Common Oven Issues: Quick Ways to Diagnose and Fix

When your oven stops working, dinner plans go sideways fast. Most homeowners face the same handful of problems, and the good news is you can often solve them without a callout. Below we break down the usual suspects, why they happen, and what you can do right now to get back to baking, roasting, or broiling.

Why Your Oven Might Not Heat

The most frustrating symptom is an oven that won’t get hot. The cause is usually one of three things: a blown thermal fuse, a bad heating element, or a faulty thermostat. A thermal fuse protects the oven from overheating; if it trips, the oven stays dead but the rest of the control board stays alive. Look for a small glass tube near the back wall – test it with a multimeter for continuity. If it’s open, replace it; they’re cheap and easy to install.

If the fuse is fine, check the heating element. Turn the oven on to bake and look inside – the element should glow red. No glow means the element is broken. Unscrew the element, pull it out, and test it with a multimeter. A reading of zero ohms indicates a short, while infinite resistance means it’s busted. Swapping in a new element usually restores heat in under an hour.

The thermostat, or temperature sensor, tells the oven when to stop heating. A sensor that reads too low will keep the oven off, while one that reads too high can overheat. Most modern ovens have a small probe on the back wall. Remove it and test resistance at room temperature – it should read around 1,100 Ω. If not, replace the sensor and reset the oven.

Typical Oven Faults and Quick Fixes

Another common complaint is an oven that won’t turn on at all. This often points to a faulty door latch or a bad power cord. The door latch safety switch stops the oven from running when the door isn’t fully closed. Press the latch manually; you should hear a click. If the oven still won’t start, the latch may need replacement.

Spots, streaks, or uneven cooking usually mean the oven’s interior needs a good clean. Grease buildup on the element or walls can cause hot spots and false temperature readings. Use a mild detergent, a soft cloth, and avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the coating.

Finally, if you get error codes on the display, consult the manual for the specific meaning. Most codes point to sensor or communication issues that you can reset by turning the oven off at the breaker for a minute, then powering it back up.

In most cases, these steps will solve the problem without a professional visit. If you’ve tried the fuse, element, sensor, and door latch and the oven still misbehaves, it’s time to call a qualified repair service. A trained technician can dive into the control board or wiring issues that require specialised tools.

Remember, safety first: always unplug the oven before you start any inspection. A simple test with a multimeter can save you hours of guesswork and keep your kitchen running smoothly. With these tips, you’ll feel more confident tackling common oven issues and getting back to cooking in no time.