Electric ovens handle everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, but when they start acting up, they can throw your entire meal off course. When that happens, you’re left wondering whether to troubleshoot, call a repairman, or give up and order takeout.
Here’s some good news: Most oven issues can be diagnosed and fixed, whether with a simple tweak or a professional repair. If you ever need to repair an electric oven, understanding the common problems can save you time, money, and frustration.
1. The Oven Won’t Heat Up
An oven that won’t heat is about as useful as a fridge with a broken door. If you set the temperature and nothing happens, the culprit is likely one of these:
- A faulty heating element
- A blown fuse
- A broken thermostat
- Wiring issues
Start by checking if the bake or broil element is glowing red when turned on. If not, it may need replacing. If both elements seem fine, a blown fuse or malfunctioning thermostat could be the issue. While some homeowners attempt DIY fixes, anything beyond replacing a heating element is best left to a technician—especially when electrical wiring is involved.
2. The Oven Overheats and Burns Food
If your oven turns everything into charcoal, you’re likely dealing with a faulty thermostat or a temperature sensor gone rogue. The thermostat controls the heat levels, and if it’s off, your oven may run too hot. To test it, place an oven thermometer inside and compare the actual temperature to what you set.
If there’s a significant difference, recalibrating the thermostat (which is often a setting adjustment) might help. If that doesn’t fix it, the sensor or thermostat may need replacement.
3. The Oven Takes Forever to Heat
Waiting an eternity for your oven to preheat is frustrating—especially when you’re hungry. If yours seems sluggish, check for:
- A weakened heating element
- A failing temperature sensor
- A faulty control board
Try setting your oven to 350°F and see how long it takes to reach the temperature. If it’s significantly slower than usual, the heating element may be wearing out. Replacing the element usually restores proper function, but if the issue persists, a technician can diagnose a deeper electrical problem.
4. The Oven Door Won’t Close Properly
A loose or misaligned door lets heat escape, which means uneven cooking and longer bake times. This usually happens due to:
- Worn-out door hinges
- A faulty door seal
- Misaligned door latches
Inspect the hinges to see if they’re bent or damaged. If they look fine, check the rubber gasket around the door—if it’s cracked or worn, replacing it should fix the issue. Sometimes, simply tightening the door latch can restore a snug fit.
5. The Oven Shuts Off Mid-Cooking
If your oven mysteriously turns off during baking, it could be an overheating issue. Modern ovens have built-in safety features that shut them down if they get too hot. The usual suspects?
- A faulty thermostat misreading the temperature
- A damaged cooling fan failing to regulate heat
- A bad control board sending incorrect signals
Cleaning around the vents to improve airflow can sometimes help. But if the problem continues, it’s best to have a professional inspect the cooling system and wiring.
6. Self-Cleaning Feature Doesn’t Work
The self-cleaning function is great—when it actually works. If your oven refuses to start a cleaning cycle, it may be due to:
- A faulty door lock mechanism (ovens won’t self-clean if the door doesn’t lock)
- A broken thermostat that prevents the oven from reaching high temperatures
- A control board issue
Resetting the oven by unplugging it for a few minutes sometimes helps. If not, a technician can determine whether the lock, thermostat, or control board needs replacement.
Cooking Shouldn’t Be a Guessing Game
Some electric oven issues are easy fixes, but others require professional expertise—especially anything involving wiring, control boards, or gas lines (for dual-fuel ranges). If you’re unsure or dealing with repeated problems, it’s best to get expert service.
At TC Appliance Repair, we get ovens back to working order quickly and safely. Whether you need to repair an electric oven or troubleshoot an ongoing issue, our experienced technicians are always ready to help. Don’t let a faulty oven ruin your next meal—contact us today!
