Is It Worth Repairing a Cooker? Real Costs, Lifespan, and When to Replace

How many times have you turned on your cooker and heard that strange clicking sound? Or maybe the oven doesn’t heat evenly anymore, or the hob sparks when you turn it on. You stare at it, wondering: is it worth repairing a cooker? Or should you just bite the bullet and buy a new one?

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s what actually matters: how old your cooker is, how much the repair costs, what’s broken, and whether it’s still safe to use. Let’s cut through the noise and give you real numbers, real advice, and real scenarios from people who’ve been there.

How Long Should a Cooker Last?

Most cookers - whether gas, electric, or induction - last between 10 and 15 years with normal use. That’s not a guess. It’s backed by data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which tracks appliance lifespans across thousands of households. If your cooker is 8 years old and the heating element failed? Repairing it makes sense. If it’s 14 years old and the control panel is fried? You’re flirting with trouble.

Why does age matter? Older cookers use outdated parts. Manufacturers stop making replacements after 10-12 years. So even if you fix it once, the next breakdown might be impossible to repair. And if you’re still using a cooker from 2012, it’s probably using 20% more energy than a new model. That adds up over time.

Common Cooker Problems and Repair Costs

Not all repairs are created equal. Some are quick fixes. Others are money pits. Here’s what you’re likely to face in Brisbane homes:

• Heating element failure - $120-$200 to replace. This is the most common fix. If the oven won’t heat or takes forever to preheat, this is usually the culprit.
• Thermostat malfunction - $150-$250. If your oven runs too hot or too cold, even after resetting, the thermostat might be faulty.
• Igniter or gas valve issue (gas cookers) - $180-$300. If the burner won’t light or you smell gas, this is serious. Don’t delay.
• Control panel or touchscreen failure - $250-$450. If buttons don’t respond or the display is blank, this is expensive. Often, the whole control board needs replacing.
• Hob element or wiring fault - $100-$220. If one ring won’t heat or sparks, it’s often the element or the socket behind it.

Labour costs in Brisbane average $80-$120 per hour. Most repairs take 1-2 hours. So even a simple fix can cost $200-$300 before parts. And if the technician has to order a rare part? That’s another 5-10 days waiting.

When Repairing Makes Sense

You should consider repairing your cooker if:

• Your cooker is under 10 years old.
• The repair cost is less than 50% of a new unit’s price.
• The issue is isolated (e.g., one element, one thermostat).
• You’re happy with the cooker’s performance otherwise - no uneven cooking, no weird noises, no energy spikes.

For example: a 7-year-old electric cooker with a broken oven element. Replacement element: $95. Labour: $110. Total: $205. A new mid-range cooker? $900-$1,400. Repair wins by a landslide.

Also, if your cooker is built into your cabinetry, replacing it means pulling out the whole unit, cutting new holes, retiling, and possibly rewiring. That adds $500-$1,200 in installation costs. Repairing becomes even more attractive.

When You Should Walk Away

It’s time to replace your cooker if:

• It’s over 12 years old.
• The repair cost is more than half the price of a new model.
• You’ve had two or more major repairs in the last 2 years.
• It’s using outdated technology - like a dial thermostat instead of digital controls.
• You notice rust, burning smells, or electrical arcing - these are safety risks.

Here’s a real case from a Brisbane homeowner: A 15-year-old gas cooker had a faulty gas valve. The repair quote was $320. But the technician said the burner assembly was worn, the seals were cracking, and the fan motor was starting to whine. He said, “You’re not fixing this. You’re delaying the inevitable.” They replaced it with a new 90cm induction model for $1,700 - including installation. Six months later, they saved $180 on electricity bills alone.

Older cookers also lack modern safety features. New models have auto-shutoff, child locks, overheating sensors, and leak detection. If your cooker doesn’t have these, you’re not just saving money - you’re risking your family’s safety.

What’s the Cost of a New Cooker?

Prices vary wildly. Here’s what you can expect in 2026:

Induction cookers are becoming the new standard. They heat faster, use less energy, and stay cooler to the touch. If you cook often, the long-term savings on electricity can pay for the unit in under 3 years.

Energy Savings: The Hidden Math

Here’s something no one tells you: an old cooker can cost you $200-$400 extra per year in electricity. Why? Older models have poor insulation, inefficient heating elements, and outdated thermostats that cycle on and off too often.

A 2025 energy audit by Energy Safe Victoria found that homes with cookers over 12 years old used 32% more power than those with models under 5 years old. If you cook 4-5 meals a week, that’s $15-$30 extra on your bill every month. That’s like paying for a new cooker every 3-4 years - without even buying it.

Modern cookers with energy ratings of A+++ can cut that usage by 60%. If your current cooker is rated D or lower, switching to an A+++ model could pay for itself in under 2 years.

What About Extended Warranties?

Extended warranties? Skip them. Most are overpriced and full of loopholes. A 2024 survey of 1,200 Australian households found that only 12% of warranty claims were fully paid out. The rest were denied due to “wear and tear,” “improper use,” or “missing service records.”

Instead, keep your receipt and register your cooker with the manufacturer. Many brands offer 2-year free warranty extensions if you register within 30 days of purchase. And if you buy from a reputable appliance store, they often offer free diagnostic checks for life.

Final Decision Flow: Is It Worth Repairing?

Here’s your quick decision guide:

1. How old is your cooker? Under 10? Repair. Over 12? Replace.
2. What’s the repair cost? Less than $300? Go for it. Over $500? Think twice.
3. Is it safe? Sparks? Smells? Rust? Replace now.
4. Are you paying more than $25/month extra on your power bill? Then you’re already losing money by keeping it.
5. Will you use it for another 3+ years? If yes, and it’s under 10 years old - repair. If no - replace.

There’s no shame in replacing a cooker. It’s not a failure. It’s smart. A new cooker doesn’t just make cooking easier - it makes it cheaper, safer, and more reliable. And if you’re in Brisbane, you’re eligible for the Queensland Government’s Appliance Upgrade Rebate - up to $300 off energy-efficient models.

What to Do Next

If you’re still unsure:

• Call a licensed technician for a diagnostic. Most charge $50-$80 for a check-up, and many waive it if you book the repair.
• Check your energy bill for the last 12 months. If your cooking usage spiked, it’s time to upgrade.
• Visit a local appliance store. Ask for a demo of a new induction model. Feel how fast it heats. See how quiet it is.
• Search for “cooker repair Brisbane” and read reviews. Look for technicians who offer free quotes and don’t push repairs.

Don’t wait until it breaks completely. A cooker that stops working in the middle of dinner is stressful. A cooker you replaced before it failed? That’s peace of mind.