Otis Singleton
Electric fan ovens are a great addition to any kitchen, but it can be frustrating when they break down and you're left clueless about what to do. The first step to fixing an electric fan oven is to identify the problem. This could be due to a faulty motor, broken elements, improper calibration, or clogged filters. Once the issue is identified, you can attempt to fix it yourself or seek professional help. It is important to prioritise safety and reach out to qualified technicians if you are unsure about what to do. Regular maintenance and servicing by a registered appliance engineer can help optimise performance and prolong the durability of your oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common issues | Ineffective heating, faulty fan motor, broken oven element, clogged filter, loose fan blade, faulty thermostat or selector switch, burnt-out heating element, faulty calibration, odd noise |
| Troubleshooting steps | Unplug the oven, remove the back panel, check for loose fan blades, clean the motor, grease the bearings, rotate the fan blades to identify resistance, check the heating element, adjust the calibration dial, clean the filter |
| Safety considerations | Switch off the oven, cut the power to avoid shock or electrocution, be cautious when using water or detergents to avoid electrical shock, hire a qualified technician or engineer |
| Repair costs | Fan replacement from £55, element replacement from £75 to £125 |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify a broken oven fan
A broken oven fan can be the cause of several different problems resulting in improperly cooked food. It can be caused by several factors that are often overlooked. Here are some ways to identify a broken oven fan:
Firstly, switch off the oven and unplug it. Then, gently rotate the fan blades by hand to identify any resistance or irregularities. If the fan moves freely, check if one of the fan blades has become loose. A loose fan blade will result in an ineffective distribution of heat and the fan will make weird noises. If the fan feels stuck or the movement is stiff, the motor will need to be replaced.
Another way to identify a broken oven fan is to listen for odd noises. If the fan is noisy or making a racket, it may be a fault with the oven's motor. The oven fan motor could have some mechanical problems if the fan runs slower than expected or makes an overly high-pitched sound. If the fan is not working at all, it could be due to a broken oven element, which is responsible for heat distribution.
In some cases, the issue with the oven fan may be caused by grease accumulation. If grease is present, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it away. For stubborn grease, a mild detergent or degreaser applied sparingly can be effective. Avoid using water and excessive detergents to prevent damage or electrical shock.
If you are unsure about the cause of the broken oven fan, it is always best to seek help from a professional electric oven repair engineer. Calling for professional help is always the better option as they can accurately diagnose and repair the issue.
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How to clean an oven fan
If your electric fan oven is not working, it could be due to a faulty fan motor or fan element. A broken oven element may be the cause of your faulty oven fan as no heat is generated. The oven fan motor could also have some mechanical problems if the fan runs slower than expected or makes a high-pitched sound.
Before you start trying to troubleshoot your oven fan, unplug the oven and ensure it is cool. You can then try to clean the fan filter and fan blades. The fan filter in your oven is likely a metal mesh that has become clogged with oven grease and food drippings. If the filter is clogged, air can’t flow through it, and your convection air circulation won't work. So, the simplest troubleshooting step is to clear out that filter. Pull out the filter by releasing any locking tabs and sliding it from the tracks. Then soak the filter in hot water mixed with dish soap. After some soaking, scrub the filter clean with hot water, dish soap, and a brush. Then dry the filter and return it.
Once you’ve removed the filter, take a closer look at the fan blades and the shaft that connects the blades to the motor. Clean the fan blades with a degreaser and a scouring pad or a wire brush. You can also clean the motor, but be careful not to get it wet. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the motor of any large particles and then wipe it off with a dry cloth.
If you are cleaning the entire oven, you can use a paste made from baking soda and water. Cover the inside of your oven with the paste, avoiding the heating elements and internal fans, and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the paste off and wipe the oven with a clean rag dipped in clean water. You can either let the oven air-dry or dry it yourself using a clean rag. Alternatively, you can switch the appliance on at the lowest setting for several minutes until it is dry.
If you are unsure how to proceed, it is always best to seek help from a professional electric oven repair engineer.
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How to fix an oven fan motor
If your oven fan has stopped working, the first thing to do is to check if the oven thermostat is turned on. If it is, and the oven is blowing cold air, the likely cause is a damaged heating element surrounding the fan. In this case, a technician should be called to unplug the appliance and eject the back cover.
If the fan is running slower than expected or making an overly high-pitched sound, the oven fan motor may have some mechanical problems. A technician may need to open the inside panel and check if there is a loose fan blade, which could be responsible for the strange sounds. They can then tighten the blade if necessary. The technician may also manually turn the fan by hand, and if it feels rigid, the motor will need to be replaced.
Before attempting to replace the fan motor, the oven should be unplugged and allowed to cool down. The panel in front of the fan should then be removed, along with the nut and any wires. The fan motor can then be removed by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. A new fan motor can then be installed in the same way, ensuring that the wires are connected correctly.
It is important to note that oven repairs can be dangerous, and it is always recommended to seek the help of a qualified technician or engineer.
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How to replace an oven fan element
If your oven fan element has stopped working, you may need to replace it. This is a job that is best done by a qualified technician, but if you want to attempt it yourself, here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, ensure that your oven is unplugged and cool. It is important to take safety precautions when working with electrical appliances, and you should always cut the power before working on your oven to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.
Next, you need to remove the oven door. Most oven doors have latches on both hinges, and when locked in the "open" position, you can close and gently lift the door off. Now you can access the metal back plate, which is located at the back of the oven. Remove the four screws that are holding the plate in place, and gently ease the old element out. At this point, the wires will still be connected, so be careful not to damage them.
Now you are ready to fit your new element. Wire it in, using a photo of the old element as a reference, and fix it to the back panel. Re-attach any panels that you removed, and finally, the oven door, remembering to secure the latches.
If you are unsure at any point, it is always best to seek advice from a qualified technician. They will be able to diagnose the problem and carry out the necessary repairs safely and effectively.
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How to calibrate an oven thermostat
If your electric fan oven is malfunctioning, there could be a number of issues at play. Firstly, you should check if the oven fan is faulty. Sometimes, the damage may not be visible at first glance and could be located deep inside the element. The oven fan motor could have mechanical problems if the fan is running slower than usual or making a high-pitched sound. If the fan is noisy or not working at all, this could be due to a faulty motor or a broken oven element.
If you notice that the oven is blowing cold air, the likely culprit is a damaged heating element surrounding the fan. If the fan is not working, you can try cleaning the filter. The fan filter is likely to be a metal mesh that has become clogged with oven grease and food drippings. If the filter is clogged, air cannot flow through it, and your oven's air circulation will not work. To clean the filter, pull it out by releasing any locking tabs and sliding it from the tracks. Soak the filter in hot water mixed with dish soap to melt the grease, and then scrub it clean with a brush. Dry the filter and return it to its place.
If the issue is not the filter, the fan blades may be loose, which will result in ineffective heat distribution and strange noises. Check if the fan blades are loose by switching off the oven, unplugging it, and moving the fan with your hand. If the fan moves stiffly or feels stuck, the motor will need to be replaced. If the fan moves freely and the blades are not loose, the motor may be covered in grime, dirt, food particles, grease, or debris. In this case, clean the motor carefully without getting it wet. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove large particles and then wipe it with a dry cloth.
If the above steps do not solve the issue, the thermostat could be the source of the problem, especially if there is no light inside and the fan is motionless. To calibrate an oven thermostat, you will need to get an accurate reading of the oven's temperature using a basic oven thermometer and a digital thermometer. This will help you identify the hot and cold spots in your oven. Once you have determined that the temperature variation inside the oven is within +/- 30°, you can proceed to calibrate it yourself. If the temperature is way off, you will likely need to call a technician.
The calibration process will depend on the type of oven you have. For ovens with a dial knob, pull the knob off the thermostat and you will see a small set screw in the middle. Use a pair of pliers to turn it slightly—turn it clockwise to lower the temperature and counterclockwise to increase it. If you have a digital display oven, most thermostats can be adjusted using the keypad. Typically, you will need to hold down one or two buttons to access the "calibration mode" and then use the arrows to adjust the temperature as needed. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions for your oven model.
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Frequently asked questions
A common issue with electric ovens is a faulty heating element. Check your oven's heating element for any signs of damage, such as burning or blistering. If the element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
A noisy fan is often caused by a faulty motor. Turn off and unplug your oven, then manually turn the fan to check for any resistance or irregularities. If the fan doesn't spin freely, the motor may be defective and need replacing.
A non-spinning fan could be caused by grease accumulation or a broken fan blade. Clean the fan and motor with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner, ensuring you don't get them wet. If this doesn't work, you may need to seek professional repair services.
Both ovens in a double oven have separate heating elements, so it's possible for one to malfunction while the other works fine. A blown fuse could be the culprit, especially if your oven has experienced a power surge or you've used a very high-temperature setting.
If your oven is blowing cold air, the heating element surrounding the fan could be damaged. If there are no visible signs of damage, the element could be broken inside the casing, and you may need an appliance technician to inspect it.
