Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace an Oven? Here’s the Real Cost Breakdown

Let’s cut through the noise: you turn on your oven, and it doesn’t heat up. Or worse-it heats unevenly, smells like burning plastic, or throws error codes you don’t understand. Now you’re stuck deciding: repair or replace? Most people panic and buy a new one right away. But that’s often the most expensive choice. The truth? Repairing your oven is often cheaper… if you know what to look for.

How much does oven repair actually cost?

In Toronto, the average oven repair runs between $150 and $400. That includes diagnostic fees, parts, and labor. Simple fixes-like replacing a faulty heating element or thermostat-usually cost under $250. A broken door seal? Around $80. A faulty control board? Closer to $350.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Diagnostic fee: $50-$80 (often waived if you go ahead with the repair)
• Parts: $30-$200 (heating elements are cheap; control boards are not)
• Labor: $75-$120/hour (most repairs take 1-2 hours)

Compare that to a new oven. Even a basic mid-range model starts at $800. High-end models? $2,000+. And that’s before delivery, installation, or hauling away the old one. Some retailers charge $150 just to remove your old appliance.

When repair is the clear winner

Not all ovens are worth fixing. But many are. If your oven is less than 10 years old and the issue is one of these, repair is almost always the smarter move:

• Heating element: This is the most common failure. It costs $30-$70 to replace and takes under an hour. Your oven might not heat, or only one rack cooks.
• Thermostat: If your oven runs too hot or too cold, the thermostat is likely off. Replacement: $100-$150. You’ll notice temperature swings-like baking cookies at 400°F when you set it to 350°F.
• Door seal: A damaged seal lets heat escape. That means longer cook times and higher energy bills. New seals cost $40-$70. You’ll feel drafts around the door or see soot buildup on the glass.
• Igniter (gas ovens): If the oven doesn’t light but the broiler works, the igniter is worn out. Replacement: $80-$150. Gas ovens are more expensive to replace, so this fix pays for itself fast.

These fixes don’t just save money-they extend your oven’s life. A 12-year-old oven with a new heating element can easily last another 5-7 years. That’s $1,000+ in avoided costs.

When replacement makes sense

There are times when repair is a waste of cash. If your oven has any of these problems, skip the repair and start shopping:

• Control board failure: Modern ovens use digital control boards. When they die, they often take other components with them. Replacement cost: $250-$400. At that point, you’re paying 30-50% of a new oven’s price just to fix one part.
• Multiple broken parts: If you’ve had two or more repairs in the last two years, the oven is breaking down too often. Each repair chips away at its reliability. It’s not a coincidence-it’s a pattern.
• Age over 15 years: Ovens older than 15 years are inefficient. New models use 15-30% less energy. If your electricity bill keeps climbing, the savings on your next bill will pay for a new oven in 3-5 years.
• Outdated features: No convection? No self-cleaning? No smart connectivity? You’re missing out. Modern ovens cook faster, use less energy, and even alert you when food is done.

Also, if your oven is built into cabinetry and you’re planning a kitchen remodel, replacing it now makes sense. You’ll get a better fit, better style, and better resale value.

The hidden cost of waiting

Many people delay repairs because they think, “It still works.” But that’s a trap. A broken thermostat doesn’t just cook food wrong-it makes your oven work harder. That means:

• Higher energy bills (up to 20% more)
• More stress on other components (which fail faster)
• Increased risk of fire (especially with gas ovens or frayed wires)

I’ve seen too many cases where a $120 thermostat fix turned into a $1,200 replacement because the owner waited too long. The oven overheated, melted internal wiring, and damaged the cabinet underneath. Now you’re not just replacing the oven-you’re replacing part of your kitchen.

What to check before calling a technician

Before you panic and book a repair, do this quick checklist:

1. Is the oven plugged in? (Yes, people unplug them by accident.)
2. Did you reset the circuit breaker? Ovens draw a lot of power.
3. Check the owner’s manual for error codes. Many modern ovens display simple fixes (like “clean filter” or “check door”).
4. Test the heating element. Turn the oven on and watch the element glow. If it’s dark or only glows in spots, it’s dead.
5. Smell anything burning? That’s a red flag. Turn it off and unplug it.

If you’re comfortable with basic tools, you can replace heating elements and door seals yourself. Parts are available online. YouTube tutorials walk you through it in under 15 minutes. That cuts your cost to just the part-$50 instead of $250.

Real-world example: Toronto homeowner’s choice

A client in Scarborough had a 12-year-old Whirlpool oven. It wouldn’t heat past 250°F. The technician diagnosed a faulty thermostat. The repair: $185. They kept the oven. Two years later, it’s still working fine. Their energy bills stayed flat.

A neighbor replaced theirs at the same time-bought a $1,400 Samsung. Two years later, the display glitched, and the self-clean function stopped working. They’re now looking at another $300 repair-or a second replacement.

The lesson? Don’t assume new means better. Sometimes, old means reliable.

Final decision guide

Here’s a simple rule to follow:

• If your oven is under 10 years old and the repair cost is less than 50% of a new oven → Repair
• If your oven is over 15 years old or the repair cost is more than 50% of a new oven → Replace
• If you’re planning a kitchen renovation → Replace
• If you’re trying to cut energy use → Replace (new models are 20-30% more efficient)

And remember: if you’re unsure, get a second quote. Reputable repair shops will tell you if it’s worth fixing. If they push you to replace it right away, walk away. They’re not looking out for your wallet.