Hot damn built-in ovens are spendy

[arcas]

Yesterday the control module for my 15-year old built-in GE oven (the kind that goes in the wall) failed and, naturally, replacements haven't been made for years so nobody stocks them (even online). There are a few companies around the country that specialize in repairing these types of modules for around $200 once shipping is factored in.

The alternative is to buy a new built-in oven. I'm thinking "how expensive can they be?" I mean if you can buy a nice standalone range+oven for $500, surely just an oven would be cheaper, right? Shit. Looks like prices START at $500-$600 and rapidly soar into the $1000s. Economies of scale, I guess.

Funny thing is I'd been toying with the idea of replacing my cooktop because it's an inefficient solid element design. I had no idea that the oven was going to go first...

/me eyes the dishwasher and water heater warily. They're also 15 years old...

 

[iamwiz82]

I could have gotten a very nice convection slide-in for the price i paid for the low end built-in and cooktop we have.

Also, watch the size of the built-in. Ours is an oddball size and only a half dozen fit without significant mods to the cabinet.

 

[Auric]

I would guess that in addition to "economies of scale", the higher prices are due to built-ins catering to a higher-end market too.

$200 could be considered cheap for a major appliance repair if the labour can be done yourself and there is some confidence that no other part will fail soon. New isn't always better.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Used commercial equipment is the only way to go. Not only do you save money but, you get better construction, larger capacity and, commercial companies carry replacement parts for 20 years or more.

 

[arcas]

Good idea on the used commercial suggestion. I'll check around next week though it's probably unlikely that many commercial ovens come in such a small size (27").

 

[Squisher]

Yeah, as soon as you say the words drop-in, slide-in, or built-in the price doubles.

And, it seems all they are doing is deleting the metal sides with the drop-in and slide-in, and deleting the all the sides but the front on a built-in.


But, my kitchen was designed for a slide-in.