If You Can't Take The Heat, Get A New Oven: 3 Signs Your Oven Is In Distress

Posted on: 25 August 2017

Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen is a great space for preparing meals, dining, and spending time with your family. Unfortunately, the appliances in this favorite room of the house will not last forever. While the refrigerator is most used, your oven is also an essential appliance that requires periodic maintenance and repairs or a replacement. From not heating at all to cooking in an uneven or insufficient manner, your oven will show signs of distress. With this guide, you will learn the signs that your oven needs to be repaired or replaced so you can continue enjoying the heart of your home.

Uneven, Improper Cooking

One of the first signs your oven is in distress if it there is an issue preventing it from heating and cooking or baking evenly. You may notice your oven is taking longer to reach the desired temperature while preheating or a favorite recipe is no longer coming out of the oven as you remember. In these situations, there is most likely a problem with your oven's heating element.

To determine why your oven is cooking unevenly, preheat it to 350 degrees, and get ready to complete a few simple tests.

Electric ovens have two heating elements. The first is located on the top and is used primarily for baking. The second element is located on the bottom of the element, which is used for broiling.

Once your oven reaches the preheated 350 degrees, the bottom element should glow a bright red. When your oven is set to broil, the top heating element should glow red. It is important to note that in certain models, both elements will glow red no matter which cooking option you are using.

If the correct element is not glowing, your heating element needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, many homeowners will invest in a new heating element, only to find out the oven is still not working. In this situation, there is an underlying electoral issue that should be addressed.

If your heating elements are working normally but your oven is still not cooking evenly, contact a specialist to check the thermostat, relays, and selector switch. These may be small parts, but they are essential components to your oven's ability to heat.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass on the oven door or cooktop is dangerous, since the shards can get into your food, injuring you and your family. However, broken glass on the oven door or cooktop will also prevent you from cooking properly.

A crack in your oven door will affect the door's insulation, causing heat to escape and decreasing the oven's cooking ability. Leaking heat is also inefficient. If you use your oven a great deal, the loss of this heat can become wasteful, causing you to cook food longer to ensure it is done while increasing your energy bills.

If you notice cracks in your oven door, consider having it replaced. Cracks in your glass stovetop are a bit more challenging. Smaller cracks will not decrease the cooktop's function, but larger cracks are sure signs you need to replace your oven and stovetop combination.

Old Age

Uneven cooking, improper heating, and cracks in the glass are noticeable signs that your oven is in distress. Old age should also be a factor in determining whether you should repair or replace your oven.

On average, electric ranges have a lifespan of 13 years. If your appliance is nearing this age, it may be smart to start shopping for a replacement, even if you are not noticing signs of distress. Replacing your oven before it begins to show serious signs of wear and tear can save you a great deal of stress.

If you are constantly stressing over cooking and baking because of an issue with your oven, a repair or replacement is most likely necessary. A functioning oven is a great investment for not only your home, but also for your family's needs and enjoyment. Contact an appliance services company in your area for more information.

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