What Is the Average Life of a Cooker? How Long Should You Expect Yours to Last
Nov, 20 2025
Most people don’t think about their cooker until it stops working. Then suddenly, you’re staring at a cold oven, a broken hob, and a kitchen full of half-cooked meals. The big question becomes: should I fix it or replace it? To answer that, you need to know how long a cooker is actually supposed to last. The short answer? Most cookers last between 10 and 15 years. But that number can swing wildly depending on how you use it, what kind it is, and whether you’ve taken care of it.
What Factors Actually Affect a Cooker’s Lifespan?
A cooker isn’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. A basic electric model with two hobs and a small oven will wear out differently than a high-end gas range with a convection oven, grill, and smart controls. Here’s what really matters:
- Type of fuel: Gas cookers tend to last longer than electric ones-often 12 to 18 years-because they have fewer complex electronic parts. Electric models, especially those with touchscreens and digital displays, are more prone to circuit board failures after 10 years.
- Usage frequency: If you cook three meals a day, seven days a week, your cooker is working harder than someone who only uses it on weekends. Heavy use can cut a cooker’s life by 3 to 5 years.
- Build quality: Budget cookers from unknown brands often use thinner metal, cheaper heating elements, and lower-grade insulation. These parts degrade faster. Mid-range brands like Bosh, Siemens, or Whirlpool usually last longer because they use better materials and tighter tolerances.
- Maintenance: A cooker that’s cleaned regularly, vents properly, and has its seals checked won’t overheat or strain its components. Dirty burners, clogged vents, and grease buildup force the motor and heating elements to work harder, which leads to early failure.
One Toronto homeowner replaced her cooker after just 7 years because she never cleaned the oven door seals. Grease had hardened, trapping heat and melting internal wiring. A simple wipe-down every few months could’ve saved her $1,200.
Signs Your Cooker Is Past Its Prime
Just because your cooker still turns on doesn’t mean it’s safe or efficient. Watch for these red flags:
- Uneven cooking: If one side of your roast is charred and the other is raw, your heating element is failing. This isn’t just inconvenient-it’s a fire hazard.
- Sparks or burning smells: Any electrical arcing, popping sounds, or the smell of plastic melting means internal wiring is damaged. Don’t ignore this. Turn it off and unplug it.
- Delayed ignition (gas models): If you turn the knob and wait 5 to 10 seconds before the burner lights, the igniter or gas valve is wearing out. This can lead to gas leaks.
- Control panel glitches: Buttons that don’t respond, displays that flicker, or error codes that keep appearing? These are signs of aging circuit boards. Repairing them often costs more than replacing the whole unit.
- High energy bills: If your electricity or gas bill has jumped 20% over the last year with no change in usage, your cooker is losing efficiency. Older units can waste up to 40% more energy than new ones.
One repair tech in Mississauga told me he sees the same pattern every fall: people calling after Thanksgiving because their cooker died mid-roast. Most of those units were 12+ years old. They’d been patched up three times already. Each repair cost $150 to $300. By the fourth time, replacing it was cheaper.
Repair vs. Replace: When to Cut Your Losses
Here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new cooker, walk away. A $400 repair on a $700 cooker doesn’t make sense-especially if the unit is already 10 years old.
Let’s break it down:
| Condition | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Cooker is under 5 years old | Repair almost always makes sense. Parts are still under warranty or readily available. |
| Cooker is 5-8 years old | Repair if cost is under $200 and it’s a major brand. Otherwise, consider replacement. |
| Cooker is 8-12 years old | Only repair if it’s a simple fix (like a new door seal or thermostat). Avoid circuit board or heating element replacements. |
| Cooker is 12+ years old | Replace. Even if it works, it’s inefficient, unsafe, and hard to service. |
Also, think about your lifestyle. If you bake often, upgrade to a convection oven with even heat. If you have kids, look for models with child locks and cool-touch doors. Newer cookers also come with energy ratings (A+++ in Canada), which can save you $80 to $150 a year on bills.
How to Make Your Cooker Last Longer
You don’t have to wait for failure. Simple habits can add 3 to 5 years to your cooker’s life:
- Clean the oven door seal monthly. Grease buildup traps heat and warps the seal. Use warm water and a soft cloth-no harsh chemicals.
- Check burner caps and grates every 3 months. Make sure they sit flat. Misaligned burners cause uneven flames and overheating.
- Don’t overload the oven. Blocking vents with too many trays forces the fan and heater to overwork.
- Use the self-clean function sparingly. High heat cycles stress the heating elements. Stick to manual cleaning unless you have a heavy buildup.
- Keep the area around the cooker clear. No clutter near vents or controls. Dust and paper can ignite if they get too hot.
One woman in Scarborough replaced her 18-year-old cooker only because she wanted a larger oven. She’d cleaned it religiously, checked the gas lines yearly, and never used the self-clean function. It still worked perfectly-just old.
What Happens When Cookers Die?
Old cookers don’t just vanish. They end up in landfills. In Canada, over 120,000 cookers are thrown away each year. Most contain steel, glass, and copper-materials that can be recycled. But if the unit has a faulty control board or damaged wiring, many repair shops won’t take it because it’s not worth the time.
Look for appliance recycling programs through your city. Toronto offers free pickup for old appliances when you buy a new one. Some retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot also take old cookers for recycling. Don’t just leave it on the curb.
What to Look for in a New Cooker
If you’re replacing, here’s what to prioritize:
- Energy efficiency rating: Aim for A+++ on the Canadian Energy Star label. Saves money long-term.
- Warranty length: Look for at least a 2-year full warranty. Some brands offer 5-year coverage on heating elements.
- Repairability: Brands like Bosch and Miele design their cookers with modular parts. If the igniter fails, you can swap it in 20 minutes. Cheaper brands glue parts together-making repairs impossible.
- Size and layout: Make sure the new cooker fits your space. Measure the cutout, depth, and ventilation clearance. Don’t assume it’ll fit like the old one.
Don’t be fooled by fancy features. A smart cooker that connects to your phone is cool-but if the heating element fails in year 4, you’re stuck with a $1,500 paperweight. Stick to proven reliability over gimmicks.
How long does a gas cooker last compared to an electric one?
Gas cookers typically last 12 to 18 years, while electric cookers last 10 to 15 years. Gas models have fewer electronic components, so they’re less likely to fail from circuit board issues. Electric cookers with digital displays or touch controls often break down earlier due to aging electronics.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old cooker?
It depends on the repair cost and the issue. If it’s a simple fix like a broken door hinge or thermostat, and it costs under $200, then yes. But if you’re replacing the main heating element, control board, or gas valve, it’s usually better to replace the whole unit. At 10 years, the cooker is already past its halfway point-more repairs will likely follow.
Can I extend my cooker’s life with regular cleaning?
Yes, absolutely. Regular cleaning-especially of the door seals, burner caps, and vents-can add 3 to 5 years to your cooker’s life. Grease buildup causes overheating, which damages wiring and insulation. Cleaning every few months prevents this slow degradation.
Why do modern cookers break faster than older ones?
Modern cookers have more electronics-touchscreens, Wi-Fi modules, digital sensors-that are cheaper and less durable than the mechanical switches and simple thermostats in older models. Manufacturers also use thinner metal and lighter materials to cut costs. A 1990s cooker might’ve had a steel frame and a dial thermostat. Today’s version might have plastic housing and a circuit board that fails after 8 years.
Should I buy a used or refurbished cooker?
Only if you know the history. A refurbished cooker from a reputable brand (like a certified dealer or manufacturer program) with a 1-year warranty is okay. But avoid used cookers from garage sales or online marketplaces unless you can test them fully. Many have hidden damage-cracked heating elements, gas leaks, or worn wiring-that aren’t visible until it’s too late.
Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term
Your cooker is one of the most used appliances in your home. It’s not just a gadget-it’s part of your daily routine. Treating it well means fewer surprises, lower bills, and less stress. If your cooker is hitting the 10-year mark, start thinking ahead. Don’t wait for it to die on Christmas Eve. Check the seals, track your energy use, and compare prices now. When the time comes, you’ll be ready-not scrambling.