Since all ovens cycle on and off to maintain temperature, even the best models will periodically deviate from the desired target by at least a few degrees throughout cooking […] On top of this,” they say, “we've found that ovens set to the same temperature can vary by as much as 90 degrees.”
Understanding Expected Oven Temperature Fluctuation
The Oven temperature fluctuation varies by model and each individual Oven can be different. The temperature range can vary by + 30 degrees and – 30 degrees Fahrenheit as the oven cycles on and off for a total temperature fluctuation of 60 degrees.
A broken electric oven thermostat is most likely the cause of your electric oven's temperature fluctuation. Your oven thermostat is the oven part which regulates the temperature. If the thermostat is broken, it will no longer be able to keep the temperature at a stable level and will cause fluctuation.
That's normal for a domestic oven - it's how they are designed to work - they get to X degrees above the target temp, switch off till the temp drops by Y degrees, switch back on till the temp is X degrees above target again, and continue like that till you turn it off.
This is the normal design of ovens and is factored into how recipes are created and used. The amount the oven will cycle higher or lower than the set temperature will vary and each individual model can be different. Temperatures can vary by + 30 degrees to – 30 degrees in most cases for a total swing of 60 degrees.
If your oven is not maintaining the correct temperature, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heating element, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. The issue may also simply be a need for calibration or keeping the door closed.
Undercooked. An oven's job is to cook food, so when it's not cooking food properly, it's a sign there's something wrong. If your food is coming out undercooked, despite following the recipe, instructions, or what has worked for you in the past, a component within the oven is likely broken.
A faulty temperature sensor will cause the oven not to heat to the correct temperature. If food is taking longer to cook, or is undercooked when cooking time is completed this is due to the oven not reaching the desired heat. You need to make sure that the temperature sensor isn't touching the interior oven wall.
You should check the power source, the socket, the plug, the cord and the fuse, or circuit breaker. All of these rather simple issues could be the actual cause why your oven can't maintain temperature.
The experts at America's Test Kitchen say, “Ovens are inaccurate. Since all ovens cycle on and off to maintain temperature, even the best models will periodically deviate from the desired target by at least a few degrees throughout cooking […]
Core body temperature fluctuates daily in response to your circadian rhythm, with changes influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and hormones, indicating overall health and readiness.
Once you've noted down the thermometer's readings, check them against the temperature you've set the oven to. If it's more than 15°F (10°C) off, you'll want to recalibrate it. If temperature is off by a lot, you should call a technician and not try to calibrate it yourself.
Thermostat: Is your oven temperature not accurate? Check if the thermostat is calibrated correctly by using an oven thermometer. If it's not, adjust it accordingly or replace it if necessary. Heating Element: An inaccurate oven temperature can also be caused by a faulty heating element.
The oven manual or the oven manufacture is the best source for a recommendation on the calibration frequency. However, many choose to calibrate their ovens annually, which is practical for most, and gives a reasonable record of historical calibration performance.
There are a few possible reasons why an oven isn't distributing heat evenly, including restricted airflow, improper oven calibration, overcrowded racks, a broken heating element, a malfunctioning temperature sensor or simple user error like opening the oven door too often during the baking process.
Issues with the oven temperature sensor, thermostat, heating elements, gas igniter, electronic control board, or door hinges can all contribute to temperature inconsistencies, and identifying and replacing faulty components is key to restoring proper oven function.
Keep a pizza stone in your oven to stabilize its temperature
As explained by the blog One Good Thing, keeping a pizza stone on the bottom rack of your oven is a handy way to help keep the appliance's temperature more regular — and thus help it cook your food more evenly and predictably.
Longer Cooking Times: If you find that your food is taking longer to cook than usual, it could be an indication that the temperature sensor isn't working properly. This can result in the oven not heating to the desired temperature, causing the food to take longer to cook.
The cost to replace an oven thermostat is $100 to $350 on average. Signs of thermostat failure include the heating light never switching on or the oven not heating. A thermostat turns the heat on and off as needed to reach the right temperature setting.
Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. It should have one or two screws on the back. If the oven is running cold, you will want to turn the screws counterclockwise, and if it is running hot, you will want to turn them clockwise. Turn them gradually, about an eighth of a turn each time.
The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.
When your oven is heating but not reaching the set temperature, there may be an issue with the temperature settings, temperature sensor or calibration. The solution to your oven's heating problems could be checking to make sure your oven is set to the proper unit of measurement.