Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Wall Oven?
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide
Wall ovens are essential kitchen appliances, but deciding whether to repair or replace them can be tricky. Here’s a guide based on costs, repair complexity, and lifespan considerations:
Factors to Consider Before Deciding
Age of the Oven:
- Wall ovens older than 10 years may warrant replacement, especially if repair costs are high.
- Newer models often justify repair since they have years of service left.
Cost of Repair vs. Replacement:
- Median repair cost: $264.
- Wall ovens range in price from $2,000 to $6,000. Repairing is often more economical than replacing.
Warranty Status:
- If your oven is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or retailer.
- Typical warranties last one year, though pro-style models may offer extended coverage.
Environmental Impact:
- Repairing helps reduce waste. In 2018, 5.3 million tons of appliance waste were generated, with 2.1 million tons ending up in landfills.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
- DIY Repairs:
- Suitable for simple fixes like replacing a broken knob or warped oven rack.
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Avoid complex repairs due to the risk of electric shock and difficulty accessing components.
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Hiring a Professional:
- Most wall-oven repairs require a service call.
- Look for recommendations from friends, local groups, or platforms like Angi or Thumbtack for vetted technicians.
Common Wall Oven Issues
- Self-Clean Cycle Malfunction: Annoying but not urgent.
- Control Panel Not Lighting Up: May require a new control board.
- Oven Not Heating Properly: Common issue, particularly with brands like Viking.
- Excessive Fan Noise: Can often be fixed without replacing the oven.
Cost vs. Age Rule of Thumb
- Repair if:
- The oven is less than 10 years old.
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The repair cost is less than half the cost of a new oven.
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Replace if:
- The oven is over 10 years old.
- You’re dissatisfied with its performance or want newer features.
Making Repairs Easier
- Use WiFi-enabled ovens for self-diagnosis. These models can send error codes and troubleshooting tips to your phone.
- Search online forums for others with similar issues for repair insights.
- Consider future serviceability by checking reviews and warranty terms before purchasing a new oven.
Top-Rated Wall Ovens From Reliable Brands
If replacement is the best option, choose models with high predicted reliability. Check wall oven ratings for:
- Performance scores.
- Reliability data.
- User reviews to avoid recurring issues.
Summing it all up
Repairing is often the greener and more cost-effective choice unless your wall oven is outdated or excessively expensive to fix. If replacing, choose a reliable brand, and consider recycling the old unit to minimize environmental impact.
