At a Glance:
Average Life of an Electric Oven
Signs Your Electric Oven Is Dying
Top Electric Ovens Worth the Upgrade
How to Extend the Life of Your Oven
An electric oven is a kitchen essential, but like all appliances, it won’t last forever. If you’ve been asking, “how long do electric ovens last,” knowing their lifespan and the signs of wear can help you decide when it’s time to replace yours.
While repairs are an option, some issues signal it might be time for an upgrade. This guide explores the electric oven lifespan, common problems, and top models to consider when shopping for a new one.
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Shop Electric OvensAverage Life of an Electric Oven
An electric oven lifespan typically ranges from 13 to 15 years, provided it’s well-maintained. By comparison, gas ovens tend to last slightly longer—about 15 to 17 years—due to their simpler mechanisms. However, electric ovens often win in terms of consistent heating and innovative features, making them a favorite among modern kitchens.
The average lifespan of an electric oven can vary depending on usage, care, and frequency of repairs. For instance, regular cleaning, careful handling of the control panel, and replacing faulty parts as needed can help extend its life. On the other hand, neglect and frequent use of self-cleaning modes may shorten its longevity.
While lifespan gas vs electric oven comparisons show slight differences, both require routine care to last their full potential. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make your appliance last longer and perform better.
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Understanding Electric Ovens
An electric oven operates using heating elements located at the top, bottom, or both to generate and distribute heat evenly. These elements, controlled by a thermostat, maintain the desired temperature for efficient cooking.
Key components such as the control panel, fuse, and circuit board ensure smooth functionality, and addressing issues with these parts can help fix electric oven problems when needed.
Modern electric ovens often feature self-cleaning and steam-cleaning modes. While self-cleaning uses high heat to burn off residue, manufacturers recommend limiting its use to twice a year, as frequent use may shorten the average lifespan of an electric oven.
In contrast, steam-cleaning is gentler and can be used more often without significantly affecting the electric oven lifespan. Understanding how these features work can help users make informed decisions about maintenance and ensure they get the most out of their appliance.
Common issues like oven not heating up or producing an oven odor may indicate problems with these critical components, highlighting the importance of regular care and timely repairs to avoid uneven performance or further damage.
5 Signs Your Electric Oven is Dying
Over time, even the best-rated electric ovens will start showing signs of wear and tear. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you decide whether to fix your electric oven or invest in a new one. Below are the most common indicators your oven might be nearing the end of its lifespan (click the➕ to learn more):
➕Uneven Cooking Results
If your dishes come out either overcooked or undercooked despite following the recipe, it could mean your oven’s heating element is malfunctioning. Uneven oven cooking is a clear sign that your appliance isn’t maintaining consistent temperatures.
➕The Oven Is Not Heating Up Properly
An electric oven not heating up or taking too long to preheat is another red flag. This could indicate issues with the thermostat, control panel, or the heating element itself. These repairs often cost between $150 and $400, depending on the problem.
➕Strange Oven Odor
Persistent burning or chemical smells coming from your oven, even when it’s clean, could point to faulty wiring or electrical issues. Not only is this a sign that your oven is failing, but it also poses a safety risk and should not be ignored.
➕Frequent Oven Repairs
When repair costs start piling up, it’s time to evaluate whether it's better to fix or replace the oven. On average, the cost of repairing an electric oven ranges between $100 and $600. If repairs exceed 50% of the price of a new oven, experts recommend buying a replacement instead.
➕Unresponsive Oven Controls
If your control panel doesn’t respond, or settings reset randomly, this could mean the motherboard is failing. While a motherboard repair can cost upwards of $400, it may be more economical to buy an electric oven instead of continually fixing your current one.
Top Electric Ovens Worth the Upgrade
If you’re ready to upgrade, investing in a high-quality model can make a significant difference in performance and longevity. Below are some of the best rated electric ovens to consider, each offering a blend of innovative features and reliability.
Café™ Professional 30" Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
This premium electric oven combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology. It features an advanced convection system for consistent baking and roasting, along with a precision temperature probe for perfectly cooked meals. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote operation, making it a favorite among tech-savvy cooks looking for premium electric wall ovens.
⭐Featured Cafe CTS70DP2NS1 Review:
“We love our new oven looks great and operates as good as it looks. This is a perfect oven.”
GE Profile™ 30" Smart Built-In Convection Single Stainless Steel Wall Oven
Known for its smart features, this single oven offers built-in Wi-Fi and voice control compatibility. Its true European convection system ensures even heat distribution, solving the problem of uneven oven cooking. Of course, there’s also the unique side-swing door, which not only adds a touch of style but also enhances the user experience with easier access to the interior.
⭐Featured PTS700LSNSS Review:
“Perfect oven, has everything you need. No more bending over a hot door to reach the meal.”
JennAir® RISE™ 30" Stainless Steel Built-In Single Electric Wall Oven
This oven offers culinary precision with multi-mode convection technology and smart touch controls. Its aesthetic appeal matches its performance, making it an ideal choice for those shopping for the best electric oven models that also enhance kitchen design. It’s the full gourmet cooking experience, complete with 5 cubic feet of baking space, smooth-gliding racks, and powerful heat circulation that improves food results for restaurant-worthy finishes.
⭐Featured Jenn Air JJW2430LL Review:
“This oven is simple to use, cooks super well & the seasonal picture selection on the panel makes it fun! I appreciate being able to dim the lighting on the picture.”
Monogram Minimalist Collection 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Single Oven
Sleek and understated, this luxury oven is perfect for high-end kitchens. It features innovative convection modes and a large capacity, perfect for busy households. If you’re looking to compare kitchen appliance brands, Monogram is a standout in its class with various design awards and top ratings for its combination of commercial-grade features and construction.
KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Smart Electric Built-In Double Oven
KitchenAid is synonymous with professional-grade appliances, and this double oven is no exception. With a spacious interior, self-cleaning options, and smart functions, it’s a top contender for buyers interested in the best mid-end oven brand. Home cooks will get plenty of use out of this duo with a total of 10 cubic feet of baking capacity, plus the exclusive Smart Oven+ feature with detachable add-ons for grilling, steaming, pizzas, and more.
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⭐Featured KitchenAid KODE900HSS Review:
“Fantastic oven. we absolutely love it. The ability to set the temperature on my way home from the store is a great time saver. I wish there was an internal cam so I could see my food cooking.”
LG 30” PrintProof® Stainless Steel Built-In Double Electric Wall Oven
With a fingerprint-resistant finish and intuitive smart features, this LG oven is a customer favorite. Its true convection technology ensures superior cooking performance, while its stylish design fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to buy an electric oven that balances function and style.
⭐Featured LG WDEP9423F Review:
“We bought this fantastic new oven to complement the rest of the new LG appliances that we needed to completely remodel our new kitchen and we couldn’t be happier!”
Learn More: What to Consider Before Buying a Double Oven Electric Range
Thermador® Masterpiece® 30" Stainless Steel Double Electric Wall Oven
A luxury option, this double oven combines precision cooking technology with premium craftsmanship. Its fast preheat and steam options cater to those seeking versatile cooking functions, making it one of the best electric oven models on the market. And with two side swing doors, this duo makes a statement while also being practical.
How to Extend the Life of Your Oven
Proper care and maintenance have a significant impact on electric oven lifespan. Follow these expert tips to keep your oven running smoothly:
✔Clean regularly: Wipe down spills and food debris after each use to prevent residue buildup that can lead to oven odor and performance issues.
✔Use self-cleaning modes sparingly: Limit self-clean cycles to twice a year. Overusing this feature can strain the heating elements, shortening the average lifespan of an electric oven.
✔Opt for steam cleaning: Use steam cleaning for lighter messes. It’s gentler on your oven’s components and safer for frequent use.
✔Inspect door seals: Check the gasket for wear and tear to ensure proper heat retention and prevent uneven oven cooking from heat escape.
✔Avoid overloading: Don’t overcrowd the oven. It can strain the heating element and lead to uneven results.
✔Check the heating element: Periodically inspect the heating elements for signs of damage to prevent your electric oven not heating up when you need it most.
✔Schedule professional inspections: Have your oven inspected annually by a technician to address any issues before they escalate into major problems.
Electric ovens remain the top choice among homeowners, and it’s not hard to see why. Easy to control, no hard installation, and even heat make them faithful companions for beginning bakers to avid pastry pros at home. If you’re ready to upgrade your electric oven, Don’s Appliance has you covered. Visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores today to explore the latest lineup of ovens!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Electric Ovens at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooking appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to answer how long do electric ovens last and more — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
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