Why is my oven not holding the correct temperature?

Author: Mohammad Rippin  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

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.

Why does my oven not keep a constant temperature?

It could be a simple connection issue. Voltage fluctuation can cause inconsistent temperature regulation. You should check the power source, the socket, the plug, the cord and the fuse, or circuit breaker.

Why does the temperature of my oven keep changing?

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.

How do I fix an inaccurate oven temperature?

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.

How do I know if the thermostat has gone in my oven?

Place the multimeter on the thermostat. If the thermostat has a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible, it is working fine. However, if it has no reading at all, your oven thermostat is faulty and will need replacing.

Oven Temperature Incorrect — Electric Range Troubleshooting

What happens when an oven thermostat goes bad?

Your thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of your oven. If you find that your food is over or undercooked after setting the temperature correctly there's a chance that your thermostat is faulty. That's right, maybe it isn't your cooking skills, it's the thermostat.

Is it worth replacing an oven thermostat?

We recommend replacing the oven thermostat if it temperature changes between uses or is off by more than 10% of the set temperature.

What are the symptoms of a bad oven temperature sensor?

8 Symptoms of Bad Oven Temperature Sensor
  • #1. Longer Cooking Times: ...
  • #2. Lack of power from the sensor. ...
  • #3. Undercooked Food: ...
  • #4. Premature shut off: ...
  • #5. Unevenly Cooked Food: ...
  • #6. Oven Overheating: ...
  • #7. The oven is not turning on. ...
  • #8. Temperature spikes.

Why is my oven not as hot as it should be?

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.

How do I know if my oven needs calibration?

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.

Why is my oven temp so off?

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.

How can I check if my oven is reaching the correct temperature?

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.

How long does an oven thermostat last?

The lifespan of a thermostat is dependent on several factors, including the type of thermostat, usage, and maintenance. On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance.

Why does my oven keep changing temperature?

This fluctuation is common for our Ovens. Some may fluctuate a little more, some a little less. The temperature swing can vary by how and where you are measuring the temperature in the Oven. The temperature swing can also be influenced by the room temperature or number of door openings.

Why is my electric oven not reaching the correct temperature?

If you notice that your electric oven isn't heating up to the correct temperature and food comes out under-cooked, this many be caused by a defective electric oven thermostat. Thermostats measure the temperature inside the oven cavity, switching the electric element on and off to maintain the desired temperature.

Can you reset oven thermostat?

5 Steps to Calibrate Electric Ovens With Analog Controls

Pull the temperature knob off your oven thermostat. Locate the screw(s) on the back. Turn the screw(s) clockwise to decrease the temperature. Turn the screw(s) counterclockwise to increase the temperature.

Why is my oven not holding temperature?

Why Won't My Oven Hold Temperature? 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.

How do you fix an inaccurate oven temperature?

Calibrating electric ovens with analog controls
  1. Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. There should be one or two screws on the back of the knob.
  2. If your oven is running hot, turn the screw(s) clockwise. ...
  3. Retest your oven to ensure it reaches the right temperature after calibration.

How do you know if the heating element is bad in an oven?

The most apparent signs the heating element is broken are visible damages. Take time to check your oven and remove the heating element to inspect it thoroughly. While you're at it, be on the lookout for burns, blistering, or cracks. If you notice one or some of these signs, it's time to have it replaced.

How to tell if your oven thermostat is broken?

A room temperature oven thermostat should have an ohm reading of 1,000 - 1,100. A reading much higher or lower than this is an indication that your oven thermostat is broken or damaged. If this is the case, you should replace your thermostat.

How much does it cost to replace the temperature sensor on an oven?

To replace your oven sensor, you'll pay between $100 and $250.

What is the symptoms of a bad temp sensor?

Symptoms of bad temperature sensor
  • Erratic Readings. Sudden jumps or drops in temperature readings. ...
  • Open Circuit: Display shows a very high or infinite temperature. ...
  • Short Circuit: Display shows a very low or negative temperature. ...
  • Drift: ...
  • Noise or Interference: ...
  • Physical Damage:

What is the life expectancy of an oven?

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.

How do I clean my oven temperature sensor?

To clean the TempSensor, we recommend:
  1. Using a towel with gentle soap and water to rub the needle and cord.
  2. Being careful not to submerge the TempSensor connector in water.
  3. If the connector is wet, ensure it dries completely before using it again.
  4. Not to use the dishwasher.

How do I know if my thermostat or element is bad?

What Are the Signs of a Bad or Broken Thermostat?
  1. The AC or Furnace Won't Come On. ...
  2. The HVAC System Won't Turn Off. ...
  3. The Thermostat Is Unresponsive. ...
  4. The HVAC System Short-Cycles. ...
  5. The Room Temperature Doesn't Match the Thermostat Setting. ...
  6. The Programmed Settings Reset Themselves. ...
  7. Check and Adjust the Settings.

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