When you turn on your gas stove, a kitchen appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat for cooking. Also known as a gas cooktop, it’s one of the most relied-on tools in any home—until it starts acting up. Most gas stoves last between 15 to 20 years, but that’s only if they’ve been cared for. Skip cleaning the burners for years? Let grease build up around the valves? Then you might be looking at a breakdown in under 10. It’s not magic—it’s physics. Gas stoves have moving parts, seals, igniters, and valves that wear down. They don’t just stop working overnight. They whisper their warnings first.
The gas stove igniter, the component that sparks to light the burner is often the first thing to fail. If you hear clicking but no flame, that’s a clue. The gas valve, the part that controls fuel flow can get clogged with debris or corrode over time. And don’t ignore uneven flames—that’s usually a sign of clogged burner ports. These aren’t random failures. They’re predictable outcomes of neglect. Replacing a single part like the igniter or a burner cap often costs less than $50 and takes under an hour. But if your stove is 18 years old and you’re replacing parts every year, you’re throwing money into a sinking ship.
What about safety? Old gas stoves can leak. Not always dramatically—sometimes just a tiny hiss you’d miss if you weren’t paying attention. That’s why a gas leak detector, a device that alerts you to dangerous gas buildup is a smart investment, even if your stove still works. And if you’ve got a stove older than 20 years, ask yourself: Is it still efficient? Modern models use less gas, burn cleaner, and have better temperature control. That adds up over time.
You’ll find posts below that dig into exactly how to tell if your gas stove is nearing the end, what common fixes actually work, and when it’s smarter to walk away. We’ve got guides on checking gas lines, testing igniters, cleaning burners without breaking anything, and comparing repair costs against buying new. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to decide—whether to fix it, clean it, or replace it—before it leaves you without a working stove on a Tuesday night.
29 October 2025 · 0 Comments
Learn the real-life expectancy of gas appliances like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces. Discover signs it's time to replace them and how to extend their life with simple maintenance.
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