An oven getting too hot may be due to a faulty thermostat, temperature sensor, or oven control board. Other possible causes may include a damaged door gasket, a malfunctioning fan, or a dirty oven. To fix the problem, check and replace any faulty parts, clean the oven regularly, and ensure proper ventilation. If the problem persists, contact a professional technician.
If your food always ends up burnt or charred, you should take a closer look at your oven. Modern electric and gas ovens use intricate sensors and components to help you cook your food efficiently. However, if any of these parts malfunction, it can cause overheating in your oven. According to Cooker Spare Parts, a faulty thermostat, cooling fan, or oven element may cause your oven to overheat. After hours of research and finding out how dangerous an overheating oven is, I knew I had to take my oven maintenance more seriously.
In this article, I’ll cover the causes of oven overheating. I’ll also provide solutions to get your oven back into working condition. You might need to roll up your sleeves and get a screwdriver, nut driver, and multimeter. Let’s get to these and deal with that overheating oven!
When Can An Oven Be Too Hot?
An oven is designed to get hot, but there’s a big difference between normal heat and overheating. Your oven should be hot enough to cook food evenly and thoroughly, but it shouldn’t be so hot that it burns your food or damages the appliance.
If your oven is constantly overheating, it’s time to investigate the problem.
Common Causes Of An Oven Getting Too Hot
Here are 5 common causes that will make an oven get too hot.
- The oven cooling fans have failed.
- The thermostat or thermistor is faulty.
- The heating elements have short-circuited.
- The air vents are dirty or clogged.
- The safety valve is malfunctioning.
The Oven Cooling Fans Have Failed
Some ovens have a cooling fan that provides continuous airflow inside the oven.
In most cases, the fan is tasked with evenly distributing the heat across the oven chamber.
However, some models use cooling fans to stabilize the internal temperature and keep it from rising above your set temperature. They also cool the oven down after a bake cycle is completed. If the cooling fans fail and stop doing their job, it could potentially result in your oven overheating.
How To Fix
First, you need to check whether the cooling fans have failed using the following steps.
- Remove the back or top panel hiding your oven’s circuitry.
- Disconnect the wires connected to the cooling fan. Refer to the user guide or manual to know where your cooling fan is and which wires are connected.
- Take out your multimeter and set it to the Ohmmeter.
- Touch the probes on the multimeter to the wire connectors on your cooling fan.
- If the value is around 280 ohms, it’s working fine. Anything else indicates a problem with the part.
Once you’re sure your cooling fan isn’t working, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. But first, you need to buy a new cooling fan suitable for your model.
The Air Vents Are Dirty Or Clogged
Air vents allow air to circulate inside the oven, preventing it from getting too hot. If they’re dirty or clogged, the air won’t be able to flow freely, and the oven will start to overheat. In extreme cases, this can even cause a fire.
How To Fix
- Clean the air vents. Start by locating them. Depending on the model, they might be on the oven”s side, back, or bottom. Once you’ve found them, use a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep away any accumulated dust or debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any loose dirt.
- If the air vents are particularly dirty, you may need to remove the oven’s back panel to clean them properly. This can be done by unscrewing the screws holding the panel in place. Once you’ve removed the panel, use a damp cloth to wipe away any visible dirt, and then use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any remaining debris.
- If you still notice that your oven is overheating, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. Call a professional technician in this case.
The Thermostat or Thermistor Is Faulty
Many modern ovens use a thermostat or thermistor to measure and control the temperature inside the oven chamber.
Once you’ve set the oven to a particular temperature, it’ll start heating the chamber. That’s where the thermostat or thermistor comes in. Their function is to sense and maintain the temperature inside the oven chamber.
However, if your oven is overheating or not reaching the desired temperature, it may be a sign that the thermostat or thermistor is faulty. You’ll need a multimeter to measure the device’s heat resistance.
How To Fix
Follow these steps to get your thermostat or thermistor fixed:
- Look through your oven’s user guide and locate the thermostat or thermistor. This will give you a better idea of where to start.
- Turn off the oven and disconnect it from the power source to avoid electrocution. Remove the screws holding the back panel to access the thermostat or thermistor.
- Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the thermostat or thermistor when it’s cold. Then, heat it with a hairdryer and measure the resistance again. If the resistance doesn’t change, the device is faulty and must be replaced.
- Remove the faulty thermostat or thermistor and replace it with a good one.
The Safety Valve Is Malfunctioning
The safety valve is designed to shut off the gas supply to the oven if it gets too hot. Your oven could become a serious safety hazard if it’s not functioning correctly. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the problem:
How To Fix
- Make sure your oven is turned off and cool.
- Locate the safety valve, which is usually near the gas line.
- Using a multimeter set to “ohms,” test the valve’s continuity by placing the probes on the two electrical connectors at the top. If there’s no continuity, the safety valve needs to be replaced.
- To replace the safety valve, start by turning off the gas supply to the oven.
- Locate the screws holding the valve and remove them with a screwdriver.
- Carefully disconnect the wires from the old safety valve and attach them to the new one.
- Secure the new valve with the screws you removed earlier.
- Turn the gas supply back on and test the oven to ensure it functions properly.
- If the safety valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced, it’s important to do so as soon as possible.
Other reasons your oven may get too hot are because of a miscalibrated oven or a faulty heat sensor. You should bring in a professional technician when you encounter them. To learn more about calibrating your oven’s temperature, check out the 3-minute YouTube video below.
Maintenance Tips To Prevent An Oven From Getting Too Hot
Here are 10 maintenance tips to prevent an oven from getting too hot.
| Tips to prevent an oven from getting too hot |
| Regularly clean your oven’s interior to prevent the buildup of debris that can block heat circulation. |
| Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven’s temperature settings are accurate. |
| Avoid overloading your oven with too much food, which can restrict airflow and cause overheating. |
| Use the appropriate cookware for your oven, as mismatched pots and pans can lead to uneven heating and hot spots. |
| Avoid opening the oven door frequently, which can cause heat loss and overheating. |
| Use the correct temperature setting for the type of food you are cooking, as higher temperatures do not always result in faster cooking. |
| Allow your oven to preheat fully before placing food inside, as this can help maintain a consistent temperature. |
| Keep your oven’s vents and fans unobstructed to ensure proper air circulation. |
| Avoid placing foil or other materials directly on the oven’s heating elements, as this can cause overheating and damage to the element. |
| Schedule regular maintenance and repairs for your oven, as worn or faulty components can lead to overheating and other issues. |
Bottom Line
An oven that gets too hot can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue. However, by understanding the common causes of overheating and following the steps I’ve outlined in this article, you can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. Always remember to apply caution when dealing with temperatures and electrical components. Here is another YouTube video with more troubleshooting & repair tips.
Also, never hesitate to consult a professional if you are unsure about how to proceed. And yes, with some know-how and the right tools, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals from your oven without any overheating issues.
How can I prevent my oven from getting too hot in the future?
You can prevent your oven from overheating in the future by regularly cleaning it and ensuring proper ventilation. Also, avoid overloading the oven and always use the right cookware. If you notice any signs of malfunction, such as odd noises or unusual smells, turn off the oven and seek professional help immediately.
Is it safe to continue using an oven that is overheating?
It is not safe to continue using an oven that is overheating. Overheating can damage the oven and potentially cause a fire. If your oven is overheating, turn it off immediately and wait for it to cool down before attempting any repairs. It’s always best to consult a professional technician.
What is the average cost to repair an overheating oven?
The average cost to repair an overheating oven can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific repairs needed. However, on average, repairs can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Again, it’s important to seek professional help for any repairs to ensure the safety of yourself and your home.
How do I find a qualified technician to fix my oven if I cannot do it myself?
You can do this by quickly searching online or asking for referrals from friends and family. Look for technicians who specialize in oven repair and have experience working on the make and model of your oven. It’s also important to check their credentials, such as licenses and insurance, to ensure they are qualified and reliable.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.