If you’re weighing up buying a gas or electric oven at the moment, it’s a good idea to know how long each type of oven lasts. If a gas oven lasts longer than an electric oven, it might make sense to buy one of those instead.
That way, you’ll get more use of the oven and save yourself some money in the long run. So, today, we’re looking at how long gas ovens last. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
How Long Should a Gas Oven Last?
A gas oven has a life expectancy of 15 years. But that is only if the oven is properly cared for. This means regular cleaning is a must, and you should check the gas burners every so often.
This ensures they are in good condition. If the gas burners are building up grime and grease, this will eventually cause a breakdown. Granted, this is a repairable breakdown, but it is avoidable with regular maintenance.
Gas or Electric – Which Lasts Longer?
As we said, gas ovens can last up to 15 years with good maintenance. Electric ovens, on the other hand, will last about 2-5 years less than this, depending on the model and how you treat them. So, an electric oven could only last 10 years.
In terms of cost per year then, gas seems to be the way to go. Especially as gas ovens are much cheaper to run than electric in most cases. Fan-assisted ovens burn around 20% less energy than a regular electric oven.
So, if you’re deciding between a gas or a fan-assisted oven, the long-term energy savings won’t be as noticeable. Still, the fact that gas ovens last longer than electric ovens (including fan assisted ovens), you will still be saving money per year with a gas oven
Regular Maintenance for Gas Ovens
When we say ‘regular maintenance’, what we really mean is regular cleaning. Gas ovens do need a bit more attention than electric ones because they have burners that generate heat.
If these burners get clogged up with food, grime, and grease, they can stop the oven from working efficiently. It can also stop the gas oven from working entirely if left for a long period of time.
To stop the gas burners from clogging up, you simply need to keep the oven and the hob clean. Wiping the surfaces of the hob down and inside the oven as regularly as you can, can really help.
Most companies recommend you clean a gas hob and oven after each use. And that you check the gas burners once a month and give them a good clean.
Cleaning Gas Burners
Cleaning gas burners is really easy. All you need is vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, a shallow pan or tray, water, and a scrub brush.
Just pop the burners off of the hob (make sure they are cool before you do). Mix the solution (half vinegar, half water) and pop the burners in the mixture. Let them sit in there for at least 30 minutes.
While the burners are resting in the solution, grab the grates of the hob. Give them a rinse and then mix some water and bicarbonate of soda into a paste.
Coat the grates with the paste and leave them for 15 minutes. Use the scrub brush to remove any residue and burnt grease. You can then clean the burner heads and caps before reassembling them.
This can be done with the same water, and vinegar solution used in a spray bottle and left to absorb for 15 minutes. You can also use the bicarb and water if there is anything really burnt on the burner heads or caps.
Doing that once a month and ensuring that you give the oven and hob a wipe down after each use will prolong the life of your gas oven by potentially 3 years or more.
Granted, gas oven maintenance is a bit more work than an electric oven’s maintenance, but for those that love cooking on gas, it is well worth it.
If you’re now interested in buying a gas oven, take a look around Chef’s Pick some more. We have all of the best gas hobs and ovens on here, as well as all of the cookware that makes cooking on gas even more enjoyable.
Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.
