Should You Repair a 10‑Year‑Old Stove? Costs, Safety & When to Replace

When your stove has been heating meals for a decade, the question pops up: is it worth fixing it or should you buy a new one?

Below we’ll break down the factors that matter most - money, safety, energy use and the planet - so you can decide if a repair is a smart move or if it’s time to say goodbye.

Assessing the Condition

The first step is a quick visual and functional check. Ask yourself:

1. Does the stove turn on reliably?
2. Are any burners or heating elements flickering, taking longer to heat, or making strange noises?
3. Is there visible rust, cracked glass, or a broken ignition switch?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these, you probably need a professional opinion. A qualified appliance repair technician can run diagnostic tests and let you know whether a single part replacement will solve the problem.

Cost Comparison: Repair vs Replace

In the UK, a typical gas stove repair - say swapping a faulty burner - runs between £80 and £150, parts included. An electric stove repair is usually a bit pricier, £100‑£180, because the heating elements can be costlier.

By contrast, a brand‑new electric stove or gas stove in 2025 starts at around £350 for a basic model and can top out at £1,200 for premium units with convection ovens and smart controls.

If the repair cost climbs above half the price of a comparable new unit, replacement usually makes more sense - especially when you factor in the upcoming energy bills.

Safety Considerations

Age alone isn’t a death sentence, but a 10‑year‑old stove can develop hidden hazards:

• Gas leaks: Old connections may corrode, leading to dangerous leaks. A faint smell of gas or a yellow flame is a red flag.
• Electrical faults: Frayed wiring can cause short circuits or even fires.
• Broken glass or cracked doors: Shards can cause cuts, and compromised doors can let heat escape, increasing cooking time.

Because safety issues often require specialist tools, a DIY fix is risky. A professional inspection is the safest route. If a safety defect is found, most reputable repair services will advise replacement - that’s a good sign you’re not being sold a pointless fix.

Energy Efficiency & Running Costs

Modern stoves are far more efficient than models from 2015. The UK’s energy efficiency rating system gives new appliances an A‑rating (up to 30% less gas or electricity use) compared with many older units that sit at D or E.

Let’s run a quick scenario: a 10‑year‑old gas stove uses about 1.2kg of gas per hour on high heat. An A‑rated replacement might drop that to 0.9kg - a saving of roughly £30‑£40 a year on a typical household bill. Add that to the repair cost and the numbers tilt toward a new stove faster than you’d think.

Environmental Impact: Recycle or Dispose

Ending a stove’s life doesn’t have to mean a landfill. Many UK councils run recycling programs for large appliances. Metal frames and glass are highly recyclable, and even the electronic controls can be salvaged.

If you choose a new stove, ask the seller if they offer a take‑back service. Some manufacturers will pick up your old unit for free, ensuring it’s properly dismantled and recycled - a win for the planet and often a small incentive toward purchase.

When Replacement Makes Sense

Here are the tell‑tale signs that a new stove is the smarter move:

1. Repair estimate exceeds £250 (roughly half the price of a new basic model).
2. Multiple components have failed - e.g., two burners and the oven light.
3. Safety issues are identified, especially gas leaks or exposed wiring.
4. Your current stove has a low energy rating (D/E or below) and you’re keen on cutting bills.
5. You’re remodeling the kitchen and the new layout calls for a different stove size or type.

If none of those apply, stove repair may still be worth a shot, particularly if you love the look of your current model or have a tight budget.

Steps to Get a Reliable Repair Quote

To avoid surprise costs, follow this simple checklist:

• Document the problem: note which burners misbehave, any error codes, and any visible damage.
• Call at least two local appliance repair technicians. Ask for a written estimate that separates labour and parts.
• Check credentials: look for a Gas Safe Register number for gas work, and ensure electrical repairs are covered by an OFTEC‑registered electrician.
• Ask about warranty on the repair - a good service offers at least 12months on parts and labour.
• Compare the quote to the replacement cost table above and factor in any potential energy savings.

Having a clear paper trail helps you negotiate and decide confidently.

Bottom Line

There’s no one‑size answer, but a quick cost‑vs‑benefit test does most of the heavy lifting. If the repair is under £150, the stove is in decent shape, and safety checks out, fixing it is a pragmatic, eco‑friendly choice. When the repair bill nudges past a quarter of a new stove’s price, or safety issues surface, swapping for an A‑rated replacement will save money in the long run and keep your kitchen safe.