If you find that your food is overcooked in places and undercooked in others, the issue may be that your oven is not heating evenly. This guide outlines the four most common reasons for an oven to heat unevenly, and how to fix the issue.
One common reason an oven is heating unevenly is that it is not level. Ovens commonly stand on four feet, and it is possible for them to get knocked out of place. Self-leveling feet are common on appliances, which means the front feet are adjustable and the back feet are designed to adapt.
To level your oven:
Just as uneven cooking can be caused by an oven that is not level, the issue can also be caused by a crooked oven rack. Racks may warp over time, bend, or be installed incorrectly in the tracks.
To level your oven racks:
Another typical reason for uneven baking is airflow restriction in your oven. This is caused by two main issues:
Some people line the interior of the oven with aluminum foil to catch spills or drips. However, if you cover the bottom rack with foil, airflow will be restricted, and your oven won’t cook your food evenly.
The thermostat in your oven may also be fooled by aluminum foil since it reflects heat, making it more difficult for your oven to maintain a constant temperature inside.
An overcrowded oven can also restrict airflow. In some homes, baking trays and pans are kept in the oven, but this is not a good idea when using it to cook. Some of the heat is absorbed by pans, which prevents it from reaching your cooking vessel. In addition, unequal distribution of pans can lead to an uneven distribution of heat, which will cause your food to cook unevenly.
The answer? No matter how convenient it is, do not store pots and pans in your oven. If you do need to use your oven for storage, make sure to make room for it before heating it up. Check every time before turning on the oven if you have a tendency to forget cookware.
It is also possible for both elements to be heating, but have damage which means they are not heating evenly. You can find out exactly where the issue is in the element by doing a test for hot spots.
How to test for hot spots:
Over time, the oven’s temperature sensor may become less accurate. To begin with, check whether the sensor is in contact with the oven wall, as this will cause the oven to heat incorrectly. If it is, move it so it is away from the wall.
An ohmmeter can be used to check the sensor’s functionality as well. The resistance reading of the temperature sensor should increase in step with the increase in oven temperature.
If the temperature sensor is broken, replacing the component is a simple DIY remedy. You will be able to order a replacement temperature sensor from your oven manufacturer.
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