At a Glance:
How to Troubleshoot an Oven Not Heating Up
Top-Rated Ovens for Your Next Upgrade
A broken oven can quickly derail dinner plans and leave you feeling frustrated.
Imagine the disappointment of having homemade cookie dough but no way to bake it into delicious cookies. If your oven isn't heating up, there are ways to troubleshoot and potentially repair the issue. However, this might also indicate a more serious, long-term problem with your appliance.
Here's everything you need to know about why your oven might not be heating up—and when it might be time to consider replacing it. Plus, we'll cover the best oven brands to help you find a reliable replacement.
Reinstate Delicious Meals with a New Oven
Transform Your Kitchen with high-performance, top-rated ovens. Discover the best models at Spencer’s TV & Appliance today and find the perfect oven to enhance your culinary creations.
Shop Wall OvensHow to Troubleshoot an Oven Not Heating Up
When an appliance stops working, a systematic approach helps identify the cause. Start with the most basic problems, which are often the easiest to fix, and then move on to more serious issues to understand why your oven isn't heating up.
Here are a few common issues to check:
-
Power Supply: Ensure the oven can turn on. Check if a flipped circuit breaker prevents electricity from reaching your oven or if there's an issue with the plug or outlet.
-
Heat Production: Determine if your oven can produce any heat. There's a difference between an oven not heating up and one producing unreliable temperatures. If the oven isn’t heating, the igniter or heating element might be broken.
-
Temperature Sensor: If the oven is heating inconsistently or to a lower temperature than set, the issue could be with the temperature sensor. This thermometer might need replacing for the oven to work accurately again.
-
Oven Door: Ensure your oven door is closing properly. Check the door springs and the seal between the door and the oven wall. Heat could be escaping if the door doesn’t close all the way.
There are different repair steps depending on whether you have a gas or electric oven. Before attempting any repairs, ensure the power supply to your oven is shut off. Often, it's safer to let appliance experts handle the repairs, so consider calling a professional if you're concerned about fixing the appliance yourself.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot common oven issues and determine whether a simple fix will solve the problem or if a replacement is necessary.
Common Oven Problems and Solutions
Encountering issues with your oven can be frustrating, but many common problems have straightforward solutions. The table below outlines some typical oven problems, their possible causes, and practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix your appliance effectively. It’s always best to consult a professional technician for complex or persistent issues.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Uneven Cooking |
- Ensure oven racks are level and properly placed. - Use an oven thermometer to check and recalibrate temperature. - Clean the oven thoroughly. - Inspect and replace heating elements. |
| Strange Noises |
- Tighten loose screws or components. - Check and clean the convection fan. - Remove debris. - Call a professional if noise persists. |
| Oven Not Heating Up |
- Check power supply and circuit breaker. - Test and replace igniter (gas ovens). - Check and replace heating element (electric ovens). - Inspect and replace thermostat. |
| Error Codes |
- Consult user manual for code meanings. - Reset oven by unplugging and plugging back in. - Address issues indicated by error code. - Call a professional if code persists. |
| Oven Door Won’t Close Properly |
- Remove obstructions. - Replace worn-out or damaged door seal. - Tighten or adjust door hinges. - Replace door springs. |
Following these solutions can resolve common oven problems and ensure your appliance works efficiently. For complex issues, seek professional help.
Top-Rated Ovens for Your Next Upgrade
If you are increasingly frustrated by your oven not heating up, it may be time to replace it with a new one. If your oven is over 10 years old or continues to have problems, replacing your current model can help you save money in the long run while giving you a better cooking experience. Here are a few top models to consider.
GE Profile 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built In Double Oven
Shop GE Profile Electric Double Oven
Start your search with one of the best GE ovens available. This built-in model offers double ovens for greater cooking flexibility and features. If you love having large family gatherings or throwing parties for your friends, then adding a double oven to your home is essential. You can fit a full turkey in one section while you bake bread or roast vegetables in the other.
This GE oven comes with several features that you will love. It connects to the SmartHQ app, which allows you to control the temperature and timer from your phone. The oven can even be upgraded to add new features with the GE Profile Connect+ functionality. If you want to control the oven manually, the 7-inch touchscreen display makes it easy to choose the right settings for your meal.
⭐Featured GE Profile #PTD7000SNSS Review:
"I love my new oven! The easy slide-out racks are wonderful. Love that both ovens have great features to choose from when baking. My favorite oven I've owned!"
LG 30” Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Oven/Microwave Combo
Shop LG 30” Electric Oven/Microwave Combo
If you don’t want double ovens in your home, there are alternative appliance options. This model combines an oven and a microwave into one appliance, so your microwave doesn’t have to take up precious counter space. The control panel for both appliances is located at the top, so all of the buttons and settings are at eye level.
Modern LG ovens connect with the LG ThinQ app, allowing you to manage temperature and time on your phone. If your favorite TV has a dramatic story arc, you don’t have to run out of the room to set the oven at an inconvenient time. This model also uses Infrared Heating™, which heats your oven lightning fast. Make sure you check out the TurboCook™ speed oven, which allows you to cook your food without preheating.
⭐ Featured LG #WCEP6423F Review:
"I could not be more pleased with this purchase. Being able to microwave and bake in the top oven is amazing!"
Bosch 800 Series 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Single Oven
Many single oven models exist if you need to replace an old appliance that’s not heating up. This Bosch oven is one of the best options on the market. It has several features designed for better cooking and an easier user experience. From the SteelTouch™ buttons to the roast features, you will love having this appliance in your home.
This oven offers a convection bake system that can heat up food, bake bread, and provide an even cooking surface for whatever you need. If you need a delicious roast for dinner, turn on the Genuine European Convection Roast option and cook your meat 25 percent faster than other models. This oven is easy to use, even when closing the door. The QuietClose® functionality ensures your oven door will never slam shut, which is perfect for cooking with sleeping relatives.
⭐Featured Bosch #HBL8444RUC Review:
"This is my first experience with a Bosch oven and it's wonderful, heats up quickly, cooks evenly, quiet operation, and it looks amazing! Just love it."
Frigidaire Gallery 30" Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop Frigidaire Gallery 30" Single Electric Wall Oven
Another option to consider is a Frigidaire oven, backed by the strong reputation of Frigidaire appliances. This one also has no-preheat functionality, so you can start cooking faster.
Several built-in features will make you love this oven. You can air fry, steam bake, slow cook, and roast your meals perfectly. The temperature probe monitors your food to ensure your meals are safe without getting overcooked. When cleaning the oven, opt for a quick 30-minute cleaning cycle or choose longer options at two, three, or four hours.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about ovens:
Why is my oven not getting up to temperature?
If your oven wants to heat up but can’t get all the way, it could have a few problems. The heating element could be broken, the temperature sensor could be off, or something could block the door – allowing heat to escape. Call a repair professional to determine the root cause of the issue.
Should you repair or replace a broken oven?
If you notice your oven not heating up, you may have to choose between repairing it or buying a new one. If your oven is older than five years old, consider replacing it. If your older is 10 years old, you should definitely replace it. Paying for repairs will have diminishing returns as it will likely break again.
Why does my oven take so long to preheat?
An oven that takes too long to preheat might have a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or inadequate insulation. These issues can cause your oven to heat slowly or unevenly.
What should I do if my oven is smoking?
If your oven is smoking, it could be due to food residue or grease burning off, or it might indicate an electrical issue. If cleaning your oven doesn't resolve the problem, turn it off and call a professional to check for electrical faults.
How often should I clean my oven?
To maintain optimal performance, you should clean your oven every three to six months, depending on usage. Regular cleaning helps prevent food residue and grease buildup, which can affect cooking efficiency and cause smoke or odors.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Ovens at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop ovens online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you troubleshoot your oven not heating up and recommend replacement options. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Six Best Self-Cleaning Ovens for the Modern Home