When to Repair vs Replace Your Luxury Appliance

The repair or replace decision for luxury appliances differs significantly from budget brands. Premium appliances are designed for longevity and often justify repair costs that would be unreasonable for lesser units.

Age is a factor but not the only one. A 15-year-old Sub-Zero in good condition may have another 10 years of service life, making significant repairs worthwhile.

Consider the 50% rule cautiously with luxury brands. While conventional wisdom says to replace when repairs exceed 50% of replacement cost, this doesn't apply to $15,000+ appliances designed for 20-year lifespans.

The nature of the problem matters. Cosmetic issues and single component failures are typically worth repairing. Multiple simultaneous system failures may indicate the end of useful life.

Parts availability is a key consideration. Viking, Sub-Zero, and Wolf maintain parts inventories for units decades old. If parts are available, repair is usually viable.

Energy efficiency improvements in newer models should factor into calculations. However, the manufacturing and disposal footprint of a new appliance should also be considered.

Your attachment to the appliance matters. Built-in units sized perfectly for your kitchen, or ranges you've mastered over years, have value beyond their specifications.

Get a professional diagnosis before deciding. What seems like a major failure may be a simple fix, or a seemingly minor issue may indicate underlying problems.

For commercial-style ranges like Wolf and Viking, consider that comparable new units may not match the build quality of older models. Sometimes repair preserves superior construction.

Our technicians provide honest assessments. We'll tell you when repair makes sense and when replacement is the better investment.