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Is your oven’s bake or broil element not heating?
I’ve been there too! Being unable to use your oven because it’s not heating up can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re entertaining.
Luckily, solving the issue is very simple.
If your oven is not heating in broil or bake mode, you’ll need to check the power supply and test the heating elements. Replacing any faulty components is essential to get your oven working again.
Read on to learn how to fix your oven’s temperature issues!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
James is one of our resident appliance experts with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.
Fixing Oven’s Bake and Broil Heating Issues
If you’ve selected the bake or broil setting, but your oven is not getting hot, don’t worry! In this section, I’ll walk you through the different steps you must follow to solve the issue.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
#1 Check the Power Supply
When fixing an oven that doesn’t heat in broil or bake mode, I always start by checking the power supply.
I know it seems like a simple solution, but sometimes the power cord can get accidentally unplugged without us even noticing. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure the cord is securely plugged into both the oven and the electrical outlet.
While you’re at it, please inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage. If it appears bent or pressed against the wall, it could lead to intermittent operation. If necessary, straighten the cable. However, if it’s broken or frayed, you must replace it with a new one.
For a more detailed guide on inspecting and replacing your oven’s power cord, please click here.
If the power cord is not the issue, go to the circuit breaker box. If the oven’s breaker has tripped during operation, it will prevent the appliance from heating and completing the cooking cycle. In such cases, you’ll need to reset the oven switch to the “ON” position.
Additionally, don’t forget to check the power outlet. The easiest way to do so is by plugging a different device, such as a lamp or hairdryer. If these devices don’t work either, then the outlet is likely faulty and could be causing intermittent operation. In such cases, I recommend contacting a certified electrician, as there’s probably a more complex electrical issue in your home.
#2 Test the Heating Elements
If you’ve already checked the power supply, but your oven still isn’t heating in broil or bake mode, it’s time for us to test the heating elements.
Most ovens come equipped with two heating elements. The bake element is typically located at the bottom of the oven and is responsible for providing the heat necessary for baking and roasting. The broil element, on the other hand, is located at the top of the unit, and when activated, it helps to brown or crisp your food.
Unfortunately, if one or both of the heating elements malfunction, your oven will not reach the desired temperature.
But don’t worry; inspecting the broil and bake elements is very simple. You’ll just need to turn on your oven and select the baking or broiling mode. Once the oven has preheated, carefully open the door and look at the respective element; it should be glowing red. If it doesn’t, it’s time for a replacement.
It’s also important to check if the heating elements have any breaks or blistering. However, if there are no signs of visible damage, my usual advice is to perform a continuity test using a multimeter. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off your oven and unplug it from the power outlet to prevent electrical hazards. You can also turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Access the heating elements and carefully remove them.
- Set the multimeter to the ohm setting and touch one probe to each of the element’s terminals.
- If your multimeter’s needle doesn’t move or the display doesn’t change significantly, the heating elements must be replaced.
Keep in mind that the process of removing and testing the heating elements will vary depending on your oven’s model. So, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual to double-check the instructions.
#3 Replace the Broil or Bake Element
If you’ve confirmed that your oven’s bake or broil element is indeed faulty, it’s time for us to replace it with a new one.
Before we dive into the instructions, it’s crucial to locate your oven’s model number, which is typically found on a label inside the oven door frame or in the manufacturer’s manual.
Once you’ve identified your oven’s model number, please enter it in the search bar below. You can also go to your local appliance parts store for assistance. The good news is that heating elements are usually budget-friendly, ranging from $25 to $50.
Now, follow these instructions to replace your oven’s heating elements:
- Unplug your oven from its power source or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Access the faulty element. Open the oven door and remove the racks. If the heating element is hidden in your oven, remove the necessary panels.
- Remove the screws holding the heating element in place. Then, carefully pull the element out to expose the wires. To prevent them from slipping back through the holes in the back of the oven, I recommend wrapping a flexible piece of wire or string around the wire connectors.
- Carefully disconnect the wires.
- Install the new element. Connect the wires to the new heating element and slide them back into the oven’s holes. Then, secure the element with the screws or fasteners you previously removed.
- Reassemble your oven by reattaching the panels.
Once you’ve replaced the faulty heating element, plug your oven back into the power outlet or turn it on at the circuit breaker. Then, select the bake or broiling mode and check if your oven is heating up.
Is Your Oven Still Not Heating Up? Try This
If you’ve replaced the broil or bake element, but your oven is still not heating up, I recommend checking the temperature sensor.
The temperature sensor monitors your oven’s internal temperature and signals the control board to turn on or off the heating elements. If the sensor malfunctions, it can think that the oven is already hot, even when it’s still cold. As a result, the control board will not activate the broil or bake element.
To determine if the temperature sensor is faulty, you’ll need to test it with a multimeter. Here’s how to do it:
- Unplug your oven from the power outlet and access the sensor, which is typically located on the oven’s back wall. In many ovens, the temperature sensor appears as a long metal tube or probe.
- Carefully disconnect the temperature sensor. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Place the multimeter’s probes on the two terminals of the sensor and check the resistance value. You should get a reading of 1080-1100 ohms at room temperature (or the value recommended by the manufacturer).
If the resistance reading falls outside the recommended range or doesn’t change with temperature variations, consider getting a replacement.
Please keep in mind that a faulty control board can also be responsible for your oven’s heating issues. Therefore, it’s important to access the board, which is typically behind the control panel.
Check the wiring and look for any visible signs of damage. If there’s a loose or damaged connection, please repair it.
However, if you determine that the control board is the source of the problem, I recommend consulting your warranty status and contacting a professional. Diagnosing and solving issues related to the relays or control board can be a bit tricky, especially if you have a double-wall oven.
Wrapping Up: Oven’s Bake and Broil Troubleshooting Tips
That about covers it! Hopefully, now you know how to fix your oven’s temperature issues.
Remember that if your oven is not heating in broil or bake mode, you’ll need to start by inspecting the power supply and verifying the condition of the heating elements. If they’re not glowing red during operation or lack continuity, getting a compatible replacement is important.
Don’t forget that if replacing the heating elements doesn’t solve the issue, you’ll need to examine the temperature sensor and control board.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide. If you’ve found it helpful, please check out our related posts below.
Have a great rest of the day!
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