Have you ever put a meal in the oven only to take it out and realize it’s undercooked or burnt? If your oven doesn’t hold temperature, cooking can become nearly impossible! It leaves you scrambling to get food on the table, making an already busy schedule much more stressful!
Why Won’t My Oven Hold Temperature?
If your oven is not maintaining the correct temperature, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heating element, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. The issue may also simply be a need for calibration or keeping the door closed.
Why is My Food Not Cooking Evenly?
One way to tell your oven isn’t holding temperature is if your food is undercooked or not cooking evenly. Try these steps before moving on to other troubleshooting:
- Place food on the center rack so it’s cooked evenly from the top and bottom.
- Keep the door closed as much as possible.
- Test for hotspots by placing four to six pieces of bread in the preheated oven and check if some slices cook faster than others.
- Rotate the food during the cooking time if there are hotspots.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the power of the heating element. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not be able to correctly regulate the power going to the heating element. Therefore, your oven won’t hold temperature.
Troubleshooting an Oven Thermostat
Preheat the oven to a desired temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, use an oven thermometer to check the temperature inside the oven. If the internal temperature does not match the set temperature on the thermostat, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
Faulty Heating Element
The bake element, also known as the heating element, generates heat to cook your food. It should glow brightly and evenly without any visible cracks. If your food is cooking unevenly, or your oven doesn’t hold temperature, it could be a sign that your bake element is faulty.
How to Troubleshoot a Malfunctioning Heating Element
Preheat the oven and observe the heating elements to determine if your bake element is malfunctioning. There should be one on the top and one on the bottom. If neither of them is glowing, it could indicate that they are burned out and need replacement. If the elements do glow, check for any visible damage.
Before inspecting the elements for damage, turn off the oven and let it cool down. For closer inspection, a heating element can be removed. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific instructions for the model of your oven, or view this video from Part Select for general instructions.
Faulty Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor communicates with the control board that the temperature needs to be increased, which activates the bake element to heat the oven. If the sensor is faulty, it may incorrectly communicate the oven’s temperature or fail to communicate. This can result in undercooked food, overcooked food, or it may be the reason your oven’s not heating to the right temperature.
Troubleshooting a Faulty Temperature Sensor
First, locate the temperature sensor in your oven – typically in the upper right-hand corner. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific instructions on accessing the sensor. Once you have access, ensure it is not touching the oven walls and inspect the wires for any damage. It likely needs to be replaced if there is visible wear or tear on the sensor or wires.
A bulb is used to measure and control the temperature for ovens that don’t have a temperature sensor. Ensure the bulb isn’t burned out or loose.
Oven Needs to be Calibrated
If the heating element, thermostat, and temperature sensor are all functioning properly, your oven may just need to be calibrated. It’s always best practice to refer to your Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions on calibrating your oven’s specific model.
How to Calibrate an Oven
To properly calibrate an oven, test the temperature by placing an external thermometer on a rack in the middle of the oven. Heat your oven to 350 degrees, and measure the temperature difference on the thermometer. If the temperature differs more than 15 degrees, your oven should be calibrated.
Next, locate the calibration dial behind the temperature knob or beneath the small shaft. Turn the dial in a clockwise direction to increase the oven’s temperature, or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the heat. Retest your oven to ensure it reaches the correct temperature, and repeat calibration as needed.
We understand how important a working oven is, so if you’re still experiencing issues with your oven not heating to the right temperature or your oven doesn’t hold temperature, contact the oven repair experts at A-Tech Appliance to schedule your appointment.
