Electric Oven Repair vs Replacement Calculator
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You turn on your electric oven and hear a strange click. Then nothing. The light comes on, but the heating elements stay cold. Or maybe the door won’t shut right, the temperature’s off by 50 degrees, or the control panel is flashing error codes. You’re staring at a broken oven, wondering: is it worth repairing an electric oven?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you live in New Zealand, where electricity prices are high and appliance repair costs are rising, this decision can save you hundreds-or cost you thousands-if you get it wrong.
How old is your oven?
Age is the first thing that matters. Most electric ovens last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is eight years old and working fine except for one part, repair makes sense. If it’s 16 years old and you’ve already replaced the heating element once, you’re on borrowed time.
Here’s the reality: older ovens use more energy. A 2010 model draws about 2.5 kW when baking. A new Energy Star-rated oven uses around 1.8 kW. That’s a 28% drop in power use. Over a year, if you bake three times a week, that’s roughly 180 hours of operation. At $0.30 per kWh (current Wellington average), you’re saving $140 a year just on electricity.
So if your oven is over 12 years old, even a $300 repair might not pay off in the long run. You’re not just fixing a broken part-you’re keeping an inefficient machine running.
What’s broken?
Not all oven problems are equal. Some fixes are cheap and simple. Others are expensive, messy, or impossible.
- Heating element: This is the most common issue. Replacing a top or bottom element costs between $80 and $150 for parts and labor. Easy fix. Worth it, even on a 10-year-old oven.
- Thermostat or temperature sensor: If your oven runs too hot or too cold, this could be the culprit. Replacement is $100-$180. Still a good deal if the rest of the oven is solid.
- Control board or digital display: This is where it gets tricky. A faulty control board can cost $250-$500 to replace. And here’s the catch: manufacturers often stop making these boards after 7-8 years. You might have to buy a used one off eBay, or pay a premium for a refurbished unit. If the oven is over 10 years old, this repair rarely makes sense.
- Door seal or hinge: A worn seal costs $40 to replace. A broken hinge? $70-$120. These are easy fixes and usually worth doing.
- Internal wiring or fuse: If the oven won’t turn on at all, check the fuse first. A blown fuse costs $20 to replace. But if the wiring is frayed or melted, you’ve got a bigger problem. That could mean a fire risk-and a $400+ repair. Not worth it.
Rule of thumb: If the repair cost is less than half the price of a new oven and the oven is under 10 years old, go for the repair. If it’s over half the price-or the oven is older than 12 years-start shopping for a replacement.
How much does a new electric oven cost?
In 2025, a basic built-in electric oven in New Zealand starts at $700. Mid-range models with convection, steam, and smart features range from $1,200 to $2,000. High-end brands like Smeg or Miele can hit $3,500.
But here’s what most people forget: installation. If you’re replacing a built-in oven, you might need an electrician to rewire the circuit, especially if your old oven was on a 32A circuit and the new one needs 20A. That’s another $150-$300. If you’re switching from a freestanding range to a built-in, you might need cabinetry changes. That’s $500+.
So a $700 oven could end up costing $1,000 after installation. That’s the number you need to compare against your repair quote.
Repair vs. Replacement: The Decision Matrix
Let’s make this simple. Use this table to guide your choice.
| Condition | Repair Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 years old, simple fix (element, sensor, seal) | $80-$180 | Repair. Save money and extend life. |
| 8-12 years old, moderate fix (control board) | $200-$400 | Consider repair if the oven is in good shape otherwise. Compare to new oven price. |
| Over 12 years old, any repair over $200 | $200+ | Replace. Energy inefficiency and future breakdowns will cost more. |
| Any oven with electrical damage (burnt wires, melted components) | $300+ | Replace. Safety risk. Not worth the gamble. |
| Broken door, faulty light, non-functional fan | $50-$120 | Repair. These don’t affect cooking performance. |
What about extended warranties or insurance?
If you bought your oven new in the last two years, check your warranty. Most manufacturers offer 1-2 years of coverage. Some credit cards give you an extra year. And if you have home insurance with appliance cover, you might be able to claim a repair or replacement.
In New Zealand, some home insurance policies cover appliances for accidental damage. That means if your control board fried from a power surge, you might get it replaced for free-or nearly free-after your $200 excess.
Call your insurer before you pay for anything. You might be sitting on free money.
When should you walk away?
There are times when repair isn’t just a bad idea-it’s dangerous.
- Smoke or burning smell: If you smell plastic or insulation burning, turn off the circuit breaker. This isn’t a repair-it’s a fire hazard.
- Repeated breakdowns: If you’ve had two or more repairs in the last year, you’re just throwing money away. The next part will fail soon.
- No replacement parts available: Call a repair technician and ask: “Do you have the control board in stock?” If they say, “We have to order it,” and the lead time is 6 weeks, you’re stuck with a broken oven for months. That’s not a repair-it’s a waiting game.
- It’s the only oven you have: If you rely on this oven for daily meals and you’re waiting weeks for a part, consider renting a portable oven or using a microwave and stovetop until you replace it.
Don’t fall into the “I’ll just keep fixing it” trap. That’s how people end up with a $1,200 emergency replacement bill after six months of patchwork repairs.
What to look for in a new oven
If you’re replacing, here’s what actually matters in 2025:
- Energy rating: Look for 4.5 stars or higher. A 5-star oven uses 30% less power than a 2-star model.
- Convection fan: This circulates heat evenly. You’ll cook faster and use less energy.
- Self-cleaning: Not essential, but it saves hours of scrubbing. Just make sure it’s pyrolytic (high-heat), not steam-steam cleaning doesn’t handle baked-on grease.
- Smart features: Wi-Fi control is nice, but don’t pay extra for it unless you really use it. A basic oven with good temperature control is better than a smart oven that doesn’t heat evenly.
- Brand reliability: Brands like Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, and Smeg have strong repair networks in New Zealand. Avoid no-name brands from online marketplaces-they often have no local support.
And always buy from a local retailer, not a warehouse import. You’ll get warranty support, and if something goes wrong, you won’t be stuck waiting for parts from China.
Final decision checklist
Before you call a repair tech or head to the appliance store, ask yourself:
- Is my oven under 10 years old?
- Is the repair cost less than 50% of a new oven’s price?
- Is the broken part a common, easily replaceable component (element, sensor, seal)?
- Do I have warranty or insurance coverage?
- Am I willing to wait weeks for a part if it’s not in stock?
- Is there any sign of electrical damage or fire risk?
If you answered yes to all the first four and no to the last two, repair it.
If you said no to more than two of the first four, or yes to the last two, replace it.
There’s no magic number. But if you follow this, you’ll avoid the trap of spending $400 to keep a 14-year-old oven running for another year-only to replace it six months later anyway.
How long does an electric oven repair usually take?
Most simple repairs-like replacing a heating element or thermostat-take 1 to 2 hours. If the technician needs to order a part, it can take 3 to 7 days. Control board replacements usually take 2 to 4 hours, but if the part isn’t in stock, you might wait up to 3 weeks. Always ask for a timeline before agreeing to the repair.
Can I repair my electric oven myself?
You can replace a heating element or door seal if you’re comfortable with basic tools and electrical safety. Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before starting. But don’t touch the control board, wiring, or internal sensors unless you’re trained. A mistake here can cause a fire or electrocution. Most manufacturers void the warranty if you open the control panel yourself.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace an oven in New Zealand?
It depends on the age and issue. For ovens under 10 years old with a simple fix like a broken element, repair is cheaper. For ovens over 12 years old or with a faulty control board, replacement is usually the better value. A $350 repair on a 15-year-old oven might save you money now, but you’ll likely spend another $400 in six months on the next breakdown. A $1,000 new oven pays for itself in energy savings within 3-4 years.
What are the most common electric oven problems?
The top three issues are: 1) Heating elements that stop working (especially the bottom one), 2) Faulty temperature sensors that cause uneven cooking, and 3) Control boards that freeze or show error codes. Door seals wearing out and oven lights burning out are common too, but they’re minor and cheap to fix.
Should I buy a new oven from a big-box store or a local appliance shop?
Go local. Big-box stores often sell imported models with no local service support. If something breaks, you’re stuck waiting for parts from overseas. Local appliance shops stock parts for popular brands, have certified technicians on call, and offer better warranty handling. You’ll pay a little more upfront, but you’ll save time, stress, and money in the long run.
