An Oster toaster oven may not heat due to a malfunctioning heating element, a broken timer or thermostat, or a faulty power cord. Other possible causes may include incorrect temperature settings, a dirty interior, or a loose crumb tray.
To fix it, troubleshoot the problem, replace any faulty parts, clean the interior regularly, and adjust the temperature settings. If the issue persists, contact a professional technician for assistance.
Oster toasters are excellent because they have multiple cooking functions, including toasting, broiling, baking, and warming. A 2019/2021 Consumer Reports survey found that Oster toaster ovens were considered a reliable brand with a ‘good’ rating for consumer satisfaction. Personally, I’ve found my Oster toaster quite amazing as it takes on most of my toasting needs with ease.
But Oster toaster ovens can also have issues, like not heating. In this article, I will explain the causes of an Oster toaster oven not heating and offer step-by-step solutions on how you can resolve these issues. Let’s get started!
- The oven has power issues
- Time and temperature knobs aren’t set
- There are burnt heating elements
- You may have a gas line issue
The Oven Has Power Issues
The number one reason your Oster toaster oven may not heat is that no power is running into the appliance. This could be because of either of these four reasons:
A turned-off switch
A loose power cable
A tripped circuit control
A dead wall outlet
How To Fix Oster Toaster Oven Power Issues
Depending on which issue is causing your Oster toaster oven not to heat, you can troubleshoot your appliance by following these steps:
- Ensure the toaster oven power switch is turned on. If it is, move on to the next step. If not, simply turn it on and see if the oven starts heating.
- Check the power cable. Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into the wall outlet and the toaster oven. If it’s loose, gently wiggle it to make sure it’s secure. If it’s still not working, try using a different power cable to see if that’s the issue.
- Check the circuit control panel if the power cable is securely plugged in. If it’s tripped, simply reset it by pressing the “reset” button. Once you’ve done this, turn on the toaster oven to see if it starts heating. Suppose it doesn’t; move on to the next step.
- Inspect the heating elements. Make sure that they are clean and free from any debris or buildup. If they are dirty, use a soft cloth or brush to clean them gently. If they are damaged or broken, you’ll need to replace them.
- Check the temperature control. If the toaster oven is still not heating up, it could be due to faulty temperature control. Test this by turning the temperature control up and down several times. If it’s not responding, you’ll need to replace it.
If none of these solutions work, you may have a more serious electrical issue. In that case, you’ll need to call in a trained electrician for help.
Time and Temperature Knobs Aren’t Set
To get your Oster toaster oven heating, you need to set it properly. Specifically, you should ensure the timer and temperature knobs are set to the desired position before the Start button is pressed. Otherwise, the toaster oven won’t heat.
How To Set Oster Toaster Oven Time and Temperature Knobs
The time and temperature settings should be part of the “Using Your Toaster Oven” procedures per your manual. You need to follow the setting procedure depending on the function you want: Toast, Broil, Bake, Warm, or other options available for your model.
To set the time and temperature, follow these steps:
- Select the function you want using the Function knob. Let’s use the ‘Bake’ function in this case.
- Set the temperature by turning the ‘Temperature’ knob. For the Bake option, the temperature can be set between 150°F to 450°F (65°C to 232°C). The temperature increases or decreases by 5°F (1°C).
- Select the time by turning the ‘Time’ knob to increase or decrease the baking time. The maximum time you can select for the Bake function is 1 hour (60 min).
- Hit the Start/Cancel button to start the toaster oven.
As mentioned, the above steps are for the ‘Bake’ function. If you’re using other functions, the steps may differ slightly.
Note: The temperature isn’t adjustable for the Toast function, and time is automatically selected once you choose the function ‘Shade.’
There Are Burnt Heating Elements
Heating elements are high-resistant wires that heat up to toast your bread for a few minutes or bake food for about an hour. Most toaster ovens have a bake heating element and a broil heating element, both essential to cooking your food. However, if the heating elements are burnt, your toaster oven won’t work correctly.
How To Replace Burnt Toaster Oven Heating Elements
To replace a damaged toaster oven heating element:
- Switch off the power to the toaster oven.
- Unscrew the heating element from the support brackets. If the heating element has no signs of damage, test it for continuity with a multimeter.
- Replace the damaged heating element with one of the same type and rating and screw it onto the brackets. You can contact Oster support or their recommended replacement partner for the correct heating element.
- Power the toaster oven and test if it’s heating.
You May Have a Gas Line Issue
If you have a gas oven, there may be a problem with the gas line or valve preventing it from heating properly. This is caused by a blockage in the gas line or a malfunctioning valve.
How To Fix It
To check if this is the case, follow these steps:
- Switch off the gas supply to the oven.
- Remove the cover plate from the gas line to access the valve.
- Inspect the valve for any signs of damage or malfunctioning.
- If the valve appears to be damaged or malfunctioning, contact a professional gas technician to replace it.
- If the valve looks okay, check for any blockages in the gas line using a flashlight.
- If there is a blockage, use a pipe cleaner to remove it.
- Once the blockage is removed, switch on the gas supply and test if the oven is heating properly.
If your Oster oven doesn’t resume heating after troubleshooting the above issues, get the appliance checked for a faulty thermal fuse or a defective solenoid by contacting Oster Support or hiring a professional oven technician.
Ways To Maintain Your Oster Oven
Below are 10 ways you can maintain your Oster oven to ensure it is always in working condition.
| Maintenance Tips for Oster Oven | |
| 1. | Clean the interior and exterior of the oven after every use with a damp cloth and mild detergent. |
| 2. | Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot food or removing hot trays from the oven. |
| 3. | Regularly inspect the power cord and plug for signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary. |
| 4. | Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals on the oven’s surfaces, as they can damage the finish. |
| 5. | Always allow the oven to cool down before cleaning or storing it. |
| 6. | Check the heating elements periodically to make sure they are functioning correctly. Replace them if they are damaged or not working. |
| 7. | Keep the oven’s door gasket clean and food debris-free to ensure a good seal. |
| 8. | Do not overload the oven with too much food, as this can cause uneven cooking and damage the oven’s interior. |
| 9. | Use only the recommended cookware and bakeware in the oven to avoid damaging the surfaces. |
| 10. | Store the oven in a cool, dry place when not in use, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. |
In conclusion, a malfunctioning Oster toaster oven can be a frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can quickly diagnose and fix the issue. By following the above-outlined tips, you’ll be able to get your toaster oven heating up again in no time and enjoy delicious, toasted meals. Don’t let a faulty appliance get in the way of your culinary creationabove-outlineds – take charge and get your Oster toaster oven working like new!
FAQs
- How can I tell if the heating element in my Oster toaster oven needs to be replaced?
To do that, you should first check if the heating element is visibly damaged or broken. If it appears intact, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity in the element. If there is no continuity, the heating element must be replaced.
- Why does my Oster toaster oven shut off during the preheating process?
It does this because there could be a problem with the thermostat or the temperature sensor. It’s important to first check that the oven is plugged in properly and that there are no loose connections. If that’s not the issue, then you may need to replace the thermostat or temperature sensor, which you can do with the right tools and knowledge.
- Can I repair my Oster toaster oven myself?
Yes, you can troubleshoot and repair your Oster toaster oven yourself by following the above tips and using the right tools. However, if you’re uncomfortable with electrical repairs or if your toaster oven is still under warranty, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance.
Chris is a Texas-based freelance writer who loves the outdoors and working in his garage. When he’s not enjoying the Texas sun, he can be found tinkering with all sorts of things in his workshop.