Oven - Repair or Replace

I've got an LG oven (model EM530S) which is about 8 years old. As most things these days, its electric with a LED screen and everything, but is now reporting a fault (runs for 10 minutes, then turns itself off, with no heat). I called LG, they referred me to their local repair contact, who recommended I may want to look at purchasing a new oven instead of trying to repair it, given the cost of parts (PCB, interface, etc) and service ($176 call out fee), and the fact the replacement parts, if they're available, are not guaranteed.

Is that what most people do these days - replace their oven every 10 years or so? Seems like such a waste - planned obsolescence. Mind you, my fridge is 22 years old and still ticking along. Have often wondered if it would make sense to replace the fridge too if newer model ones are more energy efficient (if that's true).

Comments

  • +6

    I'd vote Replace if there were a Poll.

  • +2

    I don't think you should have mentioned the fridge; jinxed now.

  • We had someone out to repair our oven under warranty recently he said if it was covered under warranty then they would have charged $200 to fix it. He said manufacturers don't build ovens that last anymore and it's better to not spend a lot of money on them because you'll end up having to replace it.

  • +3

    Have often wondered if it would make sense to replace the fridge too if newer model ones are more energy efficient (if that's true).

    Trust me if you do this then your new one will break within 3 years and youll be swearing at yourself for getting rid of the old one (when they were made better, right?)

  • +1

    Any error code? Is it just the termostat is dirty and needs cleaning? If it is faulty, replacing it looks like a simple fix, watch this video and this video.

  • sadly that's the consequence of very high cost of labour or workforce in Australia. You have call out fee and then fee per hour.
    If they don't have the sparepart, they have to order and come back second time with potentially another call out fee or extra hour.

    In many third world country or Asian country, repair is trivial matter because of cheap parts and labour.

    I had similar problem with my hot water system that's leaking from the bottom.
    From what I heard, it cannot be repaired but the cost is around $1500.
    So I called a plumber to check and I paid $100 so he can tell me what I already know.

    Your oven is quite old and it wasn't that expensive to begin with.
    You can gamble by calling technician and it can be fixed by paying half of the oven value or just bit the bullet and replace it.

    • +2

      Moral of this post……

      Dont buy an oven in Australia and move to a third world country to bake a cake.

    • That's hardly the main concern. Appliance repair is not a regulated industry, so there's no artificially inflated rates like with electricians or plumbers.

      The main concern if you're looking for someone to blame is cost engineering, planned obsolesce, and a lack of affordable parts. They build these things with cheap parts they know will break, and then they price replacement parts at far more than they are worth, deliberately and with great calculation.

      Which is fine, if you want to build an oven that only lasts a year, and someone wants to buy that, go for it. I just wish the information was a bit more upfront, like a big sticker on the front that said 'WITH AVERAGE USE, THIS PRODUCT WILL ONLY LAST 2YRS'. Then manufacturers could compete on lifespan as well as appearance.

      • that too.
        but labour cost is equally expensive.

        This is the real example when I had to replace my oven element 8 years ago.

        Parts (Element) = $77
        Labour (22 min) = $130

        • 22 minutes on site; plus travel time and costs, depreciation on tools and vehicles, superannuation, etc. etc.

          • @GG57: yes. that's why it's expensive.

            • +3

              @Bargain80: I think you are paying for the convenience of not getting your hands dirty.
              Replacing an element is a very simple job.

              You can’t complain about high labour costs when you earn a high wage in the same country, and you are unwilling to do services for yourself.

          • @GG57: Agreed, Insurance, tolls, taxes etc

  • OP, if you can do an easy fix, do the easy fix.
    If you can't fix the problem in 2 hours, I would look for second hand ovens. So many places getting torn down that there are plently of appliances for cheap that are as good or better than what you have.

  • +1

    My suggestion is replace it. It has served you well for 10 years.
    I got burned in the repairs of washing machine. WM was 6 years old and costed $800. Just stopped one without any warning. Called for repairs $197 call out fees with half an hour service. Technician said, seems like elctroninc motherboard is gone. It will cost sround $200 for main motherboard and $200 extra for drum rotator motherboard. Most of the times main motherboard is damaged and has 3 months warranty. So in total , it was $400 with main motherbard and $600 for both motherboards. I took a risk thinking of environment wastage and now under $600 for a repaired washing machine. No idea, how long it will last. Similar new machine is now $700.Don;t consider for repairs unless you know someone who can do it cheap.

  • I'd replace. The call out and parts and then install costs add up quick.

    I've had a couple of oven repair experiences and one was due to a builder. He paid a fortune in call out fees and parts. Still didn't work so then had to buy a new one.

  • Unfortunately it makes little sense to repair anything in Straya due to labour costs

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