How Long Do Ovens Last?

What Affects the Lifespan of Ovens?

While a typical oven lasts more than 15 years, actual longevity of your model depends on the oven type, brand, usage habits, and maintenance.

Here is more information about the general factors that affect an oven’s lifespan:

• Wall ovens and ovens inside ranges tend to have similar lifespans.
• Gas ovens typically last slightly longer than electric ones. The high electrical current flowing through electric oven elements, control boards and wiring often causes electric ovens to wear out faster than gas ovens.
• Ovens used daily will naturally wear out faster than those used occasionally. Regular usage places strain on components like heating elements, igniters, and thermostats.
• Neglecting routine maintenance shortens your oven’s life. Built-up grease, grime, or food residue can damage internal parts or create safety hazards. Regular cleaning ensures your oven performs efficiently.
• Premium brands often use higher-quality components, which tend to last longer. When buying a new oven, investing in a trusted brand can save you from premature repairs or replacements.

When investing in an oven, knowing its expected lifespan helps you make smarter purchasing and maintenance decisions.

With proper care, some ovens can exceed the 20-year mark, continuing to serve your kitchen well.

Here’s a helpful video that shows how to care for your oven so it lasts longer:

Specific Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Oven

Because replacing a wall oven can be expensive and complicated, take these steps to help it last as long as possible.

Clean the Oven Regularly

Allow the oven to cool and then wipe spills and crumbs after each use to prevent residue from burning onto the surfaces. For deeper cleaning, remove racks and clean them separately. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the oven’s finish.

Cleaning the Oven Using the Self-Clean Feature

If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow these expert tips to use that feature:

• Clean out big oven spills before starting the self-clean mode, because big spills produce excessive smoke and fumes during cleaning.
• Remove oven racks before starting the self-clean cycle. High oven temperatures during cleaning can damage oven rack coatings.
• Ventilate your kitchen and adjacent rooms during the self-cleaning cycle. Smoke and irritating odors come out of the oven vent during cleaning.
• Pets such as birds, dogs and cats can be annoyed or even harmed by fumes coming out of the oven vent during cleaning. Keep pets in a well-ventilated area during oven cleaning.

Use the self-clean feature at least twice per year to keep the oven cavity clean.

Manually Cleaning the Oven

If you have a manual-clean oven, select an oven cleaner that is safe and effective for your specific oven type. Follow the instructions on the cleaner's packaging and apply it to the oven's interior surfaces, being careful to avoid the heating elements. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended amount of time to break down the grime.

Using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, scrub the inside of your oven, paying special attention to corners and crevices where grease and food particles tend to accumulate. After scrubbing, use a damp cloth to wipe away the cleaner and any residue, leaving your oven interior clean and fresh.

Manually clean the inside of your oven cavity twice per year or as needed to keep it clean.

Use Oven Racks Wisely

Overloading your oven or using its rack improperly can strain its components and affect performance. Follow manufacturer guidelines for maximum load capacity to prevent unnecessary damage.

Follow the expert tips in this video to use racks wisely when baking multiple items in your oven:

Avoid Oven Spills

Don’t overfill baking dishes. Spillovers in the oven can affect bake element longevity and make baking less efficient.

Avoid the temptation to line the bottom of your oven cavity with aluminum foil. The foil will meld with the oven cavity bottom and can cause oven failures and inefficiencies in baking.

Address Oven Problems Quickly

Replacing failing components instead of ignoring problems can significantly extend the lifespan of your oven. Keep an eye on the oven door seal and replace it if it gets worn or damaged. The door seal is a relatively inexpensive part that you can likely replace on your own.

You can also repair a malfunctioning temperature sensor or broken heating element at a reasonable cost.

Ignoring oven malfunctions can cause excess wear and tear on the appliance and lead to a shorter lifespan.

Schedule oven repair service when you’re unable to fix an oven problem on your own.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Have a technician inspect your oven annually. Having a professional perform oven maintenance will ensure that your appliance stays in peak condition and lasts longer. A technician can identify hidden problems and make adjustments or take action to help prevent unexpected breakdowns and problems.

When to Replace Your Oven

If your oven frequently breaks down, repairs cost more than half the price of a new unit, or it no longer cooks food evenly, it might be time to replace it. New ovens come with advanced energy-efficient features and modern designs that can enhance your cooking experience.

If you don’t already have a self-cleaning model, consider buying a new oven that includes that convenient feature.

Replacing an oven is also an opportunity to upgrade to a model that suits your changing needs, whether it’s a larger capacity for a growing family or smart connectivity for tech-savvy cooks.

By understanding your oven’s expected lifespan and caring for it properly, you can enjoy years of reliable service. Whether you’re using a wall oven, range, or freestanding model, these tips ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my oven is wearing out?

Common signs include uneven cooking, longer preheat times, unusual noises, or frequent breakdowns. You may also notice physical damage, like a malfunctioning door or knobs.

Can I repair my oven instead of replacing it?

Yes, many issues like a broken heating element, faulty thermostat, or damaged igniter can be repaired. If repair costs are less than half the price of a new oven, it’s usually worth fixing.

Do self-cleaning ovens last as long as regular ovens?

Self-cleaning ovens have similar lifespans, but frequent use of the self-cleaning feature can strain components. Use it sparingly (about twice a year) to avoid premature wear. Avoid oven spill so you don’t need to clean the oven frequently.

How can I make my oven more energy-efficient?

Keep it clean, avoid opening the door unnecessarily while cooking, and replace damaged seals to prevent heat loss. Energy-efficient models with convection settings also save energy by cooking food faster. Schedule annual professional oven maintenance to keep your oven in top shape and working efficiently.