If your gas oven isn’t heating, the igniter is the most likely cause. Gas oven igniters are one of the most common appliance parts to fail, and fortunately, they’re also one of the most affordable to replace. But before you call a repair service, it helps to know what an igniter replacement should cost so you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Gas Oven Igniter?
- Cost by Oven Brand
- What Is an Oven Igniter and Why Does It Fail?
- Signs of a Bad Oven Igniter
- How to Test an Oven Igniter
- Visual Test
- Multimeter Test
- DIY vs Professional Igniter Replacement
- Can I Replace the Oven Igniter Myself?
- Is It Worth Fixing a 7 Year Old Oven?
- How to Prevent Premature Igniter Failure
- Schedule Oven Igniter Repair in San Diego
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace the oven igniter myself?
- Is it worth fixing a 7 year old oven?
- Is replacing an oven igniter expensive?
- What are signs of a bad oven igniter?
- How long does a gas oven igniter last?
911 Appliance Repair has been replacing oven igniters in San Diego since 1991. This guide breaks down the real cost of replacing a gas oven igniter, what factors affect the price, and how to tell if the igniter is actually the problem.
TL;DR: The average cost to replace a gas oven igniter is $140 to $280, including parts and labor. The igniter part itself costs $30 to $80. At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free with repair, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty. Call 800-929-1192 to schedule same-day service in San Diego.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Gas Oven Igniter?
| Cost Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Igniter part | $30 to $80 |
| Labor (diagnosis + installation) | $100 to $200 |
| Total (parts + labor) | $140 to $280 |
According to JustAnswer, the typical cost for parts and labor to replace an oven igniter ranges from $185 to $225. Reddit users report that a reasonable price is around $250, though some companies charge $300 to $400. In San Diego, the typical range is $140 to $280 when you use a professional repair service.
Cost by Oven Brand
| Brand | Part Cost | Total Repair Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | $30 to $70 | $140 to $250 |
| Maytag | $30 to $70 | $140 to $250 |
| GE | $30 to $80 | $140 to $280 |
| Frigidaire | $35 to $95 | $140 to $280 |
| LG | $40 to $80 | $150 to $280 |
| Samsung | $40 to $80 | $150 to $280 |
| KitchenAid | $30 to $80 | $140 to $280 |
| Thermador | $50 to $120 | $170 to $320 |
Premium brands like Thermador and Wolf use more expensive igniters, which can push the total repair cost to $300 or more. Mainstream brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and GE use widely available igniters that keep the cost on the lower end.
What Is an Oven Igniter and Why Does It Fail?
A gas oven igniter is a small electrical component that glows hot enough to ignite the gas from the oven burner. When you turn on the oven, the igniter receives power and begins to glow. Once it reaches the correct temperature, it opens the gas valve so gas flows to the burner and the igniter lights it.
Igniters fail for two main reasons:
- Wear and aging: The igniter’s glow element weakens over time. After 6 to 8 years, it may not get hot enough to open the gas valve, even though it still glows. This is the most common failure mode.
- Physical damage: The igniter is made of a fragile ceramic material that can crack from impact, vibration, or thermal stress. A cracked igniter won’t glow at all.
Gas oven igniters typically last 6 to 8 years. If your oven is in that age range and stops heating, the igniter is the first part to check.
Signs of a Bad Oven Igniter
- The oven doesn’t heat at all, but the stovetop burners work fine
- You can see the igniter glowing orange but the burner never lights
- The igniter doesn’t glow at all when you turn on the oven
- The oven takes much longer than usual to reach the set temperature
- You smell gas briefly when you turn on the oven but the burner doesn’t light
- The oven makes a clicking sound but doesn’t ignite
The most telling sign is an igniter that glows but the burner doesn’t light. This means the igniter is getting power but isn’t reaching the temperature needed to open the gas valve. The igniter is weak and needs replacement.
How to Test an Oven Igniter
There are two ways to test an oven igniter:
Visual Test
- Turn off the gas supply to the oven for safety.
- Remove the oven floor panel to access the igniter.
- Turn on the oven and watch the igniter.
- If it glows bright orange or white but the burner doesn’t light within 60 seconds, the igniter is too weak to open the gas valve and needs replacement.
- If it doesn’t glow at all, test it with a multimeter (below) or check for a blown fuse.
Multimeter Test
- Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker and gas supply.
- Disconnect the two wires from the igniter terminals.
- Set a multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
- Touch one probe to each terminal on the igniter.
- A functioning igniter should show some resistance, typically between 40 and 400 ohms depending on the model. If the reading is infinite (no continuity), the igniter is broken.
Note: A multimeter can confirm whether the igniter’s circuit is intact, but it cannot measure whether the igniter is getting hot enough to open the gas valve. The visual test is more reliable for diagnosing a weak igniter.
DIY vs Professional Igniter Replacement
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY repair | $30 to $80 (part only) | Saves $100 to $200 in labor | Requires working with gas, risk of gas leak if not sealed properly, no warranty |
| Professional repair | $140 to $280 | Safe gas handling, correct diagnosis, warranty on parts and labor | Costs more upfront |
Warning: If you choose the DIY route, working with gas appliances carries risk. Always turn off the gas supply before opening any panels, and check for gas leaks with a soap-and-water solution after reassembly. If you smell gas at any point, stop and call a professional.
Can I Replace the Oven Igniter Myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable working with gas appliances and have basic tools. The replacement typically involves removing the oven floor, disconnecting the old igniter, and installing the new one. The job takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, because gas is involved, many homeowners prefer to hire a professional for safety and to ensure the gas connection is properly sealed.
Is It Worth Fixing a 7 Year Old Oven?
Yes. A 7-year-old oven is well within its expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years. An igniter replacement at $140 to $280 is far less expensive than a new oven at $600 to $2,000. As long as the rest of the oven is working properly (stovetop burners, broiler, control panel), replacing the igniter is the better investment.
How to Prevent Premature Igniter Failure
- Keep the oven clean. Food spills on the oven floor can damage the igniter. Clean spills promptly after the oven cools.
- Avoid slamming the oven door. The igniter is fragile and can crack from vibration and impact.
- Don’t use the oven for storage. Storing pots and pans in the oven can damage the igniter when items are moved in and out.
- Have the igniter checked annually. A technician can test the igniter’s amperage draw to catch a weakening igniter before it fails completely.
Schedule Oven Igniter Repair in San Diego
If your gas oven isn’t heating and you need professional repair in San Diego, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192. Our $49.95 house call is free when you approve the repair. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. We stock common oven igniters in our service trucks for single-visit repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the oven igniter myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable working with gas appliances. The job takes 30 to 60 minutes and requires basic tools. However, because gas is involved, always turn off the gas supply before starting and check for leaks after reassembly. If you’re not comfortable working with gas, a professional can do the repair safely.
Is it worth fixing a 7 year old oven?
Yes. A 7-year-old oven has another 5 to 8 years of expected lifespan. An igniter replacement at $140 to $280 is far less than a new oven at $600 to $2,000. As long as the stovetop, broiler, and control panel are working, replacing the igniter is the better investment.
Is replacing an oven igniter expensive?
No. An oven igniter replacement costs $140 to $280, including parts and labor. The part itself costs $30 to $80. This is one of the most affordable oven repairs you can make, and it fixes the most common gas oven heating problem.
What are signs of a bad oven igniter?
The most common signs are: the oven doesn’t heat but the stovetop works, the igniter glows but the burner doesn’t light, the igniter doesn’t glow at all, the oven takes much longer to reach temperature, or you smell gas briefly but the burner doesn’t ignite. An igniter that glows but doesn’t light the burner is the most telling sign of a weak igniter.
How long does a gas oven igniter last?
A gas oven igniter typically lasts 6 to 8 years. The igniter’s glow element weakens over time, and eventually it doesn’t get hot enough to open the gas valve even though it still glows. This is the most common failure mode and the first thing to check when a gas oven stops heating.
