One thing to think about is whether a new double oven will fit inside the cabinet. The manufacturer replaced a malfunctioning one year old double oven with a new model and we had to have the cabinet altered to accommodate the new one.

Unfortunately it's one of those decisions that are difficult to make. You could invest the $300 now and it might be fine, then again who knows how long it will last. I wonder if you could call Jennair with the model and serial number and find out when it was made. That might help you decide.

You're right about the lack of a standard cutout. The replacement ovens that Dacor sent were 27"- the width is standard, but the height isn't. The new ones were 1 1/2 inch taller than the old Dacor ovens. Luckily we were able to install them with only minor modifications to the cabinet.

thanks for the suggestion of checking with Jennair

Looks like it is a 1997--any idea of what useful life might be?

thanks again
John

My double ovens were 12-13 years old when we bought the house. We discovered after we moved into the house that one of the oven doors didn't close. We could not get replacement parts.

I've also had two appliances that had electrical problems and had other electrical problems and further part replacements after those were fixed. One was my ovens that started smelling like we were moments from a full electrical fire before we threw the breaker switch.

Unless you cannot afford to, I'd replace.

I'm surprised that you're still able to get replacement parts. Unless there is some other factor to consider I would replace the ovens too.

This is from the National Assoc. of Home Builders. (Feb. 2007)....Appliances
"The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on the use it receives.
Moreover, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling,
technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable. Of the major appliances
in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about
13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers
(9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years)."

In 1990 NAHB released a study that showed the life expectancy of a gas range was 19 years. I think most of us here would probably agree that new appliances just don't last the way many older models did.

I understand replacing an appliance to get new features or performance, but I hate the idea of replacing an oven any sooner than I have to... especially when it works fine and it opens up the Pandorra's box of installation and perhaps cabinet modification..I am hoping there is a common cut out
for 27" ovens if I have to do so.

If People were more willing to avoid replacement until the useful life of an appliance ended, it would provide greater demand for parts and therefore incentive for mfgs to stock them.

You would think -- but if they don't' carry the parts, they get to sell you a whole new unit. I'm not sure it's a situation where consumer demand can create a market. They seem to have more reason to push the new models.

If it can be repaired, why replace? Look at the cost of repair versus replacement. If the repairs keep occurring, then yes, replacement is an option. I have double GE ovens, original to my 1984 built house. They don't look anything like modern ovens, but they still function fine. As much as I'd like to replace them, there is no need to.

A friend of my daughter visited and when she saw our ovens, she remarked how 'cool' it was that we had 'old-fashion' ovens! :)

Sandra

I agree with you basically , but here is worst case. Replace an electric part now--$300, and another next year--Another $300...and then next time find parts are not available and start over with a new one. It is now 12 yrs old, I am not sure how long parts are stocked. It is a Jennair, made by whirlpool, so probably does not have the highest build quality. I think the mechanical parts will be fine, the electronics will be the issue

300.00 out of pocket now to repair or 3500+ to replace. I'd love to have new ovens, but honestly, more for looks than anything. I don't think anything available now is going to last the 25 years, going strong, like my current set. Personally, and just my opinion of course, I'd do the 300.00 repair and may possibly consider another 300.00 repair if it came up next year. You don't know when another repair may be necessary, it may be a few years from now. After that, I'd start looking for a replacement. In the meantime, you have a functional set of ovens and not much out of pocket. But that's just me. I use my ovens a lot, mine get tons of use, but they will do until they're completely shot. Your old repaired ovens may last longer than anything new you might replace them with anyway. Have you read about repairs and stuff on ovens here on the board? I think older was built to last where new is built to be replaced....

Of course, if you want a fancy new oven and have the money for it, replace them and don't look back. When I replace my current double oven, it will be with 2 singles though. I honestly don't feel new appliances are built like they used to be and odds of having one oven in a stack die before the other is higher, I think, with new options.