First thing’s first – an oven that won’t heat is frustrating, especially when dinner plans are on the line. The good news is many heating problems have easy, do‑it‑yourself checks before you pick up the phone. In this guide we’ll walk through the most common reasons your oven stays cold, show you how to test a few parts, and tell you when it’s time to call in a specialist.
1. Is the oven actually plugged in? It sounds obvious, but a loose plug or tripped circuit breaker can be the culprit. Locate your consumer unit, flip the relevant breaker off and on again, then verify the oven’s power light is on.
2. Look at the oven’s settings. Accidentally set the oven to “warm” or “proof” instead of the proper bake temperature. Reset the dial or digital panel to the desired heat and give it a minute to respond.
3. Check the oven door seal. A damaged gasket lets heat escape, making the oven think it’s still cold. Inspect the rubber seal for cracks or gaps. If it’s worn, replace it – a cheap fix that restores performance.
4. Listen for the heating element. When you turn the oven on, you should hear a faint hum as the element energizes. No sound could mean a broken element or an electrical fault.
5. Test the temperature sensor. Modern ovens use a thermistor to monitor heat. If the sensor is loose or faulty, the control board may think the oven is at the right temperature when it isn’t. Gently wiggle the sensor probe; if it moves freely, tighten the screw.
Heating Elements – Both electric and gas ovens rely on a heating element (or burner) to generate heat. A visible break, dark spots, or a burnt smell usually means the element needs replacement. You can test it with a multimeter: set the meter to resistance (ohms), touch the probes to the element’s terminals, and look for a reading around 20‑30 Ω. Anything infinite means the element is broken.
Thermostat or Temperature Sensor – The thermostat tells the oven when to shut off the heat. A faulty thermostat will keep the oven off entirely. Swap it with a known good unit if you have one handy, or use a multimeter to check for continuity.
Control Board – In digital ovens, the control board sends power to the element. If you’ve ruled out the element and sensor, the board may be the problem. Look for scorch marks or corroded contacts.
Gas Ignition System – For gas ovens, the spark igniter or pilot must light the burner. No spark? Check the igniter for cracks and test it with a multimeter (usually 300‑400 Ω). If it’s weak, replace it.
If any of these parts sound unfamiliar, don’t worry. Most local repair services carry them in stock and can swap them out in under an hour.
When you’ve tried the power check, door seal, and basic sensor wiggle, and the oven still won’t heat, it’s time to call a professional. Trying to replace a control board or gas igniter without proper training can be unsafe.
At Nuneaton Appliance Repair Experts we’ve seen every type of oven fault, from cheap element failures to elusive control board glitches. Our technicians arrive fully equipped, diagnose the problem quickly, and give you a clear quote before any work starts.
Bottom line: an oven that won’t heat usually boils down to three things – power, a faulty heating element, or a bad sensor/control board. Run through the simple checks, and if the issue persists, give a trusted repair service a ring. You’ll be back to baking your favourite lasagna in no time.
Why is your oven refusing to heat up right when you need it? This guide explores common culprits behind a malfunctioning oven, from faulty heating elements to electrical issues. Learn easy troubleshooting techniques and tips to get your oven back on track without calling a repairman. With insights into both electric and gas ovens, you'll find practical advice to handle everyday setbacks in the kitchen.