Old Oven? How to Fix It or Know When to Replace
Living with an older oven can be a hassle – uneven heat, strange noises, or a stubborn thermostat. Before you throw money at a new model, try a few simple checks. Often the problem is a cheap part that a local tech can replace in under an hour.
Quick checks you can do at home
First, make sure the oven is properly plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped. Next, look at the heating element. If it’s darkened, cracked, or has a broken coil, it’s probably the culprit. You can test it with a multimeter; a reading of zero means the element is dead.
The thermostat or temperature sensor is another common failure point. When the oven takes forever to warm up or never reaches the set temperature, the sensor may be faulty. Most ovens have a removable sensor you can clean or replace yourself – just note the model number and grab the right part.
Control boards look high‑tech, but a simple reset can revive them. Turn off the oven at the mains for five minutes, then power it back up. If the display flickers or error codes appear, note the code and look it up in the user manual. A blown fuse on the board is a cheap fix; a burnt board usually means a professional replacement.
When it’s time to call a professional
If you’ve tried the basic checks and the oven still misbehaves, it’s wise to get a qualified technician involved. Local experts in Hinckley know the common quirks of the brands that dominate our market, and they can source parts quickly. They also handle gas ovens safely – a DIY gas leak repair is a big no‑no.
Cost is another factor. A single part replacement for a ten‑year‑old oven often runs under £100, plus labor. If the total repair bill tops half the price of a new oven, replace it instead. Remember to factor in energy efficiency – newer models use less electricity, which can offset the upfront cost over a few years.
Safety should never be ignored. Any sign of sparking, a burnt smell, or a cracked door gasket means you need a pro right away. Working with electricity or gas without proper training is risky and could void warranties.
At Hinckley Home Appliance Repair Services we offer a free diagnosis and transparent pricing. We’ll tell you if a quick fix will extend your oven’s life or if it’s smarter to upgrade. Our goal is to keep your kitchen running without surprise bills.
Bottom line: start with the easy checks – power, element, sensor, reset – and you might save yourself a lot of hassle. When the problem persists or safety is a concern, call a local pro. An old oven can still serve you well with the right part and a bit of expertise.
12 June 2025
·
0 Comments
Thinking about repairing a 20-year-old electric oven? This article breaks down why some old ovens last longer than people expect and when it actually makes sense to fix one. You'll get practical tips, a look at the costs, and some surprising facts about how tough these old machines can be. Plus, find out what usually goes wrong with them and how to tell if repair is really worth it. Make sure you don't waste money fixing something that's better off replaced.
Read more
