If your oven is overheating it is most likely to be caused by a faulty part. More often then not it'll be your thermostat, cooling fan or oven element that is causing the problem. Read our guide to figure out which one is causing you a problem and how to get a replacement part.
One common cause of an overheating oven is a damaged or loosened thermostat knob, which can produce faulty temperature settings. Check to make sure that your knobs are secured. If your knob is damaged, replace it immediately.
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.
You can troubleshoot an electric oven overheating by first clearing off grime from the thermostat sensor, vent and cooling fan. Once you've addressed simpler solutions, move on to inspecting the heating elements, cooling fan, temperature knob and temperature sensor for damage.
You will know your cooker thermostat is broken if the temperature inside isn't reaching the heat you've set it to with the knob, if the temperature inside is always at maximum regardless of what you've set the temperature to, or if the knob isn't clicking when you turn it.
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.
BLOCKED VENTING
All ovens have a vent that allows some hot air to escape the oven cavity as cooler air enters the bottom of the oven. A vent working well can help keep oven temperatures consistent, but those blocked by grease build-up or bakeware won't release heat properly and can cause the oven to overheat.
HEATING ELEMENT MAY BE MALFUNCTIONING
Whether you have a gas or electric oven, you may notice heating issues when the heating element malfunctions. Faulty or clogged ignitors can cause a problem with gas oven heating, while broken or damaged bake and broil elements can cause your electric oven to malfunction.
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.
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.
To clean the TempSensor, we recommend: Using a towel with gentle soap and water to rub the needle and cord. Being careful not to submerge the TempSensor connector in water. If the connector is wet, ensure it dries completely before using it again.
To test the oven: Hang an oven thermometer in the center of the middle rack and preheat the oven to 350˚F (176.67˚C). Allow the oven to preheat for at least 20 minutes and take a temperature reading. This will tell you if the oven is even reaching the desired temperature from the beginning.
There should be one or two screws on the back of the knob. If your oven is running hot, turn the screw(s) clockwise. If the oven is running cold, turn the screw(s) counterclockwise. Go slowly and gradually, an eighth of a turn at a time – even a slight turn can result in a large temperature change.
Place the oven-safe thermometer in the center of the middle rack, then remove it once your oven indicates it's reached the set temperature. If the manual thermometer reading is higher than your oven's preset, you likely have an oven overheating problem.
Your oven releases heat and moisture through the vent tube, which is usually found at the top of the oven cavity.
Broken Thermostat
This is because the oven thermostat isn't telling the oven it has reached the right temperature (only then does your oven stop getting hotter). This may be why your oven is getting too hot, which means it's time to replace that busted thermostat!
There's a problem with your filter.
If the airflow to your heater is restricted, it can trigger your furnace burner to turn off while the blower keeps running. This will make the air just warm (or chilly). Common filter issues that restrict airflow include:. Filthy air filters (Change it!).
Turn the circuit breaker to the OFF position or remove the fuse. Wait one minute, then turn the circuit breaker back to the ON position or install the fuse to reset power to the appliance. This should reset the electronic controls on the Range or Wall Oven.
Issues with the thermostat, selector switch, or heating element can hinder the oven's heating ability. Additionally, ensuring the gas supply line is intact and not obstructed, if you have a gas oven, is essential for proper heating. If problems persist, seek professional assistance for a thorough inspection and repair.
The cost to replace an oven thermostat is around £50 - £150.
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.
The rule of thumb is that if repair costs exceed 50% of the price to install a new oven, you should buy a new oven instead of replacing it. For example, if your oven costs $2,000 but costs $1,500 to repair, you could use that $1,500 for a new and improved oven.
Locate the thermostat and disconnect the wires to remove thermostat. Remove the screws holding the thermostat in place and gently pull it out. Install the new thermostat: Position the new thermostat in the same place where the old one was.