Oven Not Heating Up

An oven that won't heat is incredibly frustrating – especially when you've got dinner to cook. Here's how to diagnose the problem and know when to call for repair.

Check These First

1. Power Supply (Electric Ovens)

The most common "fault" is actually a power issue.

Check:

• Is the oven plugged in and switched on at the wall?
• Has a fuse blown in the plug?
• Has the circuit breaker tripped?

How to reset a tripped breaker:

1. Go to your consumer unit (fuse box)
2. Look for a switch that's in the middle or down position
3. Switch it fully off, then back on
4. If it trips again, there's an electrical fault – don't use the oven

2. Clock/Timer Settings

Many ovens won't operate if the clock isn't set or the timer is in "auto" mode.

Check:

• Is the clock displaying correctly?
• Is the timer set to "manual" not "auto"?
• Try pressing and holding the clock/timer button to switch modes

3. Gas Supply (Gas Ovens)

Check:

• Is the gas isolation valve turned on? (Usually under the hob)
• Do other gas appliances work?
• Can you smell gas? If so, turn off supply and call Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999

Common Faults Explained

Faulty Heating Element

Electric ovens have one or more elements (usually top and bottom). When one fails, heating is reduced or eliminated.

Signs:

• Element doesn't glow red
• Uneven heating (top or bottom only)
• Visible damage (blistering, breaks)

DIY fix? Element replacement is theoretically possible but involves electrical work. Not recommended unless you're qualified.

Repair cost: From £80-140 depending on element type

Broken Thermostat

The thermostat monitors temperature and controls when the element switches on/off.

Signs:

• Oven overheats OR stays cold
• Temperature is inconsistent
• Takes too long to reach set temperature

DIY fix? No – requires calibration and testing.

Repair cost: From £90-150

Faulty Fan Motor (Fan Ovens)

The fan distributes hot air for even cooking. If it stops, the oven won't heat evenly or at all.

Signs:

• No fan noise
• Uneven cooking
• Oven element glows but no heat circulation

DIY fix? No – requires disassembly and electrical work.

Repair cost: From £100-160

Temperature Sensor/Probe Failure

Modern ovens use a sensor to monitor temperature. If faulty, the control board can't regulate heating.

Signs:

• Error codes (often involving "E" or "F")
• Temperature display incorrect
• Oven shuts off randomly

DIY fix? No.

Repair cost: From £80-130

Control Board Failure

The main PCB (control board) controls all oven functions.

Signs:

• No display
• Random behaviour
• Some functions work, others don't
• Multiple error codes

DIY fix? No.

Repair cost: From £150-300

Gas Oven Specific Issues

Ignition System Failure

Gas ovens use electric ignition (no more pilot lights).

Signs:

• Clicking but no ignition
• Gas smell but no flame
• Delayed ignition (whooshing sound)

Faulty Gas Valve

The gas valve controls fuel flow to the burner.

Signs:

• No gas reaching burner
• Flame extinguishes during cooking

DIY fix? Absolutely not. Gas work must be done by Gas Safe registered engineers.

When to Call an Engineer

You should call for repair if:

• Power supply is fine but oven won't heat
• There's any gas-related issue
• Elements look damaged
• Error codes are displayed
• The problem is intermittent

Get a Fixed Price Quote

Don't risk DIY electrical or gas work. Get a fixed price quote for professional oven repair – diagnosis, parts, and labour included.