Will my oven work if the power goes out?

Author: Hilbert Reinger PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, March 27, 2025

If your model has a manual ignition feature, you can light the burners with a match. However, modern models with electric ignition systems will not operate without electricity for the oven, although you may still be able to use the cooktop.

What happens if the oven is on when the power goes out?

Normally a power outage will not affect an oven, but if there is a power surge when power is restored, it could affect the electronic controls.

Can you turn on an oven without electricity?

No, the valve that turns on the gas to the oven it electronic also and for safety reasons it will not allow you to light it manually, the oven can only be lit with electricity only.

Why won't my oven work after a power outage?

Typically, when an oven has no power after a power outage, it could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. A GE technician should be able to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue with your oven. Have you checked the circuit breaker to see if it's tripped?

Can I cook during a power outage?

If you're lucky enough to have some sort of heat source -- like a gas stove or grill that you can still light manually, or even a backyard campfire set up -- you can still cook during a power outage as long as your ingredients don't have to be refrigerated. (Or as long as you've got a smaller stash in a cooler.)

Oven issues after power outage

What foods need to be thrown out after a power outage?

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

How to cook when there is no power?

Here are 8 alternative ways you can cook without electricity:
  1. Solar Cooker. What better way to cook in nature than utilizing the power of the sun? ...
  2. Rocket Stoves. ...
  3. Open Fire. ...
  4. Folding Steel Stove. ...
  5. Kelly Kettle. ...
  6. Portable Butane Stoves. ...
  7. Volcano Stoves. ...
  8. Car Engine.

How do I start my oven after a power outage?

If your oven is locked after a power outage, try performing a general reset by unplugging it for a few minutes. If this doesn't work, consult your oven's manual for specific instructions on unlocking it. If you're still having trouble, it may be time to call a professional.

Do electric ovens have a reset button?

No oven has a Reset Button. If you want to reset the unit, you can turn the circuit breaker off for 5 minutes, and turn it back on. This can be enough to reset minor glitches most of the time. Otherwise, if you still encounter power outages or you lose power randomly, this may be a sign of a bad control board.

Why would the stove work but not the oven?

If you're experiencing an issue where your oven won't turn on but the stove works, there could be a few possible causes. The reasons may include problems with your power supply, gas supply, gas igniter or electric oven heating elements.

Are ovens connected to electricity?

The difference between a gas and electric oven is that gas ovens use natural gas as their fuel source, while electric ovens use electricity. You can buy both types of oven as part of a range, a unit that includes an oven and a cooktop.

Does natural gas go out during a power outage?

There is a common misconception that gas appliances are better because they keep working when the lights go out. While natural gas can still flow into your home during a blackout, many appliances still require power to operate.

Can you shower when the power is out?

Can I Shower When the Power Is Out? To shower when the power is out, your home needs a traditional tank-style water heater. If that water heater still has hot water in reserve, then you can take a warm shower. If you plan to take a shower, you need to do it soon after the power goes out.

Will my oven work without electricity?

No, a gas oven typically won't work without electricity, as most modern models require an electric ignition to operate.

Do I need to reset my oven after a power outage?

If the power goes out and you are using a range, oven, or cooktop, the clock will need to be set again when the power comes back on. It does not keep the settings in memory. If you were also cooking in the oven, it will need to be turned back on, and the temperature, cook time, etc. set again.

Can you flush the toilet when the power is out?

For homes with standard gravity toilets, you can breathe a sigh of relief. These toilets generally work normally during a power outage, and you can flush them as usual because they don't require electricity. On the other hand, if your toilet uses an electric pump or a sewage ejector, you might face some challenges.

How do I reboot an oven?

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.

Where is the fuse in my electric oven?

Inside the oven, look to the back to spot the fuse assembly. If the unit has this additional fuse or breaker system, components such as the oven light, the range heating elements, the timer, and a self-cleaning feature may be separately fused.

Why isn't my oven working after a power outage?

Power outrage can disrupt your appliances and electronics, so if your oven won't turn on after a power outage, that's usually why. On some models, for instance, you'd start by holding down the Clear/Off button until it resets. Then, reset the clock and (if appropriate) the timer settings.

Do ovens have a power switch?

The electric oven switch is a basic component that is used for critical current loads to have direct control over the switching on and off of equipment.

How do you manually start an oven?

Use a grill lighter or long match to light the pilot light valve at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens are designed to be manually lit at each use. In this case, slowly turn the temperature knob while holding the flame to the pilot light valve. Close the oven door after the pilot light ignites.

Can you bake without power?

Box Oven: While this isn't a day-to-day cooking stove, it's a simple method for making an oven that will help you bake without electricity.

How long does it take for food to go bad without electricity?

Power Outages: During and After

The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

How do you heat when there is no power?

Alternative Heat Sources for Power Outages
  1. Portable Propane Heaters. ...
  2. Wood Stoves and Fireplaces. ...
  3. Kerosene Heaters. ...
  4. Battery-Powered Space Heaters. ...
  5. Insulate One Room. ...
  6. Utilize Thermal Blankets or Sleeping Bags. ...
  7. Candles as a Heat Source. ...
  8. Dress in Layers.

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