Safety first
Ovens combine high heat with electricity or gas. Switch off the oven at the wall before cleaning or inspecting it. If you smell gas, do not use switches or flames: turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, ventilate the area, leave the home and contact your gas supplier or emergency services. Repairs on gas appliances should only be done by a qualified person.
The oven will not heat up
In an electric oven, the most common causes are a failed heating element, a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor, or a problem with the control board. You can often see a damaged bake element, which may look blistered, broken or discoloured. If the oven light and display work but there is no heat, the heating circuit is the likely culprit.
In a gas oven the igniter is a common failure. If you hear clicking but the burner does not light, or the igniter glows but the gas does not ignite, it needs to be checked by a technician.
Uneven cooking or wrong temperature
- Food burns on one side: the element or fan may be failing, or the door seal may be letting heat escape.
- Everything takes longer than usual: the thermostat may be inaccurate. An oven thermometer can show the difference between the set and real temperature.
- Fan oven not circulating air: the fan motor or its blades may be worn or blocked.
Door will not close or seal properly
A worn or damaged door seal lets heat out, wastes energy and affects cooking results. Hinges can also loosen or wear with time. If you can see gaps or cracked seals, or the door sags, have it looked at.
Hob rings or burners not working
On an electric hob, a ring that does not heat can be a failed element, a damaged control switch or loose wiring. On a gas hob, a burner that will not light may just need cleaning, as food debris and grease clog the small ports. Turn off the gas and let it cool before cleaning with a soft brush.
The oven trips the power
If the breaker trips when you switch the oven on, there may be an electrical fault such as a short in the heating element or damaged wiring. Do not keep resetting the breaker and trying again. Stop using the oven until it has been checked.
Self-cleaning errors and strange smells
A little smoke the first time you heat a new oven or after cleaning is normal. A persistent burning smell, thick smoke or an error during self-clean is not. Grease buildup is a fire risk, so clean regularly with products suitable for your oven.
Simple care that prevents problems
- Wipe spills after the oven has cooled, before they bake on.
- Do not line the oven floor with foil unless the manual says it is safe.
- Do not use the oven door as a seat or a shelf, as hinges can be damaged.
- Keep ventilation openings clear.
If you have any of these problems, our electric cooker and oven repair service can inspect your cooker at home. Microwave problems are a different matter, so see our microwave oven repair page.
