Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Range?

Paul Hope
·9 min read

CR’s interactive tool leverages product costs, depreciation rates, and survey data to help you make the right choice. Plus, expert advice on what to do next.

By Paul Hope

Data visualizations by Andy Bergmann

Ranges are the workhorse of the kitchen, and when they fail, it’s a problem.

Our interactive tool can help you figure out whether it’s worth paying a pro to repair your range or you’re better off buying a new one. Below, we’ll also share tips on the next steps to take, whether you opt to have your machine repaired or find a new one that will stand the test of time.

Factors to Consider

“Whether you should repair your range depends on how old your range is and how much the repair will cost, balanced against the cost of a new model,” says Martin Lachter, senior project leader at CR, who helped develop the tool.

Generally speaking, the data tends to point to repairing your range. Many range repairs are simple and inexpensive, and some problems don’t need to be addressed immediately. After all, if a heating element on your electric range stops working, you probably have at least three more. For more expensive models, especially pro-style ranges, which cost thousands of dollars to replace, it almost always pays to make a repair. And of course, a repair is infinitely better for the environment. In 2018, the most recent data available, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that 57.1 million tons of waste were generated from large appliances, with 37.4 million tons ending up in a landfill.

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. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Based on our most recent survey data, 24 percent of people who experienced a problem with their range attempted a repair themselves. And while most repairs are simple and many are fairly inexpensive, only a small number of range repairs are feasible for most owners to do themselves. Knob and grate replacements are easy and straightforward, as is cleaning out a clogged gas burner with an uneven flame. If a burner on your gas range won’t light, replacing the igniter is also a fairly DIY-friendly job. But remember that it’s essential to unplug your range before attempting any repair to avoid the risk of shock.

For more complex problems—for instance, an oven that won’t heat up or a control-panel failure—hire a pro. You may be able to find a repair person by contacting the manufacturer or the retailer, or by trying an independent repair shop. In our 2021 member surveys on ranges, roughly two-thirds were fixed on the first attempt, generally speaking. However, your chances for success may vary depending on your range type. Here are the success rates for different range types, as reported by our survey respondents:

  • Gas ranges: 70 percent (17 percent were repaired on a subsequent try; 13 percent were never successfully repaired).

  • Electric ranges: 69 percent (17 percent were repaired on a subsequent try; 14 percent were never successfully repaired).

  • Pro-style ranges: 62 percent (22 percent were repaired on a subsequent try; 16 percent were never successfully repaired).

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.

Here’s 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.

Finding a Range That Will Last

If you’ve decided to replace your range, avoid simply hauling it to the curb to be taken to the landfill. Instead, try to recycle it. With Earth 911’s search tool, you can enter the type of appliance you own and ZIP code to find recycling centers near you.

Once you’re ready to shop, remember that it’s easiest to choose a new range of the same type. Going from an electric range to gas, or vice versa can take more work and money because that process usually involves installing a new gas or electric line in your kitchen.

Take measures to ensure an easier repair experience in the future. For instance, check user reviews with the Better Business Bureau and on retailer sites (not on the manufacturer’s own site, which will tend to be overly favorable) for any red flags, like a critical mass of people with the same unresolved repair issues. Read the warranty’s fine print to see how comprehensive the coverage is for future repairs. Once you’ve selected the right brand and model for your needs, seek out a retailer you trust. Our appliance store ratings are a great place to start. Below, we’ve highlighted three stellar ranges from some of the most reliable brands in our surveys.

Top-Rated Ranges From CR's Tests

For insight into how well a range will hold up over time, use our comprehensive range ratings. We factor reliability into the Overall Score for every range, and we also provide a stand-alone rating for the predicted reliability for the brand of the range. You can also reference our articles on the most and least reliable brands for gas, electric, and pro-style ranges.

Reliable Electric Range

GE Profile PSS93YPFS

CR’s take: This single-oven electric smoothtop—a slide-in with all-digital controls—offers stellar performance, with ratings of Excellent for baking and oven capacity. It has convection, an air-fry mode in the oven, and a high-powered burner on the cooktop. As a brand, Profile (formerly GE Profile) earns the top rating of Excellent for predicted reliability of its electric ranges.

Reliable Gas Range

Samsung NX60T8711SS

CR’s take: This Samsung gas range has a slide-in design, continuous cooking grates, and an integrated griddle. And while it’s not as strong at baking—it earns a Very Good rating, while some models of this type earn an Excellent—it’s among the most reliable options you’ll find in this category. Samsung earns a rating of Excellent for gas range reliability in our latest member surveys.

Reliable Pro-Style Range

Monogram ZGP304NTSS

CR’s take: The Monogram ZGP304NTSS should be your first consideration if you’re looking for a 30-inch pro-style range. It rates Excellent for baking and simmering, and Very Good in other performance tests. It also has nice features like heavy-duty continuous grates, a built-in oven probe, and adaptable burners that can accommodate a round-bottomed wok. Monogram pro-style ranges earn a rating of Good for predicted reliability. That’s far from great, but still better than many other options in the category. The only pro-style brand with better reliability is Bosch. But while it earns an Excellent for predicted reliability, its lone model in our ratings gets a low Overall Score of 41 because of performance issues, most notably in baking.



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