How Long Do Ovens Last?

Is your oven getting old and you’re wondering how much longer it will last? Perhaps you’re thinking about purchasing a new oven, and wondering which models and brands are the longest-lasting. While most ovens last for about 15 or 16 years, a huge range of factors can impact their longevity, including usage patterns, brand, and oven type. In this guide, we dive deep into how long you can expect your oven to last and what you can do to influence its lifespan. Let’s get started!

Average Oven Lifespan

Ovens are among some of the longest-lasting appliances, with an average functional lifespan of about 14–16 years. This is just an average, however. Some ovens can last for decades without suffering from any impaired performance. Note that this average is based across all models and types of ovens, and is based on average daily use. There’s a lot that can influence lifespan. 

Gas

Gas ovens tend to be slightly simpler appliances and therefore tend to last for slightly longer than electric ovens. You can expect a high-quality gas oven to last for about 16–18 years with typical use and regular maintenance. 

Electric

While electric ovens are also long-lasting compared to other appliances such as washers and dishwashers, they’re slightly more prone to breaking down than gas ovens. On average, you can expect an electric oven to last for around 13–16 years, provided it is taken care of. 

What Can Affect Your Oven’s Lifespan?

While the average oven lasts around 14–16 years, there are a lot of factors that can affect that number. 

Frequency of Use

An oven that’s used once every day or two for simple, low-key family meals is going to last a lot longer than an oven that’s being used for multiple hours each day. Similarly, an oven that’s kept at a summer or vacation home that’s only used occasionally may last many years longer than an oven in constant use. 

While this guide is referring to home ovens, rather than commercial ovens, it’s important to note that commercial-level use of your oven will significantly shorten its lifespan. If you plan to run a baking business from your home, you’ll need to factor that into your expectations. 

Type of Use

Frequent high-temperature use of your oven is more wearing on your oven’s components than lower-temperature cooking and will shorten its lifespan. Using the pyrolytic cleaning (high-temperature cleaning) function on your oven can also shorten its lifespan significantly. 

Maintenance

No one enjoys cleaning their oven, but it can actually impact how long your oven lasts. Regular cleaning, particularly around the heating elements and vents, ensures your oven can work efficiently without putting unnecessary stress on the components. 

Brand

Your oven’s brand will also influence how long it’s likely to last. Premium, high-end brands such as Bosch, GE, and Miele are all designed to be long-lasting, and their warranties reflect this. Cheaper, less well-known brands may not last as long and may not offer warranty replacement if they experience issues. 

How To Prolong Your Oven’s Lifespan

Whether you’ve just bought an oven or you already own an older model, it’s in your best interest to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some of our top tips on prolonging your oven’s lifespan:

• Clean regularly: Keeping your oven clean and avoiding grease buildup can ensure your oven operates at maximum efficiency for longer. 
• Avoid the self-clean function: While the self-cleaning function is convenient, repeated use can weaken and damage the oven’s components. Try to use traditional cleaning methods whenever possible, and save the self-cleaning function for occasional use. 
• Maintain regularly: If you notice an issue with one of your oven’s components, get it fixed immediately. Continuing to run your oven with a faulty component, such as a malfunctioning heating element, can put additional strain on the other parts, shortening its overall lifespan. 
• Don’t overuse: If you’re planning to start a home baking business, look into purchasing a commercial-grade oven instead. They’re made to withstand continuous use and high temperatures and will last longer. 

How To Know When Your Oven Is Getting Old

Sometimes it can be hard to know when your oven is getting to the end of its lifespan, particularly if you’ve owned it for a long time. Some telltale signs include:

• Higher electric bills: A sudden increase in your electric bill can indicate your oven has to work harder and use more energy to cook your food. 
• Longer cooking times: If you’ve suddenly noticed your oven is taking longer to cook your food, it’s a good sign there’s a problem with the heating elements. 
• Constant repairs: When something is constantly going wrong with your oven, it’s a good sign it’s getting to the end of its useful life. 

When To Repair and When To Replace?

To repair or to replace—that is the question! It can be tough to know when it makes sense to repair an issue compared to buying a whole new oven. Here are some tips to help you decide.

• Consider the age: If your oven is over 12 years old and is frequently in need of repair, it may be better to just replace it. 
• Cost of repairs: If the cost of repairing your oven is half or more of the cost of a new one, then replacement is the better choice. 
• Frequency of repairs: Repeated small issues requiring repairs are usually an indication that your oven won’t last much longer. 

Choosing a Long Lasting New Oven

When choosing a new oven, longevity should be a key consideration. Here’s how to ensure your new oven lasts you many years:

• Check brand reputation: Ensure you choose a brand that has a good reputation and a comprehensive warranty policy. 
• Check user reviews: User reviews are invaluable for finding out how long an appliance is likely to last. 
• Ensure it meets your needs: While longevity is important, make sure your oven is also suitable to your needs. Consider size, energy usage, and features to make sure you get the perfect oven for your lifestyle.