Stove Repair or Replacement: How to Decide What's Best for You

Stove acting up? You're not alone—kitchen disasters happen to everyone. But before you panic and book a new cooker, stop and think: is it really broken beyond repair? The truth is, many issues are simple and cheap to fix. A quick repair could save you £100s compared to buying new. And with cookers starting from £300, it's worth knowing the difference between fix and replace. Let's cut through the confusion so you can get back to cooking without stress.

When to Repair Your Stove: Simple Fixes You Can Try

First, check the basics. If your oven's not heating, it might be a blown fuse or tripped breaker—reset it and see if that works. If not, it's likely the element (the heating coil) or thermostat. Replacing an element costs £20-£30 and takes 20 minutes—YouTube has great step-by-step videos. For a hob that's dead on one burner, it could be a loose wire or faulty switch—easy to fix yourself. But if you see sparks, burning smells, or the whole hob's dead, turn it off and call a pro immediately. Safety first! Always unplug before tinkering. We've helped dozens of Northampton households fix stoves without a new cooker, saving them money and hassle.

When Replacement Makes Sense: Cost and Age Matters

Now, if your cooker's over 10 years old, it's probably time to replace. Most last 10-15 years, but after that, repairs pile up. For example, replacing a control board might cost £250, but a new basic cooker starts at £350. If repair costs more than half the new price, replacement wins. Plus, newer cookers save you £30-£50 yearly on energy bills. If you've got safety issues like gas leaks or constant breakdowns, a new one is a no-brainer. Check your warranty too—if it's still covered, repair might be free. We recently fixed a 12-year-old cooker for £220, saving a customer £200 versus buying new. Smart move.

So here's the deal: under 10 years old? Fix it. Older or repair costs too much? Replace it. And if you're in Northampton, we'll come to your home for a free diagnosis. We'll tell you exactly what's wrong and whether to repair or replace—no guesswork, no hidden fees. Just honest advice to get your kitchen back on track. Call us today and stop stressing over your stove.