Electric Oven Not Heating Up? How to Fix It

An electric oven is an essential appliance in most households, and it can be a real inconvenience when it stops working. An oven that won’t heat up can be caused by a variety of issues, from simple problems that can be fixed easily to more complex issues that require professional repair. 

In this article, we will look at some of the common causes of electric ovens not heating up and provide some simple solutions you can try at home to fix the problem. Whether you are a seasoned do-it-yourselfer or a novice, you can troubleshoot and repair your electric oven with the help of this guide.

1. Check the Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature in the oven, so if it’s not working properly, the oven may not heat up. To check your oven thermostat:

• Locate the thermostat: The thermostat is typically located near the back of the oven and may be mounted on the control panel or behind the oven cavity.
• Test the thermostat: Set the oven to a specific temperature and let it preheat. Once it has reached the desired temperature, use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature inside the oven. Compare the actual temperature to the temperature set on the thermostat. If the temperature is significantly different from the set temperature, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
• Check the temperature control: Turn the temperature control dial to a lower temperature and wait for a few minutes. Then turn it to a higher temperature and wait for a few minutes. Observe if the oven temperature changes accordingly. If not, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.

2. Check the Heating Element

The heating element is responsible for heating the oven. If it’s not working properly, the oven won’t heat up. To check an oven heating element, you can follow these steps:

• Locate the heating element: The heating element is typically located at the bottom or back of the oven and is usually shaped like a coil or a spiral.
• Check for visible damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or breaks in the heating element. If you find any, the heating element will need to be replaced.
• Test the heating element: Turn on the oven to a high temperature and wait for a few minutes. Then use an oven thermometer to check the temperature inside the oven. If the oven is not reaching the desired temperature or is not heating at all, the heating element may be malfunctioning.
• Check the heating element’s continuity: To check the heating element’s continuity, you will need a multimeter. With the oven unplugged, set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Place the leads on the heating element terminals; if the multimeter beeps or shows a reading, the heating element is working properly. If it does not, the heating element may be malfunctioning and need replacement.

3. Check the Oven’s Circuit Breaker or Fuse

If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped or blown, the oven won’t receive power and won’t be able to heat up. To check an oven’s circuit breaker, you can follow these steps:

• Locate the circuit breaker: The circuit breaker is typically located in a metal box called the service panel or breaker box, usually located in a utility room, garage, or basement.
• Identify the correct breaker: Look for a breaker labeled for the oven or for one that controls the circuit for the kitchen. If you are unsure which breaker controls the oven, you can turn off all the breakers and turn them on one by one to find the correct one.
• Check the breaker’s position: The breaker will be in one of two positions: “on” or “tripped.” If the breaker is in the “tripped” position, it must be reset by moving it to the “on” position.
• Test the oven: After resetting the breaker, turn on the oven to see if it is working properly.

4. Check the Bake and Broil Elements

The bake element is responsible for heating the oven from the bottom, and the broil element heats from the top. If either is not working properly, the oven won’t heat up. You can check this by:

• Locate the bake and broil elements: The bake element is located at the bottom of the oven, while the broil element is located at the top of the oven.
• Check for visible damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or breaks in the elements. If you find any, the element will need to be replaced.
• Test the elements: Turn the oven to the bake setting and wait for a few minutes. Then use an oven thermometer to check the temperature inside the oven. If the oven is not reaching the desired temperature or is not heating at all, the bake element may be malfunctioning. Repeat the process for the broil element by turning the oven to the broil setting.
• Check the elements continuity: To check the elements continuity; you will need a multimeter. With the oven unplugged, set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Place the leads on the element terminals; if the multimeter beeps or shows a reading, the element is working properly. If it does not, the element may be malfunctioning and need replacement.

If you have checked out all of these components and your oven is still not heating up, you may need to contact a professional. However, before you do so, it is worthwhile to check these less common issues that can cause an electric oven not to heat up:

• Check the temperature sensor: The temperature sensor is responsible for measuring the temperature in the oven. If it’s not working properly, the oven may not heat up to the correct temperature.
• Clean the oven: A buildup of food or debris can cause the oven to malfunction. Clean the oven thoroughly to ensure proper operation.
• Check the oven’s clock and timer: The clock and timer may be causing the oven not to heat up if it’s not set properly or malfunctioning.
• Check the oven’s wiring: Wiring that’s loose or corroded can cause the oven not to heat up. Check the wiring to ensure it’s properly connected.