How to Fix Common Electric Oven Problems

Solutions for Common Electric Oven Issues

Electric ovens are widely used in most modern kitchens, but like any appliance, they could break down or have other problems from time to time. If your oven happens to stop heating, is baking unevenly, or has faulty components, you don't always need a professional repair. In this article we have listed the most common electric oven problems and solutions for how to fix them.

1. Oven Not Heating Up Properly

Common Causes

• Faulty heating element
• Broken thermostat
• Broken or faulty temperature sensor
• Issue with the power supply

How to Fix It

Check the Heating Element:

• Turn on the oven and watch the bottom heating element. If it doesn't turn red, it's very likely that is had burned out and has to be replaced.
• First of all, turn off the power. If you have the knowledge to safely do so, unscrew the faulty element, and install a new one. We suggest calling a specialist if you are unsure of how to fix this problem.

Test the Thermostat:

• Turn on the oven and set a random temperature, wait a while, then use an oven thermometer to see if temperature the oven has reached matches the one you've set.
• If the thermometer shows a different temperature to the one you've set, the thermostat needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Inspect the temperature sensor

• If nothing is visually wrong with the temperature sensor, call an oven repair specialist to inspect the element.

Inspect the Power Supply:

• Ensure the oven is properly plugged in and is not fully or partially disconnected from the mains.
• Check the circuit breaker to see if the switch has tripped.

2. Uneven Baking or Cooking

Common Causes

• Malfunctioning heating elements
• Temperature setting issues
• Racks not placed on the right level

How to Fix It

Test Heating Elements:

• Turn on the broil function and check the top heating element. If it doesn't turn red, it might have burnt out.
• Replace any non-working heating elements. We suggest this to be done by a specialist.

Readjust Oven Temperature:

• Read the user manual to adjust the thermostat settings.
• Use an oven thermometer to test how accurate the temperature is.

Check Rack Position:

• Refer to the user manual for proper rack placement for cooking and baking, and how it's related to different temperature setting. Some dishes require to be cooked in the middle section, whilst other benefit from being placed on a lower or a higher rack.

3. Oven Light Not Working

Common Causes

• Burned-out light bulb
• Faulty light socket

How to Fix It

Replace the Light Bulb:

• Turn off the oven and unplug it.
• Remove the bulb's glass cover and replace the bulb with the same brand/model, or a compatible oven light.

Test the Socket:

• If the bulb is fine, use a multimeter to check the socket.
• If faulty, replace the socket.

4. Oven Door Won't Close Properly

Common Causes

• Misaligned door hinges
• Worn-out or damaged door seals
• Broken or worn-out door springs

How to Fix It

Inspect and Align Hinges:

• Remove the oven door and check the hinges.
• Replace damaged hinges or carefully align them.

Replace Door Gaskets:

• Check the seal around the oven door for tears or wear.
• Replace the gasket if it's worn or damaged.

Fix the Door Springs:

• If the door feels loose, check for broken springs and replace them.

5. Oven Making Unusual Noises

Common Causes

• Loose fan blades
• Faulty convection fan motor
• Worn-out heating elements

How to Fix It

Inspect the Fan Blades:

• Turn off the power and find the convection fan.
• Tighten or replace any loose or damaged blades. If you don't have the required knowledge, call a specialist.

Replace Faulty Motors:

• If the humming and grinding noises are made by the fan's motor, it needs to either be repaired or replaced.

Check Heating Elements for Damage:

• Inspect the heating elements for breaks or warping that could be causing the buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Replace the element(s) if damaged. You are likely to need help from a professional repairman.

6. Oven Not Turning On

Common Causes

• Power supply issues
• Damaged thermal fuse
• Faulty control board

How to Fix It

Check the Power Supply:

• Make sure the oven is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped.
• Using a multimeter, test the power outlet. It might be faulty.

Test the Thermal Fuse:

• Use a multimeter to check the thermal fuse, and replace it if it has blown.

Inspect the Control Board:

• If you have the knowledge, look for visible damage or burnt components on the control board. It's usually located at the back panel of the oven.
• Replace the board if necessary. You'll need the help of a professional technician.

7. Oven Overheating

Common Causes

• Faulty thermostat
• Broken or faulty temperature sensor
• Malfunctioning control board

How to Fix It

Test the Thermostat:

• Turn on the oven. Wait a while and then use an oven thermometer to see if the temperature reached inside matches the one you've set.
• Replace the thermostat if it's not accurate. If you don't have the skills required to do so, call a professional repairman.

Replace the Temperature Sensor:

• Locate the sensor inside the oven and test for continuity with a multimeter.
• Replace the sensor if it's faulty.

Inspect the Control Board:

• A damaged or faulty control board could send incorrect signals, causing overheating.
• If you have the expertise, inspect the control board for damages, and replace if necessary. We recommend that you book a professional technician for this job.

8. Self-Cleaning Function Not Working

Common Causes

• Door lock issues
• Faulty thermal fuse
• Malfunctioning control board

How to Fix It

Check the Door Lock Mechanism:

• Make sure the door is fully locked before starting the cycle. If the door lock is faulty, the cycle won't begin.
• The door lock will have to be replaced, if something is wrong with it.

Test the Thermal Fuse:

• A blown fuse can disable the self-cleaning function.
• Test the fuse to find out if it's working, and replace if necessary.

Inspect the Control Board:

• Check I the control board is in full working order. If it's faulty, it is very likely that it has to be replaced, or repaired.