How to Fix an Oven Not Heating
An oven that won't heat up is one of the most frustrating kitchen appliance problems. Whether your oven isn't reaching temperature, only partially heats, or won't turn on at all, this guide walks you through the most common causes and how to diagnose and fix them.
Electric Oven Not Heating: Common Causes
1. Faulty Heating Element
Electric ovens have one or more heating elements — a bake element at the bottom of the oven cavity and a broil/grill element at the top. If an element fails, the oven will either not heat at all or only heat from one direction.
How to check: Visually inspect the elements when the oven is cold. A failed element often has a visible break, blister or burnt spot. If you see physical damage, the element needs replacement.
Fix: Heating elements are a replaceable part. Many home handypersons can replace an oven element with basic tools — the element is typically held in place by two screws and two wiring connectors. Order a replacement element for your specific oven model and replace it with the oven isolated from power.
2. Faulty Oven Thermostat
The thermostat regulates oven temperature. A faulty thermostat can cause the oven to not reach set temperature, overshoot temperature significantly, or cycle erratically.
How to check: Use an independent oven thermometer to compare the displayed temperature with the actual cavity temperature. If there's a large discrepancy (more than 20°C), the thermostat is likely faulty.
Fix: Thermostat replacement requires some skill and is usually best done by a technician.
3. Faulty Selector Switch or Control Board
If the oven won't turn on at all and you've confirmed it has power, the selector switch (the oven function dial) or the main control board may be faulty.
Fix: Control board and selector switch replacement is typically a technician job.
4. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Electric ovens draw significant current. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse in your switchboard can cut power to the oven entirely.
How to check: Check your switchboard for a tripped breaker in the circuit dedicated to the oven. Reset it and test the oven. If the breaker trips again immediately, there is a wiring or component fault that needs a licensed electrician.
Gas Oven Not Heating: Common Causes
1. Faulty Igniter
Most modern gas ovens use an electronic igniter to light the burner. If the igniter fails to glow or glow brightly enough, it won't ignite the gas and the oven won't heat.
How to check: With the oven set to bake, observe the igniter through the oven window. It should glow orange-yellow within about 30 seconds and then the burner should ignite. If the igniter glows weakly or not at all, it likely needs replacement.
2. Gas Supply Issue
Check that the gas supply to the oven is on and that other gas appliances (stovetop burners) are working. If no gas appliances work, contact your gas supplier.
3. Faulty Gas Valve
If the igniter glows normally but the gas doesn't ignite, the gas valve may be faulty and unable to open. This requires technician repair.
When to Call a Technician
Call a qualified appliance technician if:
- The heating element is intact but the oven still won't heat
- The circuit breaker trips when the oven is used
- You smell gas from a gas oven (turn off the gas at the meter and call immediately)
- The oven is significantly over- or under-heating after element/thermostat checks
- The control board appears faulty
Is Repair Worth It?
For ovens less than 7–8 years old, repair is usually cost-effective. For older ovens with multiple failing components, replacement may be more economical. Oceania Appliances stocks built-in ovens and freestanding cookers from AEG, Bosch, Westinghouse, Chef and Electrolux with delivery across Sydney.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au