. Because they are considered a "consumable" part that gets extremely hot, they wear out over time, making them the most common cause of gas oven heating failure.