7 Easy Steps to Quiet Down a Noisy Oven

Noisy oven

Are you stuck trying to figure out how to quiet down your oven?

You’re not alone! I know how concerning it can be when your oven makes an unusual noise, especially when you don’t know where it’s coming from.

Don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place for answers.

To quiet down your noisy oven, you’ll need to rearrange the racks, check the back panel, and clean the igniter. However, if the issue persists, it’s important to inspect the fan and door lock.

Read on to learn how to fix a noisy oven!

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.

7 Easy Ways to Reduce Oven Noise

In this section, I’ll guide you through the different ways to reduce the noise from your oven.

Keep in mind that some sounds are entirely normal during the operation of your oven. For instance, you can hear a clicking noise as the unit heats up or cools down. A humming sound is also quite common due to the fan’s operation or a self-cleaning cycle.

However, if your oven is making excessive noise, an internal component likely needs to be repaired.

Note: It’s essential to have the manufacturer’s manual handy to access your oven’s components. If you can’t find yours, don’t worry. You can click on the link below to learn how to find any product’s manual online.

Are you ready to quiet down your oven? Let’s get started!

#1 Rearrange the Racks

When fixing a noisy oven, I always begin by checking the oven racks.

You see, oven racks are typically made of metal, which expands when heated and contracts when cooled. As a result, you can notice a creaking or even a banging noise, especially if the racks are not properly installed.

Click here to check out our detailed guide on fixing an oven’s loud banging noises.

Additionally, if the oven racks are not properly seated, they can rattle during operation, especially when the fan is running. Therefore, if you suspect that the oven racks are the source of the noise, ensure they’re properly seated. You can also try rearranging them in a different order to see if the issue gets solved.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean the racks. Sometimes, food debris can produce crackling or popping noises when heated.

Here’s how to clean your oven’s racks:

  1. Allow your oven to cool down, and remove the racks.
  2. Place the racks in the kitchen sink and let them soak in warm, soapy water to break down grease and food debris. If necessary, you can use a kitchen degreaser.
  3. Use a sponge to scrub the racks thoroughly.
  4. Rinse the racks with warm water and let them air dry. You can also use a dry cloth to speed up the drying process.
  5. Once the racks are completely dry, place them back in the oven.
cleaning oven racks
Clean the oven racks to prevent unusual noises.

However, if the racks were not the issue, then you’ll need to check other components. Read on to learn how to do it.

#2 Check the Back Panel

In my experience, loose parts can also explain the noisy operation of your oven.

While ovens don’t usually move around much during use, over time, one or more screws at the back of the appliance can become loose, causing a rattling noise.

Click here to read our specialized guide on fixing a rattling oven.

Don’t worry, though. Solving the issue is very simple. You’ll just need to:

  1. Unplug your oven from the power outlet to prevent electrical hazards. You can also turn it off at the circuit breaker.
  2. Carefully move your oven so you can access the back. If necessary, ask a friend for help.
  3. Remove any screws holding the back panel in place and check all the connections.
  4. Make sure all the components are firmly secured. It’s important to examine the wires to confirm they’re not damaged or loose.
  5. If you find any loose components or screws, please tighten them. However, if you notice signs of damage, get the necessary replacements.
  6. Reattach the back panel using the screws you initially removed. Then, move your oven back into its position and plug it back into the power outlet.
electric oven wiring
Remove your oven’s back panel and check for any loose components.

Note: While you’re at it, please ensure your oven has enough “breathing room”. If it’s near a vibrating appliance or surface, those vibrations can transfer to the oven, causing increased noise levels during operation.

Once you’ve followed the steps above, please turn on your oven and listen for any noises.

#3 Clean the Igniter

If you’re struggling with a noisy gas oven, I recommend cleaning the igniter.

The igniter plays a crucial role in your oven’s operation because it’s responsible for lighting the gas from the burner and creating the flame that heats the unit. If the igniter becomes dirty, it won’t function properly and will make multiple attempts to ignite the gas, leading to clicking or popping sounds.

Here’s how to clean your oven’s igniter:

  1. Unplug your oven from the power outlet and turn off the gas supply.
  2. Remove the racks and access the igniter, which is typically on the oven floor or next to the burner.
  3. Use an old toothbrush to remove any food debris or buildup. You can lightly dampen a cloth with warm, soapy water if there’s stubborn residue. Remember not to soak the cloth, as excessive moisture can damage the igniter.
  4. Dry the igniter with a soft cloth.
  5. Plug your oven back into the power outlet and restore the gas supply.

Once you’ve cleaned the igniter, turn on the oven and select a cooking mode. If you still notice excessive noise, the issue is probably within the fan or door lock. Read on to learn more.

#4 Inspect the Fan

I find that when an oven makes excessive noise, it’s often because of a problem with the fan.

You see, if the fan blades are obstructed, the bearings wear out, or the fan becomes loose, it can result in humming, squealing, or rattling noises.

oven fan
Please check the fan and remove any obstructions to fix your noisy oven.

To check your oven’s fan, you’ll need to:

  1. Unplug your oven from the power source and let it cool down. You can also turn it off at the circuit breaker.
  2. Remove the racks and any necessary covers to access the fan. Keep in mind that most modern ovens have two fans: a convection fan and a cooling fan. Please refer to the manufacturer’s manual to identify and inspect both.
  3. Use an old toothbrush to clean the blades. While you’re at it, please check for obstructions. The fan should be able to spin freely.
  4. If the fan appears loose, tighten its screws or connections.
  5. However, if you notice that the fan is worn out or damaged, you’ll need to get a replacement.
Find any replacement part:

Remember that if you’re uncomfortable accessing, cleaning, or replacing the fan yourself, you should consult your warranty status and call an expert.

#5 Check the Door Lock

If you’ve tried all of the fixes above, but your oven is still making a lot of noise, there’s likely an issue with the door lock.

The door lock is responsible for ensuring the door is securely sealed during the self-cleaning mode and other cycles. Unfortunately, if the door lock is dirty, loose, or damaged, it won’t fully engage or disengage, resulting in clicking or grinding noises.

A diagram of where a convection oven's door lock is located
If your oven still makes a lot of noise, you should check the door lock.

Keep in mind that not all ovens have a door lock. The locking mechanism is most commonly found in units that offer a self-cleaning feature.

First, you should clean the door lock mechanism with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution (if necessary, use a kitchen degreaser).

However, if the clicking noise persists, you should ensure the door lock is properly aligned. If it’s misaligned or damaged, I recommend replacing the lock with a new, compatible one.

If your oven doesn’t have a door lock but still makes a lot of noise, please consult your warranty status and call a professional. There’s likely a problem with another component that requires more complex troubleshooting.

Wrapping Up: Oven Noise Reduction Tips

That about covers it! Hopefully, now you know how to quiet down your noisy oven.

Remember that you’ll need to rearrange the racks until they’re properly positioned and clean them. It’s also important to check the back panel, tighten any loose components, and examine the igniter. Don’t forget to inspect the fan and door lock.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. If you’ve found it helpful, please check out our related posts below.

Have a great rest of the day.

I've been helping homeowners with appliance repair since 2016. Starting out as an enthusiastic amateur, I've since worked with many Appliance, HVAC, and DIY experts over the last 7+ years. My mission is to help fix your appliances and prevent future issues - saving you stress, time, and money. Visit my author page to learn more! Read more
0:00
0:00