When your old stove, a kitchen appliance that has likely served you for over a decade. Also known as a range, it combines an oven and cooktop to handle everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight dinners. starts acting up, you’re faced with a simple but costly question: fix it or replace it? Many people assume an older stove is a lost cause, but that’s not always true. A worn-out igniter, a broken heating element, or a faulty control board can often be swapped out for under £100—far cheaper than buying a whole new unit. The key is knowing which parts are worth fixing and which signal it’s time to walk away.
Most gas ovens, ovens that use natural gas or propane to generate heat fail because of a bad igniter. If the burner clicks but won’t light, that’s usually the culprit. It’s a common fix, and technicians see it all the time in Northampton homes built before 2010. For electric ovens, ovens that use electrical resistance to heat up, the problem is often a broken element or a failing thermostat. These aren’t rare failures—they’re predictable. Brands like Whirlpool, Bosch, and Zanussi have parts that last 15+ years if maintained. But if your stove is over 20 years old and the control board is glitching, or if the oven door won’t seal properly, repair costs start adding up fast. A new control board might cost £150, but if the oven’s energy use has doubled since you bought it, you’re paying more in bills than you would on a new, efficient model.
Don’t overlook safety. Old stoves without modern auto-shutoffs or child locks can be risky, especially in busy households. If you’ve had the same stove since before smartphones were common, it’s probably missing critical safety upgrades. And if the wiring behind the unit is frayed or the gas line shows signs of corrosion, that’s not a DIY fix—it’s a red flag. We’ve seen too many cases where people saved £300 on a repair, only to spend £800 later on emergency service calls or fire damage.
Below, you’ll find real repair guides and cost breakdowns from Northampton homeowners who’ve been through this exact decision. Whether you’re dealing with a gas oven that won’t light, an electric stove with uneven heating, or just wondering if your 25-year-old range still has life left, these posts give you the facts—not guesswork. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to let go.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a 10-year-old stove? Learn the real costs, when it makes sense to fix it, and why a new model might save you money long-term.
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