A wall oven or range typically lasts about 16 years if it’s properly maintained. Even though oven lifespan varies, you may reasonably expect that your oven will work for more than a decade—even two decades on the higher end of the spectrum.
From Mr. Appliance® experts, here’s what you should know about the average life of an oven.
Factors that Influence Oven Life Expectancy
How long should the oven last in your home? Oven lifespan is dependent on your answers to these questions:
- Is your oven gas or electric? Gas wall ovens and ranges tend to last a few years longer than their electric counterparts.
- How often do you use it? The oven is a hardworking appliance! Many homeowners use it every day or every other day. If you use your unit that frequently, or less frequently, the oven’s lifespan is likely to be average—about 16 years.
- Is your oven high quality? If you invested in a high-quality oven from a trusted manufacturer, it may last longer than a model with lower-quality parts.
- Do you perform oven maintenance? Periodic maintenance can help ensure your oven’s lifespan is average or above. There are maintenance tips below!
- Who do you hire for repairs? The right appliance repair pros will ensure your oven is taken care of, and that the oven replacement parts are OEM, not aftermarket. If you need courteous, reliable experts for your next repair, find the nearest Mr. Appliance.
Curious about how long other appliances last? Read about the microwave oven life span, or check out our appliance life expectancy chart.
Don’t Know Your Oven’s Age?
If you just moved to a new place, bought your oven used, or simply don’t remember when you purchased it, it’s hard to know how much longer your oven might last. Luckily, your appliance’s age will be on the serial number tag, sticker, or plate. Most newer appliances plainly state the manufacture date in that area. To determine the age of older appliances, you may need to Google the serial number and brand name.
Tips for Maximizing Oven Lifespan
The answer to “How long do ovens last?” varies greatly depending on how ovens are maintained. Here are the top maintenance tasks we recommend:
- Use self-cleaning mode sparingly. Self-cleaning mode is hard on your appliance. When you do need to use it, make sure you use the self-cleaning oven function correctly.
- Curb messy cooking. Sloppy roasting and baking make your oven dirty, which makes it less efficient. Try to minimize drips in the oven—and avoid putting aluminum foil in the bottom, which can cause oven failure.
- Keep an eye out for problems. Be aware of any changes in your oven’s function, like odd odors or extended baking times. Here are five common oven problems you might detect.
Whenever you need it, Mr. Appliance is ready to help you with routine oven maintenance and urgent repairs. Simply schedule an appointment online at a convenient time, or connect with your local Mr. Appliance.
FAQs
A wall oven or range typically lasts about 16 years if it's properly maintained.
How long does an oven usually last? ›
Stoves And Ovens
While gas ranges tend to last an average of 15 years, electric ones average about 13. To maintain your stove and oven, be sure to clean them regularly.
How often do you need to replace an oven? ›
It's one of the last appliances we want to replace, but by doing so, we can avoid hazardous cooking episodes. The average lifespan of a stove or oven is typically 10 - 15 years.
What is the average lifespan of appliances? ›
Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
What is the shelf life of oven? ›
While an oven can last an average of 13 to 15 years, that lifespan can be drastically reduced if there are mechanical problems with the appliance. If the oven is still fairly new, the homeowner may find that repairing it is the most cost-effective solution—and in addition, repairs can help extend the oven's life.
Can an oven last 20 years? ›
Here's why quality and maintenance matter
For example, a budget oven could last 8 to 10 years, while upgrading to a high-end model could last you 15 to 20 years—double the duration could absolutely be worth the extra spend. To bring that longevity to reality, proper use and maintenance are crucial.
Is it worth repairing a 7 year old oven? ›
The Fifty Percent Rule
If the cost of your repair is more than 50% of a new appliance, or your appliance is over 50% of its lifespan, it's usually best to replace it. Many experts agree that the repair cost should be below 50% of the price of a new appliance. Any more than this and the repair cost isn't worth it.
Is it worth repairing a 10 year old oven? ›
Is it worth repairing an oven that's 10 years old? For built-in wall ovens, it's typically worth it to repair the oven rather than replacing it. Because the oven has an average life expectancy of up to 20 years, it will likely last for many years after making the repair.
Is it worth repairing a 15 year old oven? ›
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, you'd be well advised to replace it. You can expect most stoves or ovens to give good service for at least 15 years.
How long should an electric oven last? ›
Slightly lower than gas cookers, electric cookers have an average life expectancy of 13 years. However, just like a gas cooker, this lifespan can be shortened or lengthened depending on the cooker quality, maintenance, and usage.
To sum it up, the answer to the age-old question of do older appliances last longer, is a resounding yes! They were built to last and withstand the test of time, and they often still do.
What ovens last the longest? ›
A wall oven is typically the longest lasting appliance in your home -- averaging 15 to 20 years of life. Ovens last longer because they don't have as many moving parts as other appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
How long should a cheap oven last? ›
The life expectancy of an oven varies depending on the type of oven you own. 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.
