Oven Not Reaching The Temperature – How To Fix It?

What should you check if the oven does not reach the temperature?

Having an oven that does not reach the set temperature can be a real challenge when cooking. There are a few things to check in order to identify and solve the problem, which this article will discuss. With some common sense and simple steps, you should have your oven running at full heat in no time.

Examine the broil element

The broil element is responsible for heating the oven quickly and maintaining a consistent temperature. Over time, it can become worn out or damaged, causing issues with your oven’s performance. If you suspect that this might be the issue, there are a few things you can do.

Set the broil function to the highest setting possible and see if the component gets hot. The element should turn red when it reaches its maximum temperature. You can also inspect the element visually and look for any damages or melted parts. The heating tube should be smooth and without any bumps.

Check the convection element

The convection element distributes heat evenly throughout the oven cavity and ensures that food cooks evenly. If it’s not functioning correctly, your oven may struggle to reach or maintain the right temperature.

To check if there’s an issue with your convection element, start by turning off the power to the oven and opening up its back panel. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear on the element itself – it might be warped, cracked, or have other visible issues preventing it from functioning correctly.

Overall, checking your convection element is a crucial step in troubleshooting any issues with your oven’s temperature control. By identifying and addressing potential problems early on, you can ensure that your oven continues functioning effectively and cook food perfectly every time.

Inspect the bake element

The bake element is located on the bottom of the heating compartment and can be exposed or hidden. Usually, ovens have hidden bake elements. You can’t visually inspect them, but you can turn on the bake option and see if the metal at the bottom of the oven compartment is heating up. Shortly after turning on the bake function, the bottom surface should become very hot. If not, the element is most likely damaged.

Attempting to fix or replace the bake element on your own without technical expertise can be dangerous and cause further damage to your oven. It’s essential always to seek professional help when dealing with appliances’ electrical components as they require specialised training for safe handling and operation. Contacting a qualified technician will ensure that your appliance is safely repaired while reducing any potential hazards related to DIY repairs.

Test the thermostat

The thermostat is a shiny metal stick that usually sticks out of the wall inside the oven. It may vary in size but does the same temperature-tracking function. If the part is faulty, it will not let the unit reach the set temperature.

Testing the thermostat can help you determine if this is indeed the issue. Start by turning off the oven and unplugging it from the power source. Accessing the thermostat may require removing some panels or parts of the oven, so refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.

Then use a multimeter to test its continuity. This will tell you if there is a break in the electrical circuit of the thermostat, which would indicate that it needs to be replaced. If there are no breaks in continuity, but you still suspect that the thermostat is faulty, you can also use a thermometer to measure its accuracy at different temperature settings.

In some cases, cleaning or recalibrating the thermostat may fix any issues with temperature accuracy. However, if testing reveals that it needs to be replaced, it’s important to choose a compatible replacement part and follow proper installation procedures for safety reasons. By testing your oven’s thermostat and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your appliance operates efficiently and effectively for all your cooking needs.

Mainboard / other parts

Most of the new-generation ovens rely on electronics more than mechanical components. Your mainboard could be damaged and not transmit power to the heating elements. Sometimes, other internal components such as fuses and relays could be broken.