10‑Year‑Old Oven: Repair or Replace?

If your oven is hitting the decade mark, you might be wondering whether it’s still worth fixing. The good news? You don’t have to guess. In this guide we’ll walk through the key things to check – cost, safety, energy use and how long the oven is likely to last after a repair.

When Repair Makes Sense

First, look at the problem itself. Minor issues like a burnt heating element, a faulty thermostat or a broken door seal are often cheap to fix. A local repair tech can usually quote a price in a single visit, and you’ll often stay under £150 for parts and labour.

Next, think about how often you use the oven. If you bake a few times a week, keeping a reliable machine is worth the investment. A repaired oven that’s still efficient will use roughly the same amount of electricity as before, so you won’t see a spike in your bills.

Safety is another big factor. An old oven with a cracked door gasket can let heat escape, creating a fire risk. If the repair addresses the safety issue and the technician checks the wiring, you’re back in the kitchen with peace of mind.

Finally, consider the brand and model. Some manufacturers design ovens that are easy to service – parts are readily available and there are plenty of how‑to videos. If your oven falls into that category, a repair is usually straightforward and quick.

When It’s Time to Replace

Now, what signals that it’s better to buy a new oven? The price of the repair is the first red flag. If a technician quotes more than £300, you’re already close to the cost of a decent new model.

Energy efficiency is the next clue. Older ovens often run on outdated technology and can waste a lot of electricity. Modern ovens are rated A+++ and can cut your energy use by up to 30 %. Over a few years that savings outweighs the price difference.

Repeated breakdowns are also a warning sign. If you’ve had to call a repair person two or three times in the last year, the internal components are likely wearing out. At that point you’re just putting a band‑aid on a failing system.

Lastly, think about the features you want. New ovens come with convection fans, smart controls and self‑cleaning cycles that older models simply can’t match. If those upgrades would make cooking easier for you, the upgrade cost becomes an investment rather than an expense.When you decide to replace, pick a model with a solid warranty – at least three years – and check that the installer offers a free removal of the old unit. That way you avoid any extra disposal fees.

Bottom line: a 10‑year‑old oven can still be a good kitchen buddy, but only if the repair is cheap, the safety issues are resolved and the energy draw stays reasonable. If the repair bill climbs, the oven keeps breaking, or you’re after modern features, it’s time to shop for a new one. Either way, a quick call to a local repair service will give you a clear price, and you can make the decision with confidence.