How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Control Board on an Oven?
Jan, 22 2026
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Replacing the control board on your oven isn’t something you can ignore if the display is dead, buttons don’t respond, or the oven won’t heat up at all. It’s one of the most common-and most expensive-repairs you’ll face with a modern electric oven. But how much should you actually expect to pay? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on your oven brand, model, where you live, and whether you DIY or call a pro. In Toronto, where labor rates are higher than the national average, you’re looking at a range between $300 and $800 for a full replacement, including parts and labor.
What Exactly Is the Control Board?
The control board is the brain of your oven. It’s a small circuit board, usually hidden behind the control panel or inside the back of the oven, that tells the heating elements when to turn on, how long to stay on, and what temperature to reach. It also manages the clock, timer, and display. If your oven’s buttons are unresponsive, the screen is blank, or it shows error codes like F1, F2, or E0, the control board is often the culprit.
Unlike a broken heating element, which you can test with a multimeter and swap out in under an hour, the control board is a complex electronic component. It’s not something you can just buy at a hardware store. You need the exact model number. Even two ovens that look identical from the outside can have completely different boards.
Parts Cost: $150 to $500
The control board itself is the biggest variable in the price. For basic models from brands like Frigidaire or Whirlpool, you might pay $150-$250 for a new board. High-end models from Bosch, Miele, or Wolf can cost $400-$500. Some manufacturers don’t sell the board separately-they force you to buy the entire control panel assembly, which includes the buttons and display. That can push the part cost over $600.
Here’s what you’re likely to pay for common brands:
| Brand | Typical Part Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | $150-$220 | Often sold as part of the control panel |
| GE | $180-$280 | Common issues with touchpad failures |
| Frigidaire | $160-$240 | Easy to find replacement boards online |
| Bosch | $350-$500 | Often requires full panel replacement |
| Maytag | $200-$300 | Same as Whirlpool, same parent company |
| Wolf | $450-$600 | Only available through authorized dealers |
Online retailers like Repair Clinic, Appliance Parts Pros, and Amazon carry replacement boards. But be careful. Some sellers list generic boards that won’t fit or won’t work with your oven’s software. Always match the part number exactly. You’ll find it on a sticker on the old board or in your oven’s manual.
Labor: $100 to $300
Labor costs vary wildly. In Toronto, most appliance repair technicians charge between $80 and $120 per hour. Replacing the control board takes 1 to 2 hours. That means labor alone will run you $100-$240. Some shops charge a flat service fee of $75-$120 just to show up, plus hourly rates.
Why does it take so long? Because the control board is buried. You have to remove the front control panel, disconnect wires, unscrew mounting brackets, and sometimes pull the oven out from the cabinet. If your oven is built into a wall or has a trim kit, it gets even trickier. A bad technician might charge you extra for "difficult access"-and they’re not wrong.
Some repair shops include the service fee in the total price. Others don’t. Always ask: "Is there a diagnostic fee? Is it waived if I go ahead with the repair?" You don’t want to pay $80 just to hear that the board is bad.
DIY: Possible, But Risky
If you’re handy with tools and have a multimeter, you can replace the board yourself. You’ll save $150-$300 on labor. But there are big risks.
First, you need to unplug the oven and shut off the circuit breaker. Ovens run on 240 volts. One wrong move and you can fry the new board-or yourself.
Second, you have to match the exact part. A board with a slightly different firmware version might not work, even if it fits physically. Some boards require a software reset or calibration after installation. If you don’t know how to do that, the oven won’t turn on.
Third, if you mess it up, you’ll need to pay a technician anyway. And now they’ll charge you extra to fix your mistake. One Toronto repair tech told me he sees this every week: "People buy the wrong part, break the connector, or short the circuit. Then they call me. I charge double to fix what they broke."
DIY only makes sense if you’ve done electronics repairs before and you’re confident in your ability to follow a step-by-step video for your exact model. YouTube has guides for many common ovens. But if you’re unsure, don’t risk it.
Is It Worth Repairing?
Here’s the hard truth: if your oven is over 10 years old, replacing the control board might not be worth it. The average lifespan of a modern electric oven is 13-15 years. If yours is 12, you’re halfway through its life. Spending $600 on a repair means you’re investing more than half the cost of a new oven.
Compare that to a new oven. A basic 30-inch electric range with a self-cleaning feature costs $700-$1,000. A mid-range model with smart features runs $1,200-$1,800. If your oven is older, has other issues (like uneven heating or a failing door seal), or if you’re planning to sell your home, buying new is often smarter.
But if your oven is under 8 years old, in great shape otherwise, and you love its features (like the convection setting or the large capacity), then replacing the control board is a smart move. You’re extending the life of a reliable appliance for less than half the price of a replacement.
How to Avoid This Cost Next Time
Control boards don’t fail for no reason. Here’s what usually causes them to die:
- Power surges - Lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or even turning on a large appliance like a dryer can send a spike through your kitchen circuit. A simple surge protector for your oven can prevent this.
- Moisture and steam - If you use the oven’s self-clean feature too often, the high heat and steam can damage electronics over time. Clean manually when you can.
- Dirty or corroded connections - Dust and grease build up on connectors. If you’re comfortable, unplug the oven and gently clean the connectors with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush.
- Overheating - If your oven’s cooling fan fails, the control board can overheat. Listen for the fan running after you turn off the oven. If it’s silent, the fan might be dead.
Installing a whole-house surge protector is one of the best investments you can make for any major appliance. It costs $200-$400 to install, but it protects your oven, fridge, washer, and dryer from sudden voltage spikes.
What to Do Right Now
If your oven isn’t working and you suspect the control board:
- Check the power. Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Look for error codes on the display. Write them down. They help technicians diagnose faster.
- Find your oven’s model number. It’s usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back.
- Search for the control board part number using your model number on Repair Clinic or Appliance Parts Pros.
- Call two local repair shops in Toronto for quotes. Ask for the total price including parts and labor.
- Compare that to the price of a new oven. If the repair is more than 50% of a new unit’s cost, consider replacing it.
Don’t wait too long. A broken control board can sometimes cause other components to fail. A bad board might send wrong signals to the heating element, burning it out. That turns a $300 repair into a $700 one.
Can I use a used or refurbished control board?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Used boards come with no warranty and may have hidden damage. Even if they work at first, they often fail again within months. Refurbished boards from reputable sellers (like Repair Clinic) are tested and come with a 30- to 90-day warranty. They’re a better option than used, but still riskier than brand new.
Why does my oven show an error code but still heat up?
Some error codes relate to sensors, not the control board. If the oven heats but the display is glitchy or shows F1/F2, the board might still be failing. The board processes sensor data-if it’s damaged, it can misread signals. Even if the oven works now, the board could die completely in a few weeks. Don’t ignore it.
Does homeowners insurance cover oven control board repair?
Usually not. Homeowners insurance covers sudden damage from fire, lightning, or water leaks-but not mechanical failure. A control board dying from age or power surges is considered normal wear and tear. If a lightning strike fried your board, you might have a claim. But you’ll still pay your deductible, which is often $500-$1,000.
How long does a new control board last?
A new, properly installed control board should last the rest of the oven’s life-typically 5 to 10 more years. If it fails again in under 2 years, something else is wrong. Maybe you have frequent power surges, moisture buildup, or a faulty cooling fan. Fix the root cause, or you’ll keep replacing boards.
Should I replace the whole oven if the control board is expensive?
If your oven is older than 10 years, yes. If it’s under 8 years and works perfectly otherwise, repair it. But if you’re already thinking about upgrading your kitchen, or if you’re tired of the oven’s slow preheat or uneven baking, now’s the time to replace it. A new oven will save you money on energy bills and give you better features like smart controls and convection cooking.
Final Thoughts
Replacing an oven control board isn’t cheap, but it’s often the most cost-effective fix-if you act at the right time. Don’t wait until the oven stops working completely. Get quotes early. Check the age of your appliance. And if you’re unsure, call a local technician. In Toronto, companies like Appliance Repair Toronto or Metro Appliance Service offer free diagnostics. Use that to your advantage.
Most importantly, don’t let a broken control board ruin your cooking routine for months. Fix it, or replace it-but don’t ignore it. Your meals-and your sanity-depend on it.