Ovens are essential appliances in any modern kitchen, relied on for daily cooking and baking. But like all appliances, they can develop faults over time due to wear, electrical issues, or mechanical failures. While some minor problems can be handled at home, others demand the attention of a qualified technician. Knowing the most common oven faults and when to call a pro can save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Oven Not Heating
One of the most common complaints is an oven that won’t heat up. This could be due to a faulty heating element (for electric ovens) or a problem with the gas igniter (for gas ovens). You can check if the element is glowing or test it with a faults multimeter. If it’s not functioning, replacement might be necessary.
When to call a pro: If the oven still doesn’t heat after replacing the element, or if you’re dealing with a gas ignition problem, it’s best to hire a technician. Gas issues can be dangerous and require professional handling.
2. Uneven Cooking or Baking
If your oven cooks unevenly—burning food on one side while undercooking the other—the issue could lie with the temperature sensor, fan motor (in convection ovens), or miscalibration. Uneven heating affects cooking results and can be very frustrating.
When to call a pro: If replacing the sensor or recalibrating the temperature doesn’t solve the problem, or if the fan isn’t spinning properly, professional repair is recommended.
3. Oven Door Won’t Shut Properly
A door that doesn’t close completely can lead to heat loss, resulting in longer cooking times and poor performance. This could be due to worn-out door hinges, a broken latch, or a faulty door seal.
When to call a pro: If cleaning or minor adjustments don’t fix the issue, a technician can safely replace hinges or seals to ensure proper insulation and safety.
4. Oven Light Not Working
While a burnt-out bulb is simple to replace, sometimes the light socket or control board is to blame. If the bulb has been replaced and still doesn’t work, there may be a deeper electrical issue.
When to call a pro: For electrical issues beyond the bulb, a professional should inspect the wiring or control board to avoid any risk of shock or short circuits.
5. Oven Keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker
If your oven keeps blowing a fuse or tripping the circuit breaker, it could be due to a short circuit, damaged wiring, or a faulty heating element drawing too much power.
When to call a pro: Electrical faults should never be handled by amateurs. Call a licensed electrician or appliance technician immediately.
6. Touchpad or Controls Not Responding
If your digital controls freeze, don’t respond, or show error codes, the control board may be malfunctioning. Sometimes, a simple reset works, but if the issue persists, the electronic control board might need replacement.
When to call a pro: Diagnosing and replacing electronic components should be done by an experienced technician.
Some oven issues, like replacing a bulb or cleaning a dirty seal, can be handled at home. However, if you’re facing persistent heating problems, electrical faults, or complex mechanical failures, it’s safer and more effective to call a professional. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the life of your oven and keep your cooking stress-free.