Why Your Oven Is Making A Clicking Noise & What To Do

When you use your oven, do you hear an annoying clicking noise? Are you wondering what this is? You might be concerned that there could be something wrong with your oven. Therefore, it is important to take a closer look at how your oven works. That way, you can figure out what to do about it. 

In general, an oven is going to click when it goes between the broil and bake elements. That way, your oven maintains an appropriate temperature. On the other hand, your oven might also make a clicking noise when it turns off and back on. Oftentimes, this is simply the heating element turning off and back on to heat your food.

So, a clicking noise in your oven is not always a bad thing; however, you do need to be able to tell when something is wrong with your oven. So, what do you need to know about the clicking noise in your oven? 

We have done a significant amount of research to figure out why ovens make a clicking noise. Take a look at the information below, and learn how to tell if your oven has an issue or not. 

Is It Bad if My Oven Makes a Clicking Noise?

First, you might be wondering, is it bad if your oven makes a clicking noise? The answer is not necessarily. No matter what type of and you have, whether this is a gas oven or an electric oven, you have probably heard a clicking noise at some point. Both of these ovens make a clicking noise, and they are usually for different reasons.

When you hear a clicking noise in a gas oven, this is typically indicative of the igniter doing its job. A gas oven uses natural or propane gas to generate heat. In order for your gas oven to generate heat, the igniter has to ignite the gas as it enters the oven.

When the igniter ignites the gas in your oven, you should hear a clicking noise. This is a normal clicking noise, and it is to be expected. You probably do not think this is something wrong with your oven, as you realize your oven turns on immediately after you hear this noise.

At the same time, What are some of the other reasons why your oven might be making a clicking noise? 

Your Oven Is Moving Between Cycles

One of the most common reasons why you might hear a clicking noise is that your oven is moving between cycles. In an oven, there are two elements. The first is called the bake element and the second is called the broil element. You can move your oven between these two cycles relatively easily by hitting a button. 

When your oven moves from element to element, you will hear a clicking noise. If you hear your oven click while you are using it, this is probably the source of the noise. Your oven will automatically switch on and off these elements to help you maintain the correct temperature. When these elements are turned on and off, they can create a clicking noise.

When you hear these cycles going back and forth, this is not necessarily a bad thing. You do need to pay attention to how loud the noises are. If you find that the clicking noise is getting louder, this could be a sign that you have a loose connection somewhere. Therefore, this is something you should get checked out. If the clicking noise is constant and volume, then your oven is probably okay. 

The Oven Has Been Sitting Idle for a While

If you do not use your oven regularly, it is possible that you might be hearing a clicking noise because the oven has been idle for a while. Similar to your car taking a long time to start after you haven’t used it for a few weeks, your oven may take some time to get warmed up as well. 

If you have not used the oven in a while, there could be a lot of air built up in the lines. This air has to clear from the oven’s lines before it can start working properly. As the air leaves the lines, you may hear a clicking noise take place. 

After the air has been cleared from the lines, gas can flow through them again. Then, your oven will turn on, causing the cooking process to start. If the oven has been idle for a while, you should expect to hear some clicking noises before it heats up. As long as your oven gets up a temperature, this is not a reason to be alarmed.

The Ignition Switch Could Be Stuck

If you try to turn the oven on, and you hear a clicking noise that will not stop, this is a sign that something could be wrong with the ignition switch. Over time, the ignition switch could start to degrade. As a result, your oven may not start when you ask it to.

This is similar to a gas stove making a clicking noise when you try to light the burner. Your oven behaves the same way. If you hear a continuous clicking when you try to start the oven, this is a sign that something could be wrong with the ignition switch. This is not something you should deal with on your own, as messing with an open gas line could be dangerous. 

It should also be noted, that there are two different types of ignition switches. You have the spark ignition that clicks, and the glow plug type that heats up until it triggers the gas valve to open. This ignition switch type won’t ever click.

If you believe you have a problem with the ignition switch of your oven, you need to reach out to an expert who can help you. They can figure out why the ignition switch might be damaged. Then, they can recommend a replacement for you. 

Can the Clicking Noise in an Oven Be Dangerous?

It is unlikely that the clicking noise in your oven is going to be dangerous. Instead, this is probably an indication that your oven is rotating through its normal cycles. There are situations where a clicking noise in the oven could indicate something is wrong with it. For example, you could have a problem with the ignition switch in your oven.

If you have tried to light your oven burner area several times, and it still will not light, you should not keep trying. If you keep trying to light the oven, there is a chance you will release gas into the kitchen, which could create a fire hazard. Instead, you should stop trying to light the oven. Then, reach out to an expert who can help you take a look at the other. That way, you can get the ignition switch fixed as quickly as possible.

Will the Oven Keep Clicking if I Forget to Turn if Off?

There is a chance that your oven may start to click if you forget to turn it off. Of course, you should make sure you turn off the oven when you are done with it. This is a waste of energy, it could drive up utility bills, and it could be a fire hazard. 

Your oven will continue to maintain the temperature it was set at if you do not turn it off. Your oven may have to cycle through several elements to maintain its current temperature. When the oven cycle through these temperatures, you may hear a clicking noise. Therefore, your oven could make a clicking noise if you forget to turn it off.

Understand What a Clicking Noise Might Mean for Your Oven

These are just a few of the most common potential causes of why your oven might be clicking. Fortunately, if you hear a clicking noise from your oven, this is unlikely to be a serious concern. Usually, this indicates that your oven is rotating through several cycles; however, it could also indicate something is wrong with your oven. 

If you hear a clicking noise and your oven is not starting, you should reach out to an expert who can help you. That way, they can figure out exactly what the problem is while also eliminating a potential safety concern. Even though you may feel like you can fix this on your own, dealing with a gas line is dangerous. That is why you should call an expert instead.

I hope you enjoy this in-depth article on why your oven might be clicking. If you would like to learn more about how your oven works, check out a few related articles below!