Gas Oven Igniter Repair Cost: What to Expect and How to Save

If your gas oven isn't firing up, chances are the igniter is the culprit. That little part is basically the spark plug for your oven—it cranks out heat so the gas can ignite and actually cook your food. When it fails, nothing happens except cold, raw pizza.

The first thing people want to know: How much will it cost to fix? On average, replacing a gas oven igniter runs from $120 to $250 if you hire a repair tech. If you're up for doing it yourself, the part alone usually costs between $30 and $60. The numbers jump if you have a high-end brand or a tricky setup. Labor is what really bumps up the bill if you go the professional route.

• What Does the Igniter Actually Do?
• How Much Does Gas Oven Igniter Repair Really Cost?
• Parts Only vs. Full-Service: Price Breakdown
• DIY vs. Pro Repair: What's Safer and Cheaper?
• Hidden Costs and Common Surprises
• Tips to Save Money and Avoid Repeat Problems

What Does the Igniter Actually Do?

Inside any gas oven, the gas oven igniter is the part that kicks off the heating process. The igniter's main job is to get hot—really hot—so it can light the gas that flows into the oven burner. When you turn the oven on, electric current passes through the igniter, making it glow bright orange (sometimes it looks almost white). If the igniter doesn’t get hot enough, there’s no flame, and your oven just stays cold.

There are actually two common types of oven igniters: the old-school spark igniter (makes a clicking sound) and the more common hot surface igniter (glows when active). Most modern ovens use a hot surface igniter because it’s reliable and quiet.

• The igniter pulls electrical current until it gets hot—usually 1,800°F to 2,500°F for a typical hot surface igniter.
• As the igniter heats up, it draws enough current to trigger the oven’s safety valve. This lets the gas flow to the burner.
• Once gas hits the blazing hot surface, you get instant ignition and the flame turns on. Cooking can finally start.

One quick way to spot a failing igniter: it might glow, but not enough to open the valve, or it takes way longer than normal to light the burner. That’s usually your sign that a gas oven igniter is on its way out.

So, if your oven clicks a lot or barely glows, your igniter’s probably not up to the job anymore. That’s when you’re looking at a repair cost and need to decide between a DIY fix or calling a pro.

How Much Does Gas Oven Igniter Repair Really Cost?

Let's get straight to the numbers. On average, if you call a pro to fix your gas oven igniter, you'll end up paying anywhere from $120 to $250. This covers both the part and the labor. If you're dealing with a top-shelf brand like Viking or Wolf, those numbers can bump up to $350 or more—mainly because their parts aren't cheap and some techs charge more for specialty brands.

If you're the DIY type, you can just buy the igniter itself. Most oven igniter replacement parts run from $30 to $60 for common brands like GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and Samsung. High-end or uncommon models cost more, sometimes pushing $100 just for the part.

Here's a quick breakdown so you can see where your money's going:

Why the range? It usually comes down to:

• Appliance brand: Luxury models almost always cost more to fix.
• Labor rates: Some repair companies have a minimum charge, even if the job is quick.
• Location: Techs in bigger cities often charge more for house calls.
• Emergency or after-hours repair: Expect to pay a premium.

And here's a tip: A lot of repair shops charge a flat fee for the service call (just to show up and diagnose), usually $60 to $90, which sometimes is rolled into the total if you greenlight the repair.

Parts Only vs. Full-Service: Price Breakdown

If you're looking at the bottom line, the price to fix a gas oven igniter can swing a lot depending on how you go about it. Just paying for the part is way cheaper than hiring out the entire job. Here's how the numbers shake out for most folks:

• Parts Only: A new oven igniter usually sells for $30 to $60. If you buy from a big box hardware store, appliance repair shops, or online (like Amazon or appliancepartpros.com), the price doesn't change much. No hidden fees, just the part itself. Sometimes higher-end oven models or unique brands can run closer to $90, but that's rare for most kitchens.
• Full-Service Repair: If you call in a pro for gas oven igniter repair, the total cost lands between $120 and $250 on average. You’ll pay for the igniter part plus labor, and service call fees can sneak in. High-end brands (think Wolf, Viking, or old commercial ovens) might hit $350+, partly because the parts are pricier and the repair takes longer.

Check out the typical breakdown in this table—this is what homeowners paid according to a 2024 HomeAdvisor survey:

Don't forget, labor eats up most of that tech bill—many charge by the hour ($75–$150 per hour is standard in cities). And if the repair guy discovers your oven needs a different part, expect the cost to creep higher. If you're handy, doing it yourself can save you over a hundred bucks. Not everyone wants to mess with gas appliances—but the savings are real if you're up for it.

DIY vs. Pro Repair: What's Safer and Cheaper?

Picturing yourself fixing your gas oven igniter? You’re not alone. A lot of people wonder if it’s worth hiring someone or rolling up their own sleeves. Here’s how the two options break down in terms of cash, time, and safety.

DIY repair is tempting, especially when you see that the replacement igniter is only $30 to $60 at most hardware stores or online. On top of that, the actual fix isn’t rocket science if you have basic tools and some patience. Here’s a quick look at the general DIY steps:

• Unplug the oven and shut off the gas supply—non-negotiable for safety.
• Remove the racks and the oven base plate (that floor inside the oven).
• Find the old igniter, unplug the wire harness, and unscrew the mount.
• Swap in the new oven igniter, tighten the screws, and replug connections.
• Put everything back, turn the gas and power on, and test.

Not bad, right? But don’t ignore the risks. Working with gas appliances isn’t something to take lightly. A small mistake—say, stripping a wire or misaiming a connection—can mean gas leaks. Every year, fire departments respond to thousands of calls about home gas leaks, often from DIY repairs gone sideways.

Now, hiring a pro for gas appliance repair definitely bumps up the cost, usually between $120 and $250. That pays for expertise, the right part, and all the little things you might miss (like checking for faulty connections or making sure the new part isn’t a dud). Upside: you don’t have to sweat about damaging your oven—or worse, risking your kitchen.

If you’re handy, comfortable with basic repairs, and can follow safety steps, DIY saves big. Otherwise, calling a pro is a smart move—especially if you smell gas at any point, or if your oven is still under warranty (because one wrong move can void that coverage fast).

No shame in calling for backup when it comes to gas. It’s a lot less stressful than dealing with the fire department or a broken stove for a week.

Hidden Costs and Common Surprises

When you're budgeting to fix a gas oven igniter, the price isn't always what the tech says up front. Sometimes, that $120 quote sounds great until a few extra charges sneak in. One thing that throws people off is the cost of a service call—most companies charge $60 to $100 just to show up at your door, and that’s before any work or parts are included.

If your oven is old or a fancy model, parts might need to be special-ordered. This can tack on another $30 to $100, depending on brand. Not all igniters are the same, so sometimes the one in stock won’t fit your oven, which means waiting a few days and possibly paying for priority shipping.

There’s another curveball: Sometimes, what looks like a dead igniter is actually a bigger problem. Repair techs might discover issues with wiring, the control board, or even the safety valve. These extras can jump your total to $400 or more if more parts need replacing.

One odd surprise? Sometimes the oven’s mounting screws are rusted or stripped, especially on older appliances. Removing them is a headache, can take extra labor, and some techs will tack on another $30–$60 for "difficult removal." Yes, it’s frustrating—but it happens.

• Trip fees – Are charged even if the repair can’t happen that day.
• Diagnostic charges – Sometimes separate from the repair bill.
• Installation of additional parts – Like new wires or connectors, often $10–$40 extra.

For anyone hoping to avoid surprises, ask for a detailed quote that lists all possible charges before the work starts. It doesn't hurt to read reviews of local repair companies to spot the ones with a reputation for sneaky fees. The cost to fix a gas oven igniter can be pretty reasonable—but only if you know what to expect from the start.

Tips to Save Money and Avoid Repeat Problems

There’s nothing worse than having your gas oven igniter break right after you’ve just fixed it. Want to keep more cash in your pocket? Here’s what actually works for extending the life of your oven and getting through repairs without overpaying.

• Shop around for replacement parts. You don’t have to buy from the oven brand’s website. Check out appliance supply stores or big platforms like Amazon and Home Depot. Most common igniters cost between $30 and $60. Generic options often work just as well as original manufacturer parts, especially for standard models.
• Get the model number right. Before ordering, double-check your oven’s exact model number—usually found on a sticker inside the oven door or behind the storage drawer. An exact match means you won’t have to deal with frustrating returns or compatibility headaches.
• If you’re hiring, get several quotes. Repair companies can quote wildly different prices for the same job. Ask for a firm estimate that includes parts, labor, and any service fees, so there are no surprise charges when the bill comes.
• Clean around the igniter regularly. Built-up grease or bits of food can make your gas oven igniter work harder, wearing it out faster. When it’s cool, gently wipe the igniter and the area nearby with a soft brush or cloth—nothing abrasive or wet.
• Avoid constant slamming of the oven door. Vibrations from slamming can shake loose delicate igniter wiring. Just take it easy closing the door, and you’ll help your igniter last longer.
• Know when to call a pro. If you smell gas or hear weird clicking noises that don’t stop, stop messing with it and call a certified repair tech. Trying to save a few bucks isn’t worth risking a gas leak.

One last tip: Keep all your gas appliance repair receipts and manuals in one spot. If the same problem pops up again soon, some companies will knock part of the cost off future repairs. Nobody wants to pay for the same fix twice.