How long do ovens and ranges last?
Most ovens and ranges last 12 to 16 years. The NAHB study lists about 13 years for an electric range and about 15 for gas.
Ranges are among the longer-lived kitchen appliances. What fails first is usually a part you can replace, such as a bake element, igniter or door gasket, rather than the whole range.
Typical lifespan: 12 to 16 years
The NAHB study lists about 13 years for an electric range and about 15 for gas.
Oven or range maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Clean the oven using the method in your manual, and clean the burners or cooktop. Inspect the door gasket for gaps or tears. A gas burner flame should be steady and blue.
Summer
Check the oven temperature with a stand-alone oven thermometer. If it is off by more than a few degrees, many models let you adjust the calibration in the settings.
Fall
Before the heavy cooking season, check the power cord and outlet or the gas connection for wear, and make sure the anti-tip bracket is installed. Pull the range out only if the manual says it is safe to do so.
Winter
Keep the area around the vent and burners clear. If you use a self-clean cycle, run it when the house is ventilated, as the manual advises, because the cycle gets very hot and can produce fumes.
Signs your oven or range needs replacing
- The oven no longer reaches or holds temperature, or heats unevenly.
- A gas burner will not light or the flame is yellow or uneven (call a technician for gas issues).
- The door does not seal, or the glass is cracked.
- Control panel faults or error codes that return after a power reset.
- You smell gas. Leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Typical oven or range warranty
A limited one-year warranty on parts and labor is common. Some brands extend coverage on specific parts such as the glass cooktop. Terms vary, and gas range installation by a qualified installer may be a condition.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your oven or range's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a oven or range
- The receipt and delivery paperwork
- Model and serial number, often on a plate behind the storage drawer or on the frame around the oven door
- The installation record, especially for gas
- The manual with the cleaning and calibration steps
Common questions
How long do ovens and ranges last?
Most ovens and ranges last 12 to 16 years. The NAHB study lists about 13 years for an electric range and about 15 for gas.
How do I know if my oven temperature is accurate?
Place an oven thermometer in the center, set the oven to 350°F, and compare after it has preheated and cycled for a while. If it is off, check the manual for calibration or call a technician.
Is an old range a safety risk?
Age alone is not, but a gas smell, damaged wiring, a missing anti-tip bracket or a burner that will not light safely are reasons to stop using it and get it checked.
How do I maintain a oven or range?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, clean the oven using the method in your manual, and clean the burners or cooktop. Inspect the door gasket for gaps or tears. A gas burner flame should be steady and blue. Fall, before the heavy cooking season, check the power cord and outlet or the gas connection for wear, and make sure the anti-tip bracket is installed. Pull the range out only if the manual says it is safe to do so.