Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Range?

Obviously, a repair makes sense if your range is under warranty. Contact either the manufacturer or store, depending on where the warranty is from. The typical warranty lasts one year and covers all parts and labor for the time frame. But some may provide additional coverage for broken parts if you pay for the labor, and many pro-style ranges offer longer warranties.  If your range is no longer under warranty, you might still have a few money-saving options. 

• Check the manufacturer’s website. The problem you’re experiencing may be covered under an existing recall.
• Check other sites for user comments. Even if a product isn’t recalled, manufacturers will still sometimes perform free or low-cost out-of-warranty repairs for widespread problems. In some cases, a critical mass of consumers band together and initiate a class-action lawsuit, such as the 2020 case against Samsung alleging that a particular range wouldn’t heat the oven past 150 degrees. If you search the web with your specific concern and the range brand, you’ll likely find Reddit forums or social media groups of users who have experienced similar problems. 

Making Greener Choices
• We compiled 45 Ways to Save More and Waste Less.
• Repair vs. Replace: Dishwashers, Microwaves, Washers, Dryers.
• See our fourth-annual Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings.
For more, see CR’s Guide to Sustainable Living.

The median cost for parts and labor to repair a broken range is $206, based on our survey. Again, prices will vary depending on the type of range you have. If the numbers below sound low, keep in mind that they reflect only the prices paid by people who went ahead with a repair. (Anyone who got sticker shock from a repair quote and decided to replace their range instead isn’t included.) 

• Gas ranges: $191
• Electric ranges: $212
• Pro-style ranges: $290

If you know the exact problem with your range—like a shattered glass door or damaged cooktop—you can search online for average repair costs using sites like Angi or Home Advisor.

If you’re unsure of the problem, some newer ranges with WiFi connectivity can actually self-diagnose when paired with a compatible smartphone app. The range will typically use WiFi to send error codes to your phone. Opening the compatible app will tell you what the problem is and usually provide some basic troubleshooting steps to try before calling for service. 

Otherwise, describe what you’re experiencing in a web search; include the brand and model number. This way, you’ll improve the quality of your results and you’ll be more likely to connect with other range owners who have experienced your exact problem, find a fix on video or social media, or get some sense of what the repair might cost. Problems often occur in clusters within a brand. For example, our most recent member surveys found that a staggering 26 percent of Bluestar pro-style ranges experienced ignition problems, compared with a median of only 9 to 10 percent for all brands. 

If you end up needing a technician, ask friends, neighbors, and local groups on social media for recommendations. If you’re flying blind, try services like Angi or Thumbtack, which can refer you to a local pro for a diagnosis. These pros are generally vetted and background-checked, and you can see ratings and reviews from other consumers in your area. 

Once you decide on a repair service, expect a charge for a visit just to diagnose the problem. This will typically be deducted from the cost of your total bill if you use the service to complete your repair, but that’s not always the case. So always review the costs and terms before hiring.

Below is a big-picture look at the data that fuels our interactive tool. In general, for example, electric-smoothtop ranges that cost more are worth repairing because the cost of a typical repair is a smaller proportion of the value of the range. In other words, a regular $212 repair on a low-end electric range rarely makes financial sense after the first few years; you’re better off putting the money toward a new $800 range. But for, say, a more premium $1,250 range, the $212 repair is often worth making for at least a decade.