Troubleshooting Guide: Common Oven Problems and Quick Fixes

When your oven decides to throw a wrench in your cooking plans, it can be frustrating, to say the least. But fear not! Our oven guide is here to help.

We’ll walk you through common problems that plague household ovens, from uneven heating to strange noises, and provide you with practical, easy-to-follow solutions.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped to handle these easy fixes to get your oven or stove back. You’ll also read about when you can fix it yourself and when it may be the right time to call a professional oven repair service.

1. Oven is Not Heating Properly

One of the most common oven issues is when the oven is not heating properly. This can manifest in several ways – it might not heat at all, it could be heating unevenly, or perhaps it’s not reaching the temperature you’ve set.

If your oven isn’t heating at all, the issue could be with the heating element or a faulty igniter in gas ovens. For uneven heating, the problem might lie in a malfunctioning fan or a misaligned heating element. And if your oven isn’t reaching the desired temperature, it could be due to a defective thermostat.

To fix these issues, you will likely need to replace the faulty parts. However, remember to always prioritize safety. If you’re not confident in handling these components, it’s best to hire a professional.

2. Oven Is Too Hot

The most common culprit behind an oven overheating is a malfunctioning thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the oven’s temperature, so if it’s not working correctly, the oven can get hotter than the temperature you’ve set.

Another possible issue could be a broken temperature sensor, which sends incorrect signals to the oven’s control board about the internal temperature. To solve these issues, start by checking the thermostat and/or temperature sensor to see if they need fixing or replacing.

3. Oven Not Lighting Up

An oven that’s not lighting up can be a significant issue, especially if you’re using a gas oven. The problem often lies with the igniter, the component responsible for sparking and initiating the flame in the oven. Over time, igniters can wear out or get dirty, preventing them from producing the spark needed to light the gas.

If your oven is electric, the issue could be with the heating element, which glows red hot to heat the oven. If it’s damaged or burnt out, it won’t light up or heat your oven. In both cases, a faulty component will likely need replacement.

4. Oven Is Making Strange Noises

Hearing strange noises from your oven can be concerning. Often, a worn convection fan, located at the back of the unit, is the culprit behind the noise. If this fan becomes loose or faulty, it may start producing abnormal sounds.

Similarly, a loose oven fan blade or fixing nut can also lead to noise. Another common cause is a problem with the gas flow or ignition system in gas ovens, which can create noise if the igniters are dirty and the gas is building up.

Lastly, if your oven is making sounds like grinding, screeching, scraping, or buzzing, these are considered unusual and may indicate a serious issue. As always, if you’re unsure about the source of the noise or how to fix it, it’s best to call a professional appliance repair service.

5. Oven Not Opening/Closing Properly

If your oven door is not opening or closing properly, there could be several causes. One of the most common reasons is faulty door hinges. These hinges can wear out over time, leading to a door that doesn’t fully shut or open.

Another reason could be the presence of dirt, grime, or food particles on the door or hinges, which can prevent the door from closing correctly. To fix this, inspect and clean the hinges, door, and seal thoroughly.

Cleaning your oven is one of the most important ways to keep your oven working at optimal performance. You can learn more about how to properly clean your oven in our guide “Oven Cleaning 101.”

6. Oven Temperature Not Displaying Properly

This problem can lead to undercooked or overcooked meals and is often due to a faulty oven thermostat or temperature sensor. If it’s not working correctly, the oven may not reach the desired temperature, or the temperature may fluctuate. Similarly, a defective temperature sensor can send inaccurate readings to the oven’s control board, causing it to incorrectly display the temperature.

Another potential cause could be problems with the oven control board itself. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the faulty thermostat, sensor, or control board.

7. Oven Not Reaching Desired Temperature

An oven not reaching the desired temperature can be a common problem and could be attributed to several causes. A faulty temperature sensor inside the oven is one of the main culprits, as it might not allow the oven to heat correctly. It’s important to ensure that this sensor isn’t touching the oven walls, as it can affect the internal temperature readings.

Inspect the rubber seal surrounding the oven door regularly. A faulty seal or gasket can lead to inconsistent oven temperatures. One of the best oven maintenance tips is to check the gasket once a month to make sure it’s not damaged. If you detect dampness around the exterior of the oven or sense warmth leaking from around the door, then the seal needs to be replaced.

8. When To Hire a Professional

Many issues with your oven/stove should warrant the help of a professional. For instance, if your oven is leaking gas, call an oven repair company right away. Additionally, if you do not feel comfortable replacing faulty parts then we recommend calling a professional repair service to ensure your safety.

Diamond Factory Service is a dependable, best-in-class Kansas City appliance repair company. We specialize in appliance repairs for ovens/stoves/cooktops, washers, dryers, refrigerators and more. No matter the problem, we can fix it! Give Diamond Factory Service a call at 877-279-2099 to see how we can solve your oven issues today.

By Jeff Russel, Owner of Diamond Factory Appliance

Jeff Russel is serving the greater St. Louis and Kansas City areas. Diamond Appliance provides efficient and effective service for all your appliance repair needs. Our knowledgeable technicians are trained to diagnose and fix any type of problem affecting major appliances quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively. We work hard to ensure customer satisfaction and their many positive reviews demonstrate the quality of our services.