Gas Cooker Lifespan: How Long Do They Last and When to Replace

When you buy a gas cooker, a kitchen appliance that uses natural gas or propane to cook food. Also known as a gas range, it’s built to last—but not forever. Most last between 10 and 15 years, though with good care, some hit 20. What happens after that? Parts wear out. Safety risks grow. And repair costs start to add up faster than you’d expect.

The real question isn’t just how long it lasts—it’s when it stops being worth fixing. A gas cooker with a broken igniter might be easy to fix. But if the control valves are leaking, the burner ports are clogged with grease, or the flame keeps going out, those aren’t just inconveniences—they’re red flags. Gas leaks don’t always smell like rotten eggs. Sometimes they’re slow, silent, and deadly. That’s why knowing the signs matters more than the age on the label.

Gas cooker maintenance, regular cleaning and inspection to keep the appliance running safely and efficiently. Also known as gas appliance servicing, it’s the single biggest factor in extending life. Clean burners, check hoses for cracks, wipe down control knobs, and test the flame color—blue is good, yellow is bad. Do this once a year and you’ll avoid most big problems. Skip it, and you’re gambling with your kitchen’s safety.

And then there’s gas cooker repair, fixing broken parts like igniters, valves, or thermocouples to restore function. Also known as gas appliance servicing, it’s often cheaper than replacement—if you catch it early. But if your cooker is over 12 years old and needs a new control panel or gas valve, you’re spending nearly half the cost of a new unit. At that point, replacement isn’t just smart—it’s safer.

Modern gas cookers are more efficient, safer, and quieter. New models come with automatic shut-offs, better heat control, and easier-to-clean surfaces. If your cooker is pushing 15 years, even if it still works, you’re probably using more gas than necessary. That adds up over time. Plus, older units don’t always meet current safety standards. Insurance companies might even ask for proof of recent servicing if you file a claim.

So how do you know it’s time? If the flame flickers or turns orange, if the knobs feel loose or unresponsive, if you smell gas even when it’s off, or if repairs keep popping up every few months—it’s not just worn out. It’s risky. And in Nuneaton, where winters get cold and kitchens get busy, you don’t want to be stuck without a working cooker during a meal prep rush.

The posts below give you the real talk: what breaks first in gas cookers, how to spot hidden dangers, when repair makes sense, and when it’s time to walk away. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just what actually happens after 10, 12, 15 years—and what to do next.