Electric Oven Repair Tips, Troubleshooting & Lifespan
If your electric oven stops heating, makes strange noises, or shows error codes, you don’t have to panic. Most issues are easy to spot and often fixable with a few tools. Below you’ll find the most common problems, quick DIY fixes, and clear signs that it’s time to call an expert.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
Oven won’t heat. First, check the power supply. Make sure the plug is firm and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If the oven has a reset button, press it and see if the heat returns. Next, look at the heating elements – the long metal rods you see when you open the door. They should be free of cracks or black spots. A quick visual check can tell you if they need replacement.
Temperature is off. If food cooks faster or slower than the timer says, the thermostat may be faulty. You can test it with an oven thermometer – place the cheap thermometer inside, set the oven to 180°C, and compare the reading. A big difference means the thermostat or the temperature sensor needs swapping.
Strange smells or smoke. Burnt food can leave residue on the heating element, causing a smoky odor. Turn the oven off, let it cool, then wipe the element with a damp cloth. If the smell persists, there might be wiring damage. In that case, stop using the oven and get a professional in.
Door won’t close properly. A warped door seal lets heat escape, making cooking uneven. Inspect the rubber gasket for tears or gaps. Replacing a gasket is cheap and simple – just pull the old one out and snap the new one in place.
For every fix, always unplug the oven first. Safety first saves you from shocks and costly mistakes.
When to Call a Professional
Some jobs need a qualified technician. If you notice any of these signs, call us right away:
- Repeated trips of the circuit breaker – could be a wiring issue.
- Burn marks on the interior that won’t come off – might be an electrical fault.
- Error codes that you can’t decode – the control board may be failing.
- Old oven (10+ years) that needs multiple part replacements – sometimes replacement is cheaper.
Our South Shields team can diagnose the problem fast, give you a clear cost estimate, and fix it with the right parts. We work on all major brands and we know the local voltage quirks, so you get a job done right the first time.
Regular maintenance can add years to your oven’s life. Once a year, clean the interior, check the door seal, and run a simple heat test. This routine catches wear early and keeps energy bills low.
In short, most electric oven hiccups are simple to identify and often fix yourself. When you’re unsure or the fix looks dangerous, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A quick service call can save you from bigger repairs later and get your kitchen back to normal.