The copper clip contacts on my main burner died again. I think this is the 5th time it has happened. I’ve replaced the burner. I’ve replaced the socket. I’ve replaced the wires. At one point I even had to replace the controller switch and the oven element.

But DIY appliance repair is cheaper than a new oven. Except this time I didn’t have a new socket and wiring clips handy.

Then a friend said “do you need a stove?” Yes. I do. It wasn’t my brand but I knew that anything not GE would have parts that should work well enough. I have a Kenmore. He had a Whirlpool. Close enough. $15 in gas later I had their stove in my driveway.

I had to do some modifications to the mounting bracket for the element but I swapped it out. I also took the opportunity to replace the wiring harness. But now I have extra wiring, four comparable switches, four replacement burners, and a temperature probe. Unfortunately the oven elements were not compatible.

With all repairs done I had to test it. I have hamburger buns. I have processed cheese food slices. I have mayonnaise. I have a workable test.

The test was successful.

Replacing any single part of a non glass top electric stove is cheaper than replacing the whole thing. You can watch YouTube videos. You probably have an appliance graveyard in your town that will sell you any part you want for dirt cheap. Or you can call an appliance repair company that will charge you $75-$115 to show up plus whatever the part costs, which might not be in stock because they refuse to keep any inventory these days.

If you have a glass top or gas stove your situation may be very different.

Cooking cheap isn’t just about the food. It’s the equipment.

Cost per person not including gas money: 67¢

I’m thinking about turning the scrap oven into a smoker.

The copper clip contacts on my main burner died again. I think this is the 5th time it has happened. I’ve replaced the burner. I’ve replaced the socket. I’ve replaced the wires. At one point I even had to replace the controller switch and the oven element.

But DIY appliance repair is cheaper than a new oven. Except this time I didn’t have a new socket and wiring clips handy.

Then a friend said “do you need a stove?” Yes. I do. It wasn’t my brand but I knew that anything not GE would have parts that should work well enough. I have a Kenmore. He had a Whirlpool. Close enough. $15 in gas later I had their stove in my driveway.

I had to do some modifications to the mounting bracket for the element but I swapped it out. I also took the opportunity to replace the wiring harness. But now I have extra wiring, four comparable switches, four replacement burners, and a temperature probe. Unfortunately the oven elements were not compatible.

With all repairs done I had to test it. I have hamburger buns. I have processed cheese food slices. I have mayonnaise. I have a workable test.

The test was successful.

Replacing any single part of a non glass top electric stove is cheaper than replacing the whole thing. You can watch YouTube videos. You probably have an appliance graveyard in your town that will sell you any part you want for dirt cheap. Or you can call an appliance repair company that will charge you $75-$115 to show up plus whatever the part costs, which might not be in stock because they refuse to keep any inventory these days.

If you have a glass top or gas stove your situation may be very different.

Cooking cheap isn’t just about the food. It’s the equipment.

Cost per person not including gas money: 67¢

I’m thinking about turning the scrap oven into a smoker.

Many glass tops are as easy as exposed electric ranges. My last stove was fantastic for repairability. Flip the glass up, and everything was easily accessible. It was easier than my previous electric range because it was a flat glass instead of that curved metal with hidden screws.

The problem comes if the glass gets broken.

I’ve had glass tops now for 20 years without a break.