Molly Ayala
Fixing a broken electric oven can be dangerous, and it is recommended that you contact a professional technician to repair it. However, many basic oven repairs are simple and can be done at home. Before attempting any repairs, ensure that the oven is unplugged and that the power to the unit is turned off to prevent the risk of electrocution. Common issues with electric ovens include faulty heating elements, a broken thermostat, and a faulty igniter.
How to fix a broken electric oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Before attempting any repairs | Ensure the oven is unplugged and the power to the unit is off to prevent the risk of electrocution. If your oven is gas-powered, turn off the gas supply. |
| If your oven isn't heating up properly | The heating element or gas igniter may be faulty and need replacing. |
| If your oven isn't reaching the correct temperature | You may need to replace your thermostat. |
| If you're having trouble opening and closing the door | You may need to replace the hinges. |
| If components such as the oven light, timer, or self-cleaning feature aren't working | The fuses may have blown and need replacing. |
| If the oven is receiving power but isn't working | The unit may have its own fuse or circuit breaker assembly that needs to be reset. |
| If the igniter is broken | Replace it with a new one. |
| If the heating element is faulty | Disconnect the wires at the rear of the oven, remove the element, and insert a new one of the same make and model. |
| General advice | Always follow safety precautions. Consult a professional if you are not confident in performing the repairs yourself. |
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What You'll Learn
Unplug the oven and shut off the power supply
Before attempting to fix a broken electric oven, it is crucial to prioritise your safety by unplugging the oven and turning off its power supply. This step is fundamental to prevent the risk of electrocution and ensure a safe working environment.
To start, locate the power cord of your oven, which is typically connected to a wall outlet. Simply unplug the cord by gently pulling it out of the socket. If the outlet has a release button, be sure to press it first before unplugging. This action immediately cuts off the electricity flowing to your oven, reducing potential safety hazards.
In some cases, the oven may be hardwired into the electrical system, requiring you to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker box, which is usually found near the main electrical panel or in a basement, crawl space, or adjacent room. Find the specific breaker associated with the oven and switch it to the "off" position. This action ensures that electricity is no longer flowing to the oven through the home's electrical system.
If your oven has a grounding wire, it is essential to disconnect it as well. The grounding wire is typically located near the power cord or at the rear of the oven. By disconnecting the grounding wire, you further ensure that no electrical current can flow to the oven, providing an additional layer of safety.
Once you have completed these steps, you can be confident that the power supply to your oven has been shut off, and you can proceed with further troubleshooting or repair work. Remember, working with electrical appliances carries inherent risks, so always exercise caution and seek professional assistance if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process.
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Replace the thermostat if the oven isn't reaching the correct temperature
If your electric oven isn't reaching the correct temperature, it may be time to replace the thermostat. This is a job that should be approached with caution, as electric ovens can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. It is recommended that you seek the help of a professional repair person. However, if you are confident in your abilities, here is some general guidance on how to replace an oven thermostat.
Firstly, you will need to purchase a replacement thermostat that is compatible with your oven model. Make sure you have unplugged the oven or switched off the power supply at the mains before you begin any repairs. You will then need to remove the oven from its housing unit, taking care not to drop it or cause any damage. Once you have safely accessed the back of the oven, locate the thermostat. It is likely attached to the oven wall with screws, so have a screwdriver handy to remove it. You may also need to disconnect any wires or cables attached to the old thermostat, so take note of their placement for reassembly.
Install the new thermostat by connecting the wires and securing it in place with screws. Ensure that all connections are secure and correct before turning the power back on. Test the oven to ensure it is now reaching the desired temperature. Calibration may be needed to ensure the oven temperature is accurate.
Remember, this is a complex task and it may be safer and more efficient to contact a professional repair service.
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Replace the heating element if it's faulty
If your electric oven is not heating up, the problem may be a faulty heating element. Replacing the heating element is a straightforward process that can be done at home in around 15 minutes, without requiring any specialist skills. However, it is important to be cautious when dealing with electrical appliances.
Firstly, ensure the oven is unplugged and the power is off at the circuit breaker. Remove the oven racks and door to access the heating element. The element is secured by two screws, which can be removed with a Phillips head screwdriver or a 1/4-in. nut driver. Be careful not to pull off the wires connected to the terminals when sliding out the old element. Check the wires for any signs of damage, such as exposed copper, which can be covered with electrical tape.
Next, install the new heating element. Line up the screw holes and position the element with the metal screw plates facing down and the terminals facing the rear of the oven. Push the element gently into the oven cavity and reinstall the two screws to secure it in place.
Finally, restore power to the oven and test the new heating element by setting the oven to "bake". You should feel heat radiating from inside the oven. If the oven is functioning correctly, replace the racks and door.
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Replace the igniter if it's broken
If your electric oven is not lighting, it may be due to a faulty igniter. Before replacing the igniter, you should first rule out a gas issue by checking to see if you can hear and smell gas when the gas is turned on. If there is gas, then the igniter is likely not the problem.
If you determine that the igniter is indeed faulty, you can replace it by following these steps:
First, ensure that your oven is unplugged and the gas supply is turned off to avoid any accidental ignition or other hazards. Open a few kitchen windows or doors to ventilate the area, as small amounts of gas will probably seep out during the replacement process, which can be a health risk. Next, remove all the racks and trays from your oven, followed by the bottom panel, which will give you access to the igniter.
Once you have located the igniter, disconnect the wires by gently pulling them apart while holding the connectors. Avoid using excess force as this can damage the wires. Now, carefully remove the old igniter, being cautious of any sharp edges if it is cracked or broken.
Before installing the new igniter, check it for any damage or faults, and ensure that it is compatible with your oven and meets the specifications of the old igniter. Place the new igniter in the same spot as the old one, making sure it is properly aligned. Connect the wiring harness or individual wires to the new igniter, referring to the picture you took earlier of the wire configuration. Push on the connectors gently but firmly to ensure a secure connection.
Finally, re-attach the bottom panel to the oven and secure it with the screws that were removed earlier. And that's it! You've successfully replaced a broken igniter in your electric oven.
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Replace a blown fuse with a new one of the same type and electrical rating
Before attempting any repairs on an electric oven, it is important to unplug the oven and shut off the power supply to ensure safety and avoid the risk of electrocution. This can be done by locating the circuit breaker and finding the one that controls the oven's electricity flow.
If your oven is not functioning properly, it could be due to a blown fuse. To replace a blown fuse, locate the fuse box or circuit breaker panel, which may be found near the oven or in a basement, crawl space, or other areas. Once located, identify the fuse connected to the oven, which may be labelled or colour-coded. Turn off the breaker or remove the fuse if it is a removable type. Check your oven's manual or consult an electrician if you are unsure.
After turning off the power, safely unscrew and remove the old blown fuse. Ensure you have a new fuse of the same type and electrical rating as the one you are replacing. Fuses are typically colour-coded or labelled, indicating their type and rating. It is crucial to use a fuse with the exact same specifications to avoid potential electrical hazards.
Install the new fuse by screwing it securely into the same location as the old one. Ensure it is tight and properly connected. Once the new fuse is in place, restore power to the oven by turning on the breaker or inserting the fuse into the fuse box if it is a removable type.
Finally, test your oven to ensure it is functioning properly. Plug the oven back into the power outlet and turn it on. If the oven was not heating up properly before, check if the heating element is now operational and the oven is reaching the desired temperature. If the oven works as expected, your problem has been solved.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, attempting to fix an electric oven yourself can be extremely dangerous. Always ensure that the power to the oven is turned off before starting any work. If you are not confident in your knowledge of repairs, it is recommended that you contact a professional.
If your oven isn't heating up properly, the likely cause is a faulty heating element or gas igniter, which will need to be replaced. You can visually inspect the heating element for any breaks or blisters.
Always unplug the oven from the wall outlet and turn off the breaker to cut off the electricity supply. If your oven is gas-powered, locate the gas line and turn the valve to the "Off" position.
Most issues with electric ovens are related to faulty heating elements. Other common problems include a malfunctioning thermostat, broken hinges, or blown fuses.
