How Long an Oven Lasts Before It Needs Replacing

An oven is any cook’s best friend when it comes to heating, baking, and roasting food. It can cook practically anything from casseroles to pasta to delectable cakes. It is an appliance you almost cannot do without once you experience all its benefits.  

An oven lasts around 15-20 years before it needs replacing. It would be best to replace it even if it still functions despite its age since it may be considered a fire hazard in your home. Signs of replacement include increased electricity bills, inadequately cooked food, and frequent breakdowns.

I will talk about how long an oven lasts before it needs to be replaced and how to find out how old your oven is. I will also discuss factors that may influence your oven’s life expectancy, and I will give some tips on how you can maximize your oven’s lifespan. Let’s get started!

How Long Do Ovens Last (Before Needing Replacing)?

An oven typically lasts 15-20 years before it needs to be replaced. You will notice some telltale signs that signify that you may need to purchase a brand new oven soon. If your oven is less than 15 years old, parts replacements and repairs are often sufficient to fix any problems.

How To Find Out Your Oven’s Age

You can tell how old an oven is by looking at the serial number. The numbers indicate the year and month an appliance was manufactured. 

This is how you do check your oven’s serial number: 

  1. Identify your oven’s serial number.
  2. Take note of your oven brand.
  3. Look it up online (most oven brands provide serial number information to help determine how old an oven is).

Using the serial number is a quick and easy way to find out how old your oven is. This will help you know how soon you will need to consider replacing the appliance.

Things That Influence an Oven’s Life Expectancy

A typical oven can last for decades. Ovens are built to last, but even the good ones can succumb to premature malfunctions and damage if not properly maintained. The key is to set aside some time, effort, and money to ensure that your handy kitchen partner is always in top shape.

Here are some factors that may influence your oven’s life expectancy:

  • Proper maintenance 
  • Cleanliness
  • Repairs and replacements
  • Frequency of use 

How To Maximize Your Oven’s Lifespan

Ovens are sturdy appliances built to handle tough situations. They can take oily spills, boilovers, and even be hit by heavy pots now and then. If properly taken care of, they can last from 15-20 years. 

Here are some tips on how to maximize your oven’s lifespan:

  • Clean up the exterior.
  • Clean up the interior.
  • Check parts regularly.
  • Use the self-cleaning feature.

Below I will discuss each of these tips in greater detail.

Clean Up the Exterior

Wipe away spills as soon as you’re done cooking and the oven has cooled down. If you let the spills sit, it may become difficult – and sometimes even impossible – to remove them from the oven’s surface. Wiping up spills can prevent clogs in various oven parts.

Clean Up the Interior

Always clean your oven racks and drip pans. Take the racks and pans out and wash them in warm, soapy water to get rid of any gunk. 

For crusts that are extremely hard to get rid of, soak them in white vinegar and baking soda for about 30 minutes. The crusts should then be easily scrubbed off.

Check Parts Regularly

Make it a habit to always check your oven’s gasket, heating elements, and ignition. Any malfunction should be addressed at once. Faulty or damaged parts must be replaced immediately. 

Not only will maintaining the oven’s parts prolong the appliance’s lifespan, but it will also reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

Use the Self-Cleaning Feature

Take advantage of your oven’s self-cleaning feature. This is a great way to keep your oven clean and in top shape. 

Before you begin a self-cleaning cycle, remember to take everything out of your oven, including the racks. This process may last from 2 to 6 hours. Once it is done and the oven has cooled down, wipe away any residue with a sponge and some warm water.