How long do ovens last?

Between baking, grilling, and broiling, your oven works hard for your family. Which makes you wonder, how long do ovens last? The answer: It depends. According to Consumer Reports, if you take care of your appliance and maintain it regularly, your oven can last an average of 15 years—but with our helpful tips, you can extend that lifespan even longer.  We’ll share our best tips on how to extend the lifespan of your oven. 

Things that affect how long your oven will last 

Here are a few factors that can influence how long your oven stays in service. 

• Dependable brand. Ovens made by a reliable, trusted brand will almost always last longer and will be easier to service. 
• Gas or electric. Gas ovens, which have fewer parts and heat up faster than electric models, tend to last a few years longer.
• Frequency of use. Using your oven every day may decrease its lifespan. 
• Maintenance. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your oven will add years to its life.
• Quality repairs. Using quality, manufacturer-approved parts for repairs will keep your oven working its best for as long as possible. 
• Warranty and protection plans. Ovens under warranty or covered by protection plans receive timely repairs and maintenance, which can extend their life expectancy.

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How to make your oven last as long as possible  

We’ve talked about factors that can affect your oven's lifespan—now let’s explore some practical tips to ensure it lasts for years to come.

Keep your oven clean

Wipe up drips and spills right away, and deep clean your oven at least once every 3 months. Check out our guide on the best and safest way to clean your oven. 

Don’t overuse self-cleaning mode 

The self-cleaning cycle strains your oven—especially parts like the thermal fuse—so use it sparingly, no more than twice a year. Always turn on a fan or open a window to ventilate your kitchen, and thoroughly wipe down your oven when it has cooled after the cycle. 

Don’t line your oven with foil

Aluminum foil can melt and damage the oven, so skip lining your oven or stovetop burners with foil. If you want to catch drips, put a cookie sheet on the bottom rack. 

Check the contact on your stove burners

An easy way to maintain your oven, if it has exposed coils, is to check your stove burners regularly—at least once a month. Turn off your stove. When it’s cool, pull each burner on the stovetop out of the socket and attach them again firmly to make sure they have a tight connection. 

Use other appliances

For smaller jobs, use a microwave or toaster oven and give your oven a well-deserved rest. 

Deal with issues immediately 

If your oven isn’t working properly and has issues like smoking, not turning on, or getting too hot, check your appliance right away. This could be a dangerous situation so you should unplug your electric stove or turn off the gas before you check or before you call a professional to help. 

Invest in protection

Protect your oven—plus all other eligible appliances in your home—with an Asurion Appliance+™ protection plan to ensure timely repairs and expert assistance whenever you need it.

Should I repair or replace my oven? 

If your oven is broken and the repair is simple and inexpensive, like replacing a knob or a grate, or if your appliance is under warranty, it makes sense to fix it. A good guideline: If the repair will cost more than half the cost of a new oven, especially if your appliance is 12 years old or older, consider replacing it.

Want more appliance tips? Check out our guide on how to make your appliances last longer.