If your oven has stopped heating, you don’t have to call a technician right away. Most problems are caused by a few easy‑to‑check parts, and with the right tools you can fix them yourself in under an hour. Below you’ll find the most common culprits and a step‑by‑step guide that even a beginner can follow.
The first thing to know is that electric ovens have three main parts that can stop working: the heating element, the thermostat (or temperature sensor), and the power supply. A blown fuse or tripped breaker can also cut power without you realizing it. Look for any burnt smells, visible cracks, or loose wires—these are strong clues that something is wrong.
Another frequent issue is a faulty oven door latch. If the door doesn’t close properly, the oven may stay off as a safety measure. Check the latch for wear and make sure it clicks into place. Finally, a dirty or clogged vent can cause the oven to overheat and shut down, so give the vents a quick clean.
1. Safety first. Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker. Even if you’re only looking at the back, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Test the power. Use a multimeter to check the outlet voltage. You should see around 240 V for a standard UK oven. If the reading is low, reset the breaker or replace a blown fuse before moving on.
3. Inspect the heating element. Open the oven door and locate the element at the bottom or back. Look for any signs of discoloration or breaks. With the oven unplugged, use the multimeter on the resistance setting; a good element reads between 15‑30 Ω. If it’s open circuit (infinite resistance), replace it.
4. Check the thermostat or sensor. The sensor is usually a metal rod inside the oven cavity. Gently pull it out and test resistance; it should change with temperature. If the reading stays flat, the sensor is faulty and needs swapping.
5. Examine wiring connections. Loose or corroded wires can cause intermittent heating. Tighten any loose screws and clean oxidation with a small brush. Make sure all connectors click firmly.
6. Clean vents and door latch. Remove any debris from the vent holes with a vacuum brush. Test the latch by closing the door; you should hear a click. If the latch is broken, a simple replacement clip can solve the problem.
After you’ve checked each part, re‑assemble everything, plug the oven back in, and run a short test cycle at a low temperature. If the oven heats up, you’ve saved yourself a pricey callout. If it still refuses to work, the issue may be deeper—like a control board failure—where calling a professional is the safest bet.
Doing a DIY oven fix doesn’t have to be scary. With a few basic tools—a screwdriver, multimeter, and some patience—you can tackle the most common problems yourself. Keep a small repair kit handy, follow these steps, and you’ll be back to baking, roasting, and grilling in no time.
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