How long does a range or oven last?

A kitchen range typically lasts 13 to 17 years. The home builders’ survey gives 15 years for gas ranges and 13 for electric. The US Department of Energy’s analysis uses averages of 14.5 years for gas cooking products and 16.8 for electric.

What the published figures say

YearsSourceWhat the figure is
15 for gas, 13 for electricNAHB and Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (2007)Survey of manufacturers and trade groups. Its appliance figures describe use by the first owner.
14.5 for gas, 16.8 for electricUS Department of Energy, energy conservation standards for consumer cooking products, final rule (2024)Average lifetime of ranges, wall ovens and cooktops together in the Department’s cost analysis.

The sources measure different things, which is why they differ. A survey of first owners gives a shorter figure than an analysis that follows units until they are scrapped. All of them describe typical equipment. A given unit can fail sooner or run far longer, and age alone is not a reason to replace anything that works safely.

How old is yours?

The build date is coded into the serial number. Where to find it: How old is my appliance?

Find the age from the serial number

Look for “Serial”, “Serial No.” or “S/N” on the rating plate. It is not the model number. What you type stays in your browser.

What shortens or extends its life

  • Spills that are left to burn onto burners, igniters and elements.
  • A worn oven door gasket, which lets heat escape toward the controls.

Signs that replacement is near

  • An oven that will not hold its temperature after the sensor or igniter has been replaced.
  • A cracked glass cooktop.
  • A smell of gas. Leave the house and call the gas utility.
  • A control board that is no longer available as a part.

Sources

Other equipment

Figures last checked against their sources on October 5, 2026. Method and sources.