Is It Cheaper to Fix an Oven or Buy a New One? 2026 Guide

You walk into the kitchen, turn on the oven, and smell burning plastic. The display flickers. The heat comes in bursts. You’re not sure if this is the end of the line-or just another glitch. So you ask: Is it cheaper to fix an oven or buy a new one? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on your oven’s age, the problem, and what you’re willing to spend-not just money, but time and hassle.

How old is your oven?

Ovens last about 13 to 15 years on average. If yours is 10 years old or newer, repair is usually the smarter move. But if it’s 18 years old and the heating element just gave out? You’re flirting with more breakdowns. Older ovens aren’t just outdated-they’re inefficient. A 20-year-old model uses nearly 30% more electricity than a new Energy Star-rated one. That adds up over time.

In Hamilton, where winters are long and ovens get heavy use, a 15-year-old oven isn’t just old-it’s overdue. Replacing it with a modern unit can cut your energy bill by $70 to $120 a year. That’s like getting a free repair every few months.

What’s broken?

Not all oven problems are equal. Some fixes cost less than $100. Others cost more than half a new oven. Here’s what’s worth fixing:

• Heating element - $50 to $150 to replace. This is the most common fix. Easy to diagnose-if the element doesn’t glow red, it’s dead.
• Thermostat - $100 to $200. If your oven runs too hot or too cold, the thermostat might be off. Calibration can help, but replacement is often better.
• Igniter (gas ovens) - $80 to $150. If the oven smells like gas but won’t light, the igniter is likely worn out.
• Door seal - $30 to $70. A broken seal means heat escapes. You’ll notice longer cook times and higher bills.

Now, here’s what’s usually not worth fixing:

• Control board - $300 to $600. This is the oven’s brain. If it’s fried, you’re paying for a new motherboard in a 12-year-old appliance.
• Display panel - $200 to $400. If the screen is dead but the oven still heats, you’re paying for a cosmetic fix.
• Internal wiring - $250+. If multiple wires are burnt or corroded, the whole system is aging out. It’s a sign of deeper issues.

Repair cost vs. new oven price

Let’s break it down with real numbers from 2026. In Ontario, a basic electric oven repair averages $180 to $300. Labor runs $85 to $120/hour. Parts vary. A heating element? $70. A control board? $450.

Meanwhile, a new mid-range oven (30-inch, electric, with convection) costs $600 to $900. High-end models with smart features? $1,200 to $2,000. But you don’t need the fancy stuff. Most households do fine with a solid basic model.

Here’s a quick rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new oven’s price, walk away. That’s not just math-it’s common sense. A $500 repair on a $700 oven doesn’t make sense. You’re putting money into a dying machine.

Hidden costs of repair

Repair isn’t just about the bill. There’s time. Waiting for a technician. Scheduling. Missing dinner because the oven broke again. In Hamilton, the average wait for an oven repair is 3 to 5 business days. That’s three days without baking, roasting, or even warming leftovers.

And what if the repair doesn’t stick? One in four oven repairs fails within six months. That’s not bad luck-it’s aging parts. A new control board might fix the display, but the wiring behind it is still brittle. You’re buying time, not peace of mind.

Then there’s safety. Old ovens with cracked heating elements or frayed wires can overheat. Gas ovens with failing valves can leak. Insurance companies in Ontario have seen a 17% rise in appliance-related fires since 2022. Most involve units older than 12 years.

When to replace

Replace your oven if:

• It’s over 12 years old and needs a major part (control board, wiring, gas valve)
• You’re spending $300+ on repairs in the last year
• It takes longer to preheat than it used to
• The temperature is off by more than 25°F (14°C)
• You’re tired of the noise, the flickering, the guesswork

New ovens come with features you didn’t know you needed: automatic cleaning, Wi-Fi control, even sous-vide modes. But you don’t need them. What you do need is reliability. A new oven gives you that. And a 10-year warranty on the heating element? That’s worth more than a dozen repairs.

What about used or refurbished?

Some people turn to used ovens from thrift stores or online listings. Don’t. You’re trading low price for high risk. A $200 used oven might cost $300 to fix, then break again in three months. Refurbished units from appliance dealers are better-they come with 90-day warranties and tested parts. But even then, you’re buying a 7-year-old machine with unknown history.

Stick with new. Even a budget model from Home Depot or Canadian Tire is built to last 12+ years. You get factory testing, safety certifications, and real customer support.

What to do next

If you’re unsure, call a local technician. Ask them:

1. How old is this oven based on the model number?
2. What’s the exact part failing?
3. How much will the repair cost, including labor?
4. How long will the fix last?
5. Can you show me the part and its warranty?

If they hesitate or can’t answer, get a second opinion. A good technician will tell you if it’s worth fixing-or if you’re better off buying new.

And if you’re replacing it, look for models with a 10-year limited warranty on the heating element. That’s the part that dies first-and the one you’ll care about most.

Bottom line

Fixing an oven makes sense if it’s young, the problem is simple, and the cost is under $250. But if you’re paying more than half the price of a new oven-or if your unit is older than 12 years-buying new is the smarter, safer, and cheaper choice in the long run. You’re not just replacing an appliance. You’re replacing stress, wasted time, and rising energy bills.