Common Oven Problems and How to Fix Them

When your oven acts up, it can throw off your whole day. Oven issues are frustrating—but often fixable. This guide walks you through common oven problems and practical ways to solve them. If it’s time to upgrade your wall oven or range, I’ve included some recommendations from Silica to get you cooking again. Let’s get started!

 

 

1. Oven Not Heating Up? Here’s What to Check

Nothing’s worse than preheating your oven, only to find it barely warm when dinner should be cooking.

What Might Be Wrong:

• Heating element is damaged (for electric ovens)

• Igniter is failing (for gas ovens)

• Thermostat isn’t reading the temperature right

How to Fix It:

• Heating element: If it looks burnt or cracked, you’ll need to swap it out.

• Igniter issues: Gas ovens should make a clicking sound when starting. No click? The igniter might need replacing.

• Check your oven's temperature sensor: Use an oven thermometer to compare the actual temperature with the set temp. If it’s way off, your sensor might need adjusting or replacing.

💡Dealing with range hood issues? Check out Do Range Hoods Have To Be Vented Outside? for practical tips.

Recommended Oven:
Frigidaire Professional 30'' Electric Range (Model #PCFE3080AF)

Why You’ll Love It:

• 5-element cooktop

• Built-in Air Fry mode

• No preheat

 

2. Uneven Cooking—Why Is One Side Always Burnt?

If your cookies bake unevenly or your lasagna browns on one side but stays raw on the other, you’re dealing with an uneven heating issue.

What Might Be Wrong:

• The oven isn’t properly calibrated

• The fan in your convection oven isn’t working

• Racks are placed incorrectly

How to Fix It:

• Calibrate your oven: Some ovens let you manually adjust temperature settings. If yours does, follow the instructions in the user manual.

• Double-check the racks: Placing them too close to the heat source could throw off your results.

• Convection ovens: Make sure the fan is working and vents aren’t blocked.

Recommended Oven:
Café 30" Slide-In Smart Convection Range (Model #CHS900P2MS1)

Why You’ll Love It:

• Convection baking for even cooking

• Smart features let you control it from your phone

• Spacious cooktop for big meals

 

 

3. The Oven Door Won’t Close All the Way

If the oven door doesn’t close properly, it can let heat escape and leave you with disappointing results.

What Might Be Wrong:

• The door gasket is worn out

• Hinges are misaligned

• Food crumbs or debris are blocking the door

How to Fix It:

• Replace the gasket: If the seal is torn or loose, grab a new one.

• Adjust the hinges: Gently lift the door to see if the hinges need a little tweaking.

• Clean around the door: Even a small crumb can get in the way, so wipe everything down.

Recommended Oven:
Bosch 800 Series Single Wall Oven (Model #HBN8451UC)

Why You’ll Love It:

• QuietClose® door shuts softly every time

• Support heavy dishes with a Telescopic Rack

• Operates easily with the Color TFT Control Panel

 

4. Oven Won’t Turn On—Now What?

There’s nothing more frustrating than an oven that won’t start, especially when you’ve got a meal to make.

What Might Be Wrong:

• Tripped breaker or unplugged cord

• Faulty control board

• Gas supply issue (for gas ovens)

How to Fix It:

• Check the power: Make sure the outlet works and the breaker isn’t tripped.

• Inspect the control panel: If the screen is blank, the control board could be fried.

• For gas ovens: Confirm the gas valve is open and the line is clear.

Recommended Oven:
GE 30'' Smart Built-In Self-Cleaning Wall Oven (Model #JTD3000DNWW)

Why You’ll Love It:

• Built-in Wi-Fi so you can control it remotely

• Steam-clean mode for quick cleanups

• Spacious interior for big meals

 

 

5. Why Does My Oven Smell or Smoke?

If you notice strange smells or smoke coming from your oven, it’s time to investigate before things get worse.

What Might Be Wrong:

• Grease or food buildup inside the oven

• Heating elements may be burning out

• Electrical components could be overheating

How to Fix It:

• Clean it thoroughly: A deep clean can solve most odor issues. Use an oven cleaner or make your own with baking soda and vinegar.

• Inspect heating elements: If they look burnt, replace them.

• Call a pro: Burning plastic or wire smells could indicate an electrical problem—don’t ignore it.

Recommended Oven:
Whirlpool 30-inch Smart Gas Range (Model #WFGS7530RZ)

Why You’ll Love It:

• Self-cleaning mode takes care of grime

• Edge-to-Edge Grates

• Fast preheating with SpeedHeat™ burners

 

Should I Upgrade My Oven?

Is an oven upgrade worth it for you? If you find yourself constantly fixing your oven or it’s simply not keeping up with your cooking needs, it might be time for a new one. Modern ovens come with features like convection cooking, built-in air fryers, and Wi-Fi connectivity that make life a whole lot easier.

At Silica, we offer a wide range of high-performance ovens. Whether you’re looking for a sleek wall oven or a gas range with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.

 

 

Explore the Best Ovens at Silica

If you’re tired of troubleshooting and ready for an upgrade, head over to Silica. We’ve got everything from gas ranges to wall ovens with the latest features to make cooking a breeze. We also offer a selection of range hoods, cooktops, oven combinations, and so much more.

Contact us today or visit our Silica store locations in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, Wisconsin, to explore our selection of ovens and other kitchen appliances. Our helpful staff is ready to help you find the perfect oven to match your culinary aspirations and kitchen décor.

👉 Visit our store or browse online today to find the oven that fits your kitchen and lifestyle!

Related readings from our blog:

• Why Is My Oven Blue On The Inside?

• How To Clean A Self-Cleaning Oven In 3 Steps

• What To Know Before Buying A Kitchen Range

 

FAQ: Your Oven Questions Answered

1. Can you fix an oven yourself?

Yes, if the issue is minor, like replacing a heating element or recalibrating the temperature. But for major problems, such as electrical issues or gas leaks, it’s safer to call a professional.

2. How do I know if my oven fuse is blown?

If your oven isn’t turning on at all, a blown fuse could be the problem. You can check by using a multimeter—if the fuse has no continuity, it’s blown and needs replacement.

3. How do I know if my oven element is blown?

A blown element often shows signs like visible cracks, burns, or sparks. If your oven is not heating evenly, the element could also be the issue.

4. Why would the stove work but not the oven?

This could indicate a problem with the oven’s heating element, thermostat, or a blown fuse, even though the stove burners run on a separate circuit.

5. How do I test if my oven is working?

Use an oven thermometer to check if the internal temperature matches the setting. Preheat the oven, and if the temperatures are off by more than 25°F, your oven may need repair or recalibration.