Home & Appliances

How Long Does a Range or Oven Last?

Gas ranges last 15–20 years; electric ranges 13–15 years. Ranges are among the longest-lived kitchen appliances with proper maintenance.

13–20 years

Quick Facts

Average Lifespan

13–20 years

Replacement Cost

$800–$1,600

Source

NAHB, InterNACHI

Overview

Ranges and ovens are among the longest-lived appliances in a kitchen. NAHB and InterNACHI data show gas ranges lasting 15–20 years; electric models lasting 13–15 years. The difference is largely due to burner element failures on electric models — the most common and expensive repair. Professional (commercial-style) gas ranges can last 20–30 years with maintenance. The baking element, broil element, and oven igniter are the most commonly replaced components on both types, and all are DIY-feasible repairs on units worth maintaining.

Signs It Is Time to Replace

Burner igniter clicking constantly without lighting — igniter needs cleaning or replacement
Oven temperature inconsistency — runs hot or cold by more than 25°F
Baking element burning out (visible dark spots or breaks in the element coil)
Control board errors or touchpad failures on electronic control models
Gas smell without burner use — gas valve or connection issue (call a technician immediately)
Self-cleaning cycle damage — high heat from self-clean mode frequently kills control boards
Age over 15 years with recurring repair needs

How to Make It Last Longer

Clean spills promptly — baked-on residue affects burner performance and causes smoke
Avoid the self-clean cycle on ranges with electronic controls — the extreme heat routinely damages control boards
Test oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer annually
Keep burner caps and grates clean on gas ranges — clogged ports cause uneven flames
Replace the oven door gasket when it shows tears or damage — heat escaping from the door wastes energy

What Affects Replacement Cost

Gas vs. electric vs. induction — induction costs most but is most efficient
Freestanding vs. slide-in — slide-in models cost more
Professional-style (commercial-grade) — significantly more expensive but longer-lived
Smart features — app connectivity adds cost without reliability benefit

When to Replace

Replace your range when the control board fails on a unit over 12 years old (control board replacements run $200–$500 and rarely solve all issues on older electronics), or when the range requires multiple simultaneous repairs. Baking element, igniter, and burner switch failures on a unit under 10 years old are all worth repairing — these parts cost $20–$80 and are DIY-feasible for most homeowners.

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Pro Tip

Never use the self-cleaning oven function on a range with an electronic control board. The 900°F temperatures generated during self-clean have an extremely high failure rate for control boards — and the repair cost ($300–$500) can exceed the cost of buying a new range. Oven self-clean is a feature worth disabling in habit. Clean manually with oven cleaner instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a gas range last?+

Gas ranges last 15–20 years on average per NAHB research. Professional-grade gas ranges can last 20–30+ years with proper maintenance. Gas ranges tend to outlast electric ranges because they have fewer electronic components that fail.