Oven Repair vs Replacement Calculator
Calculate Your Oven Decision
Use the 50% rule from the article: If repair costs more than half the price of a new oven, replace it.
Every year in Perth, hundreds of households face the same question: their oven stops working, and suddenly they’re stuck between a repair bill and a new appliance purchase. It’s not just about money-it’s about time, convenience, and knowing whether you’re throwing good money after bad. So, is it cheaper to fix an oven or buy a new one? The answer isn’t simple, but it’s not mysterious either. Let’s break it down with real numbers, real repairs, and what actually happens when you call a technician.
How much does oven repair usually cost?
In Australia, a standard oven repair starts at around $120 for a service call, plus hourly labor. Most repairs take 1 to 2 hours, so you’re looking at $180 to $300 total if you’re lucky. But that’s just the start. Parts can push the price up fast. A faulty heating element? That’s $50 to $100. A broken thermostat? Another $70 to $130. If the control board is fried-a common issue in ovens over 8 years old-you’re looking at $250 to $450 just for the part, plus labor.
One technician in Fremantle told me he sees about three control board failures a week in ovens made between 2015 and 2020. Those boards aren’t designed to last. And when they fail, they often take other components down with them. That’s when a $200 repair turns into a $500 one-and you’re still not guaranteed the oven will last another year.
What does a new oven cost these days?
New ovens aren’t what they used to be. Entry-level electric ovens start at $550. But if you want something with decent features-convection, self-cleaning, smart controls-you’re looking at $900 to $1,400. Gas ovens run a bit more, usually $1,100 to $1,700. And don’t forget installation. If you’re switching from electric to gas, or need a new power circuit, that’s another $200 to $600. Even a simple swap-out can cost $100 to $250 if the existing wiring or gas line needs tweaking.
But here’s the thing: new ovens last longer. Most modern units come with a 2-year warranty and are built with better materials. Brands like Bosch, Samsung, and Electrolux now offer ovens with 10-year motor warranties. That’s not a marketing trick-it’s a sign they expect the thing to work for a decade. Compare that to a 5-year-old oven that’s already had one major repair. It’s not a question of whether it’ll break again. It’s when.
When repair makes sense
There are times when fixing your oven is the smart move. If your oven is under 5 years old and the problem is a simple part failure-like a broken door seal, a faulty light bulb, or a tripped thermal fuse-repairing it saves you money. Those fixes cost under $100 and take less than an hour. And if your oven still heats evenly, has no rust or corrosion, and you’re happy with its size and features, why replace it?
I’ve seen homeowners in Joondalup keep their 2018 Westinghouse oven running for 12 years with just two repairs: one thermostat and one element. Both were under $150 each. That’s $300 over 12 years. A new oven would’ve cost $1,000 upfront. That’s a win.
Also, if you’re renting or planning to move in the next 1-2 years, repairing makes more sense. No point spending $1,200 on a new oven if you’re not staying long.
When replacement is the only smart choice
Here’s where most people get it wrong. If your oven is over 10 years old and needs a major repair-control board, main relay, or internal wiring-it’s time to walk away. Why? Because older ovens aren’t just outdated. They’re inefficient. A 15-year-old oven can use 30% more electricity than a new one. That adds up. In Perth, where power bills are rising, that’s $150 to $250 extra per year just to bake a roast.
Also, if your oven has multiple issues at once-say, the fan’s noisy, the door doesn’t seal, and the temperature’s off-it’s not a coincidence. It’s a sign the whole unit is wearing out. Fixing one thing just delays the next failure. And each repair costs more than the last because parts get harder to find.
And don’t forget safety. Old ovens can develop gas leaks (if gas-powered), cracked heating elements that spark, or faulty insulation that overheats. I’ve seen three cases in the last year where technicians pulled out ovens that were fire hazards. None of them were worth repairing.
What about extended warranties or insurance?
If you’ve got a home warranty or appliance insurance, check the fine print. Many plans cover repairs but not replacements. Some only pay up to $500 per claim. That might cover a thermostat, but not a control board. And if you’ve already used your annual limit, you’re on your own.
Also, most warranties expire after 2-5 years. If your oven is 8 years old and you’re trying to use an old warranty, you’re out of luck. Don’t waste time calling the provider unless you’re sure it’s still active.
How to decide: the 50% rule
Here’s a simple rule that works for most people: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new oven, walk away.
Let’s say a new basic oven costs $800. Half of that is $400. If your repair quote is $420, it’s not worth it-even if the oven looks fine. That’s not just about money. It’s about risk. You’re betting the rest of the oven will hold up for another 3-5 years. But with a 10-year-old unit, the odds are against you.
Use this rule:
- Get a written quote for the repair
- Find the price of a comparable new oven (check Harvey Norman, Bunnings, or The Good Guys)
- Divide the new oven’s price by two
- If repair cost > half the new price → replace
- If repair cost < half the new price → fix, but only if the oven is under 8 years old
What you’re really paying for
When you choose to repair, you’re not just paying for parts and labor. You’re paying for uncertainty. You’re paying for the next breakdown. You’re paying for the stress of wondering if it’ll last through Christmas dinner.
When you choose to replace, you’re paying for peace of mind. You’re paying for energy savings. You’re paying for a 10-year warranty. You’re paying for a modern oven that preheats in 8 minutes instead of 20, that cleans itself, and that doesn’t trip your circuit breaker every time you use the grill.
And let’s be honest-most people who fix their old oven end up replacing it anyway within 12 months. They just spent $300 on a repair, then $1,000 on a new one. That’s $1,300 total. If they’d just bought new in the first place, they’d have saved $300 and gotten a better appliance.
What to do next
Don’t panic. Don’t rush. Here’s what to do right now:
- Turn off the oven and unplug it (or shut the gas valve)
- Check the model number and year (usually on a sticker inside the door or back panel)
- Search online for that model + "common problems"
- Call one repair technician for a quote. Don’t call three-most will give you the same estimate
- Go to Bunnings or Harvey Norman and note the price of a similar-sized oven with the features you need
- Apply the 50% rule
If you’re still unsure, take a photo of the error code (if any) and ask in a local Facebook group like "Perth Home Repairs". People there have seen it all-and they’ll tell you if your oven is a lemon or a keeper.
Final thought
Fixing an oven isn’t always the cheaper option. Sometimes, it’s the most expensive one. The real savings isn’t in the repair bill. It’s in not having to fix it again. It’s in lower power bills. It’s in not worrying when you’re cooking for guests. It’s in knowing your appliance won’t fail the day before your kid’s birthday dinner.
Old ovens aren’t nostalgic-they’re liabilities. Don’t romanticize them. Don’t feel guilty about replacing them. If your oven is past its prime, replacing it isn’t giving up. It’s being smart.
Is it worth repairing a 12-year-old oven?
Generally, no. Ovens older than 10 years are inefficient, parts are harder to find, and they’re more likely to have multiple failures. Even if a single repair costs under $300, you’re likely to need another one soon. The 50% rule applies here-if the repair is more than half the cost of a new oven, replace it. A 12-year-old oven isn’t just old-it’s a waiting room for the next breakdown.
How long should an oven last before needing replacement?
Most ovens last between 10 and 15 years with normal use. But lifespan depends on usage and maintenance. If you use it daily and never clean it, it might fail at 8 years. If you use it lightly and keep it clean, it could last 18. But even if it still works, efficiency drops after 10 years. You’ll pay more in electricity, and parts become scarce. Replacement becomes the smarter choice around the 10-year mark.
Can I fix my oven myself to save money?
Some simple fixes are safe for DIYers: replacing a light bulb, cleaning the heating element, or resetting a tripped thermal fuse. But anything involving wiring, gas lines, control boards, or temperature sensors should be left to professionals. A wrong move can cause a fire, gas leak, or electrocution. Plus, if you damage the oven while DIYing, the manufacturer’s warranty is voided. Save your money and your safety-hire a licensed technician for anything beyond basic cleaning.
Do new ovens really save money on electricity?
Yes. A new oven uses 20-30% less energy than one from 2010. For example, a 2025 model with inverter technology and better insulation uses about 0.8 kWh per hour of baking. An old oven from 2012 uses 1.1-1.3 kWh. If you bake 3 times a week, that’s 156 hours a year. That’s 78 kWh saved annually. At Perth’s average rate of 30c/kWh, that’s $23.40 saved per year-over $200 in 10 years. Add in faster preheating and convection cooking, and the savings grow.
What’s the cheapest oven to buy in Australia right now?
The most affordable new electric oven in Australia starts at $550 at Bunnings or Harvey Norman. Brands like Westinghouse, Haier, and Fagor offer basic 60cm single ovens in this range. They lack smart features but have reliable heating, a self-cleaning option, and a 2-year warranty. If you need gas, expect to pay at least $1,100. Don’t go below $500-cheap ovens often have poor insulation, weak heating elements, and no safety features.