Most people don’t think about their cooker until it stops working. Then they panic-do they repair it? Replace it? Or just buy a new one? The truth is, cookers don’t last forever. But how long should you expect yours to last? And what are the real signs it’s time to walk away?
A standard electric or gas cooker in a typical Canadian home lasts between 10 and 15 years. That’s the average. But if your cooker is older than 12 and you’re starting to notice problems, you’re probably past the point of smart repairs. Replacing it now can save you money, time, and even safety risks down the road.
Why Cookers Fail Before Their Time
Not every cooker dies from old age. Many fail early because of poor maintenance, overuse, or bad installation. In Vancouver, where winters are damp and kitchens get heavy use, moisture and constant heating cycles wear out components faster than in drier climates. A coil that rusts, a thermostat that drifts, or a door seal that cracks might seem small-but they add up.
Think about it: if you cook three meals a day, that’s over 1,000 cycles a year. Every time the oven heats up, metal expands. Every time it cools, it contracts. That stress wears out the heating elements, the wiring, and even the insulation. After 10 years, you’re not just using an appliance-you’re running a machine that’s been through a decade of thermal fatigue.
5 Clear Signs Your Cooker Needs Replacing
You don’t need to wait for a total breakdown. Look for these five warning signs:
- Inconsistent temperatures - Food takes longer to cook, burns in spots, or comes out underdone. If you’ve calibrated the thermostat and it’s still off by more than 20°F (10°C), the sensor or control board is failing.
- High energy bills - If your gas or electricity usage has jumped 15-25% over the past year with no change in usage, your cooker is losing efficiency. Older models use up to 30% more power than newer ENERGY STAR® units.
- Frequent repairs - If you’ve paid for repairs more than twice in the last two years, you’re throwing money into a sinking ship. The cost of parts and labor often hits 50% of a new unit’s price after the 8-year mark.
- Visible damage - Rust inside the oven cavity, cracked enamel on the cooking surface, or a warped door that doesn’t seal? These aren’t cosmetic. They mean heat is leaking, energy is wasted, and safety is compromised.
- Outdated features - No convection fan? No self-cleaning? No smart controls? Newer models are quieter, safer, and more precise. If your cooker was made before 2015, you’re missing out on real improvements.
Repair vs. Replace: The Math Doesn’t Lie
Let’s say your cooker is 11 years old and the heating element died. A replacement part costs $85. Labor? $120. Total? $205. Sounds reasonable, right? But here’s what you’re not seeing:
- The next part to fail? The thermostat. Estimated cost: $150.
- The fan motor? $180.
- The control board? $300.
That’s $635 in repairs before you even get to the next failure. Meanwhile, a new mid-range cooker with a 10-year warranty costs $800-$1,200. You’re not saving money-you’re delaying the inevitable.
And don’t forget energy savings. A 2025 ENERGY STAR® cooker uses 15-20% less electricity than one from 2010. Over five years, that’s $150-$250 back in your pocket. Add in better cooking performance, faster preheats, and fewer burnouts, and the math becomes obvious.
What to Look for in a New Cooker
Not all cookers are created equal. If you’re replacing yours, here’s what actually matters:
- Capacity - Most households need 4-6 cubic feet. Bigger isn’t better unless you host large dinners regularly.
- Convection - A fan that circulates heat makes baking even and reduces cooking time by 25%.
- Self-cleaning - Pyrolytic cleaning (high-heat) is better than steam. It removes grease without chemicals and lasts longer.
- Warranty - Look for at least 2 years on parts, 5+ on the heating elements. Some brands offer 10-year limited warranties on key components.
- Smart features - Wi-Fi isn’t a gimmick. Remote preheating, temperature alerts, and cooking guides can save you time and prevent mistakes.
Brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, and GE have reliable models that fit most budgets. Avoid no-name brands from discount stores-they often skimp on insulation and safety features.
What Happens to Your Old Cooker?
You can’t just toss it in the trash. In British Columbia, cookers are classified as electronic waste. You have two legal options:
- Take it to a BC Electronics Recycling depot. Most offer free drop-off.
- Ask your new appliance retailer if they haul away your old unit. Many do for $20-$40.
Don’t let it sit in your garage or basement. Moisture builds up. Mold grows. And if you sell your home later, a broken cooker in the kitchen is a red flag for buyers.
When to Call a Pro (and When Not To)
Some repairs are worth it. A faulty door hinge? Easy fix. A broken oven light? $15 part. But anything involving gas lines, wiring, or control boards? Leave it to a licensed technician.
And if your cooker is over 10 years old? Don’t bother. Even if you fix it today, you’re just renting time. The next failure is coming-and it’ll cost more than the repair you just paid for.
Real-World Example: A Vancouver Kitchen Upgrade
My neighbor, Maria, had a 1998 cooker that kept shutting off mid-bake. She called a repairman three times over two years. Each time, they fixed something-but the oven still took 40 minutes to preheat. Her electricity bill was $180/month in winter. She replaced it last fall with a Bosch 800 series. Now it preheats in 10 minutes. Her bill dropped to $140. And she finally got perfect cookies.
She didn’t just replace an appliance. She upgraded her daily life.
Final Rule of Thumb
If your cooker is older than 12 years and you’re experiencing any of the five warning signs above, replace it. Don’t wait for it to die in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t gamble on one more repair. The cost of a new cooker is an investment in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
And if you’re unsure? Take a photo of your model number and check its manufacturing date online. If it’s from before 2014, you’re already in replacement territory.
Can I extend the life of my cooker with regular cleaning?
Yes, cleaning helps-but only up to a point. Wiping down the interior, replacing door seals, and vacuuming vents can prevent early wear. But if the internal components are worn out-like heating elements, thermostats, or insulation-cleaning won’t fix the root problem. Think of it like oil changes for a car: it helps, but won’t stop the engine from failing after 200,000 kilometers.
Is it worth repairing a gas cooker?
It depends. Gas cookers are more complex and require licensed technicians to work on. If the issue is a simple burner clog or igniter failure, yes-repair it. But if you’re dealing with gas valve leaks, cracked heat exchangers, or faulty control modules, the repair cost often exceeds 60% of a new unit’s price. And gas appliances carry higher safety risks if improperly fixed. When in doubt, replace.
Do smart cookers last longer than traditional ones?
Not necessarily. Smart features like Wi-Fi and app control don’t make the heating elements or insulation last longer. But better-built smart cookers often use higher-quality components overall. If you choose a reputable brand with a solid warranty, you’re more likely to get a durable unit-regardless of whether it’s smart or not.
Should I replace my cooker before selling my home?
Yes, especially if it’s over 10 years old or shows signs of wear. Buyers notice outdated or malfunctioning appliances. A new cooker adds perceived value and can help close a sale faster. Even a mid-range model improves the kitchen’s appeal. It’s one of the best ROI upgrades for home sellers.
What’s the average cost of a new cooker in Canada?
Basic models start around $600-$800. Mid-range units with convection and self-cleaning features cost $900-$1,500. High-end models with premium finishes and smart tech run $1,800-$3,000. Installation usually adds $100-$250, depending on gas/electric hookups and venting needs.
