Ever set the oven to 180°C and end up with a lukewarm mess? Most of the time the culprit is the thermostat – the little device that tells the oven when to heat up and when to stop. Understanding how it works and what to look for can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
The thermostat is the oven’s temperature brain. It reads the heat inside the cavity and signals the heating elements to turn on or off. If it reads too low, the oven keeps heating; if it reads too high, the oven stops too soon. A broken thermostat messes up this balance, so the temperature drifts away from what you set.
Here are the most common clues that the thermostat is the problem:
If you notice any of these, it’s worth doing a quick test before calling a repair service.
Step 1: Verify the temperature with an oven thermometer. Place a cheap oven thermometer inside, set the oven to a known temperature, and compare the reading. A difference of more than 20°C means something is off.
Step 2: Reset the thermostat. Some modern ovens have a reset button or a “reset” option in the menu. Turn the oven off, unplug it for a minute, then plug it back in and try again.
Step 3: Look for visible damage. Turn off the power at the breaker and remove the back panel. Check the thermostat wiring for loose connections, burnt spots, or corrosion. If wires look fine, the thermostat itself may need swapping.
Step 4: Test the thermostat with a multimeter. Set the meter to “ohms” and measure resistance across the thermostat terminals. A working thermostat will show a steady resistance that changes as the oven heats. No change or an infinite reading means it’s faulty.
If you’re not comfortable handling electricity, stop here and call a qualified technician. Trying to force a repair without proper tools can damage the oven further or create a safety hazard.
When to call a professional – If the thermostat test shows no movement, the oven still won’t heat correctly after a reset, or you spot burnt wiring, it’s time to call in the experts. Our team at Northampton Appliance Repairs Services can replace the thermostat quickly, usually within an hour, and we’ll test the oven to make sure it’s back to the right temperature.
Why not just replace the whole oven? Because a thermostat swap is cheap (often under £80 for parts and labour) compared to buying a new appliance. Plus, a new oven means disposing of the old one – not great for the planet or your wallet.
Maintenance tips to keep the thermostat happy – Keep the oven clean, especially around the heating element and the thermostat housing. Grease and food buildup can cause the thermostat to overheat or give false readings. Also, avoid slamming the oven door; rapid temperature swings can stress the thermostat over time.
Got more oven questions? Check out our guides on Signs Your Electric Oven Is Broken and Troubleshooting Your Oven for deeper dives into common faults. Whether you DIY or call a pro, knowing how the thermostat works puts you in control of your kitchen’s biggest heat source.
Is your oven acting up? Learn the signs of a broken element or thermostat, how to easily check them at home, and your best fix-it options.
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