Electric Ovens – What Goes Wrong and How to Fix It

If your electric oven stops heating, shows weird error codes, or just won’t work like it used to, you’re not alone. Most homeowners face at least one of these hiccups every few years. The good news? Many of the common faults are easy to spot and can be solved without calling a technician.

Top three problems you’ll see

1. Oven won’t heat. The first thing to check is the heating element. Look inside the oven cavity; a broken coil will look dark or cracked. If it’s intact, test the oven’s thermostat with a multimeter – no reading means the thermostat needs swapping.

2. Temperature is off. When the oven gets hotter or cooler than the setting, the temperature sensor (or thermistor) is usually at fault. A quick test is to set the oven to 180°C, let it run for 10 minutes, then compare the actual temperature with a kitchen thermometer. If there’s a big gap, replace the sensor.

3. Oven won’t turn on. Start by checking the power supply. Make sure the plug is secure and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If power is fine, the oven’s control board may be the culprit. Look for burnt spots or loose connections on the board – those are clear signs it needs a professional’s touch.

Keeping your electric oven alive longer

Regular care can add years to your oven’s life. Clean spills as soon as they cool; baked‑on food can cause the heating element to overheat and fail. Run a self‑clean cycle only when you really need it – those high temperatures stress the oven’s components.

Every 12‑18 months, give the door seals a quick once‑over. A worn seal lets heat escape, making the oven work harder and shortening the thermostat’s life. If the seal looks cracked or brittle, replace it – it’s cheap and makes a big difference.

Finally, don’t ignore warning lights or error codes. Most modern ovens flash a code that points to the faulty part. Look up the code in your user manual; you might be able to reset a minor glitch yourself.

When in doubt, call a local repair service. A quick diagnostic call can save you from a costly part replacement if the issue is something simple like a loose wire.

By spotting problems early, checking the basics, and giving your oven a little love, you’ll keep it baking, roasting, and broiling for years to come.