How to fix an oven

An oven is a key component to any kitchen, so when it breaks down, it can be quite the problem. But before you pick up the phone and call a professional, there are plenty of DIY solutions you can try first.

From light bulb replacement to fixing faulty door seals, there are various tactics to try before calling for help. So, if you’ve been racking your brains wondering how to fix an oven, here’s a guide filled with all the best hacks.

Safety first

Before we dive into it, it’s important to ensure you put your safety first and bear the following in mind:

• Unplug your oven: when troubleshooting, you should always switch off and unplug your oven from its power source first. For gas ovens, turn off the gas supply before doing anything else.
• Wear the correct safety gear: gloves might be required to protect your hands from sharp parts or debris, so bear this in mind before you begin.
• If you’re unsure, contact the professionals: If you’re ever not 100% confident, it’s always best to contact someone who is.

Common oven issues

Most of the issues which arise with ovens can be easily fixed, so don’t fret about having to fork out funds for expensive repair work. Equipping yourself with the necessary knowledge can help you avoid taking out payday loans to cover the costs.

1. Temperature issues

An oven which fails to heat up adequately is a huge problem for obvious reasons.

With an electric oven, an easy way to diagnose the problem is to check the heating element. If this isn’t glowing red, it’s probably time for a replacement.

You’ll need to unscrew, disconnect and remove the old heating element. Then start the process of swapping out the old for the new. There are plenty of handy tutorials on YouTube if you’re aiming to do this yourself.

2. Uneven cooking

Perhaps you’re noticing food coming out of your oven unevenly cooked? Or maybe things are taking a little longer to cook than usual?

If so, you might need to check your oven’s sensor. It may either be damaged, or perhaps just touching the inside of the oven. For a quick fix, you’ll want to reposition this so it’s not touching any other surfaces.

You can also experiment with the placement of your oven racks. For instance the top rack might cook food quicker than the bottom, and the middle may well give you the most even bake.

Another simple fix when it comes to uneven cooking is to give your oven a thorough clean. Debris and baked-on grease can cause uneven heat distribution, so simply purchase a commercial oven cleaner and get scrubbing.

Or, for an even cheaper fix, create an abrasive mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the interior.

3. Faulty lights

Most oven lights go out from time to time, and replacing the bulb is an easy task. First things first, you’ll need to check your manual and order a replacement bulb.

Usually, the light bulb can be located at the back of the oven, and it might have a clear cover that needs to be removed. Once located, remove the old bulb and screw in the new.

If this fails, the issue might be with the switch on the oven door so make sure to check this out too.

4. Door issues and broken seals

If you’re wondering how to fix an oven door hinge, or how to fix an oven seal, there are various things you can try. First, you should check the door hinges to see whether they are bent out of shape or missing any screws. If they are, you should tighten the screws or replace the hinges.

Next, you’ll need to check the seal and door gaskets too for any signs of damage. If the seal appears burnt, torn, or worn, it’s probably time to get it replaced.

You’ll want to remove the old seal (it may be secured by pins, clips, or screws) or many oven seals are also push-in. Then, give the grooves a thorough clean and attach the new seal.

5. Unusually loud noises

From loose components to faulty fans, there are various things which might be causing your oven to make unusual noises.

A quick fix is to do a thorough inspection and see whether there are any loose screws, parts, or body panels. These can simply be tightened, and any rattling noises will usually stop.

Fans are also common culprits, so if you’re wondering how to fix an oven fan, it might be something as simple as that a blade is loose, or that there is too much grease coating the blades. If so, a simple tightening and a thorough clean should do the trick and smooth rotation should be restored.

When should I call the professionals?

If the above DIY fixes don’t help, it might be time to call the professionals.

If replacing your bulb doesn’t fix your lighting issues, there might be other problems such as faulty or worn connecting wires. In instances like this, it’s best to contact an appliance repair technician.

Also, when you encounter issues with your gas supply, getting professional assistance is going to be the best (and safest) option.

Repairing your oven doesn’t always require professional assistance, and sometimes there’s a quick fix which can get your appliance back up and running in no time. But just remember, always prioritise safety and refer to your oven’s manual if you’re in doubt.

For more handy insights, make sure to check out the Moneyboat blog. There you’ll find guides on topics ranging from common money mistakes, to tips for avoiding winter car repairs.