There’s a moment every homeowner dreads: you’re about to slide a roast into the oven, when suddenly, nothing happens. Maybe it won’t heat. Maybe the door won’t close. Or it’s making that alarming buzzing sound (yeah, the one that has you Googling "Is my oven about to explode?"). If your oven’s been with you for a decade, you might wonder—is it worth dumping cash into repairs, or should you just let it retire?
Understanding the Real Lifespan of Your Oven
If you’re staring at your 10-year-old oven, pondering its future, you're not alone. Most modern ovens in Australia last between 10 and 15 years, but that number isn’t carved in granite. Some units soldier on past their teens, while others start falling apart much earlier. It boils down to how often you use it, what brand you own, and whether it’s had some TLC over the years.
Here’s something most appliance marketers won’t tell you: planned obsolescence is real. Some brands are built just sturdy enough to make it through their warranty, and then—bam—a heating element dies or the electronic display fizzles. Western Australia’s dry climate helps a bit, so ovens in Perth might outlast those in coastal areas where salt does a number on metal parts.
Age is just part of the story. If you’ve got an oven that’s working fine except for one dodgy knob or a dodgy seal, your situation’s different to someone who’s battling regular breakdowns. Think back—has your 10-year-old oven asked for much attention before? A unit that’s been pretty low maintenance might earn a second chance at life if all it needs is a simple fix.
One thing you can’t ignore: technology has moved on. Ovens now come with features like pyrolytic cleaning, smart controls, and better insulation. That said, newer isn’t always better. Many folks in Perth will tell you some of the old units from the early 2010s are more reliable than what you’ll find at appliance stores today. If yours has kept on ticking with just basic attention, don’t feel pressured by FOMO. You’re not missing much if your oven can still do the basics.
Ask around your neighbourhood and you’ll hear the same: treating your oven well matters. Clean spills as soon as they happen and don’t slam the door. Even little things like not dragging heavy pans across the racks can keep the rails and rollers in shape. Neglect, though, is what really shortens an oven’s lifespan.
If your appliance came from a reputable brand—think Westinghouse, Bosch, or Electrolux—you might have luck finding affordable parts. Some manufacturers offer spare parts for older models for years, while unknown brands vanish from the market, making repairs next to impossible. If your oven isn’t some mysterious import with instructions in broken English, spare parts are probably still available.
While replacement might seem tempting, think about the logistics too. Perth installation costs are on the rise, and with tradie shortages, you could face a wait just to get the old one hauled off. Simply swapping out an older wall oven for a new model isn’t always a straight plug-and-play deal—dimensions change, wiring updates might be needed, and you could be looking at extra cabinetry work.
If your oven’s been running strong for about a decade and you’re not battling constant breakdowns, you’ve probably beaten the odds. Don’t fix what isn’t broken—unless repairs are starting to add up or the performance is clearly slumping.
The Real Costs: Repair vs. Replacement in 2025
Here’s where fantasy meets reality: the cost. In 2025, Perth residents regularly shell out $150-$300 for a basic oven repair. Anything involving techy bits—like the thermostat or electronic control board—could push you up to $500 or more, especially if you need a special-order part. Factor in the tradie’s call-out fee (runs about $100), and small issues start to add up fast.
Let’s break it down with some real numbers:
- Heating element replacement: $180-$260
- Control panel repair: $220-$400
- Thermostat swap: $200-$300
- Door seal replacement: $90-$160
Compare that to the cost of a new mid-range electric oven in Perth – you’re looking at $700-$1,300, plus installation (another $250-$500). If you’ve got a wall oven or need cabinet mods, that figure can double. Installation is pricier than it used to be, thanks to stricter electrical codes and supply chain hiccups in 2024. Supply chain delays can push your oven delivery out by weeks, especially if you want Australian-made units or specific colours.
Sure, entry-level ovens exist for less than $600, but anyone who’s had to replace a basic unit after three years knows the pain. It’s rarely worth skimping—cheaper models often rack up power bills or blow fuses. If green living matters to you, an older oven that’s working well doesn’t have the environmental sting of making and shipping a brand-new appliance.
A good rule of thumb: if your repair cost is less than half the price of a new oven, and you’re not facing a string of breakdowns, fix it. If multiple issues are starting to pile up, or you’re calling the repairman every other month, start shopping around. Don’t just ask for a repair quote—request a diagnosis and estimate for likely future problems.
Another thing—I’ve seen folks swing for DIY repairs, especially replacing heating elements or seals. That works if you’re handy and comfortable around electronics, but it’s risky. In Australia, some oven repairs have to be handled by a licensed technician for safety and insurance reasons. If you botch a wiring job and something goes wrong, you void any remaining home insurance and can put your family at risk. Sometimes, it pays to leave it to the pros.
One Perth-specific tip: check with your local council or community Facebook group for recommendations. Word-of-mouth can help you dodge dodgy tradies and find someone who won’t take you for a ride. Some local repair guys specialise in older models and carry parts in their vans—saving you a long wait.
If the oven’s already had a couple of major repairs and the next fix looks expensive, it might be time to ask if you’re pouring money down the drain. On the other hand, if this is your first hiccup in ten years, spending $200 to keep things ticking is often a no-brainer.
Signs Your Oven Isn’t Worth Fixing and What to Do Next
Sometimes you just have to be ruthless. If your oven is showing these signs, you might be better off letting it go:
- Uneven heating or food cooks way too slowly/quickly, even after repairs
- Strange smells, cracked inner glass, or rust in the cavity
- Controls are buggy or completely dead
- You can’t find replacement parts, or repairs are quoted at $500-plus
- Repairmen have already fixed one problem, only for another to pop up weeks later
If one or two of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to start oven shopping. Pro tip: measure your oven cutout first. Perth homes, especially older ones, aren’t built for today’s supersized models, so double-check the height, width, and depth. Take pictures of your setup to show in-store if you’re not sure.
Don’t rush your decision. There are often end-of-financial-year appliance sales in June and July across Perth. If your oven can limp through one more month, you might land a great deal. Don’t let a flashy set of digital controls blind you, either—the fewer electronics an oven has, the less there is to break down.
If you do decide to keep your oven ticking, take these steps for better longevity:
- Give it a deep clean (but avoid soaking electrical bits with too much water)
- Replace worn seals so heat stays in
- Don’t overload the racks—spread weight evenly to avoid warping
- Listen for odd clicks, buzzing, or burning smells, and call for help early
- Set reminders for basic maintenance every six months
On the recycling front, Perth councils often offer e-waste collection picks for old appliances. Don’t dump that old oven on the kerb; parts can often be recycled, and it’s the right thing to do in 2025.
Newer ovens often have better energy ratings, so when you do upgrade, your power bills may dip a little. If you want to future-proof, look for models compatible with solar setups if you’ve gone green at home. Some modern ovens even have smartphone integration, but think hard—do you really need to preheat your oven from the shops, or is that a sales pitch you can live without?
The bottom line: if your ten-year-old oven hasn’t been trouble until now, it might just keep working with a minor fix. Get a reputable tradie’s opinion. And if it's starting to show more warning signs than a kangaroo at dusk? Don’t throw good money after bad. Sometimes letting go opens the door to better meals and less stress.