Tips For Narrowing Down The Source Of Oven Problems
Posted on: 15 July 2016
If you have an electric oven, one of the most common issues you might encounter is poor heat production. Whether inconsistent or insufficient, it's important that you narrow the source of the problem. In many cases, this is caused by a faulty heating element. The heating elements are the large coil-like units at the top and bottom of the oven. They are the source of the heat generation when you turn on your oven. Here's a look at what you need to know to evaluate the heating elements inside your oven.
Checking The Upper Element's Function
The element on the top of your oven is typically referred to as the broil element. It's the one that comes on when you use the broiler system, and it's a high-heat unit, so it heats up rapidly.
Set the oven knob to the broil setting. Wait several minutes and then look inside the oven at the element. If it functions properly, it will be reddish orange and glowing to indicate heat production. If it's not, or if there are a few spots that aren't glowing, that's a sign that the element itself is faulty. Turn off the oven and let it rest while you call a technician for replacement.
Evaluating The Lower Element
The element on the bottom of the oven is typically known as the bake element. It's usually the one that radiates the heat when you're baking or working at temperatures lower than broil. It's also the most likely to fail because it's used so often.
Put an oven thermometer inside your oven around the middle of the center rack. Make sure you can easily read the display. Set the thermostat on the oven to somewhere around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven will get nice and hot if it's working properly. Wait about twenty minutes or so to give the oven plenty of time to heat up, then check the thermostat.
If the oven is hot but not reaching the proper temperature, you'll need to have a technician replace the oven thermostat. If it's not hot or the element on the bottom is only partially glowing, that's a key indication that the element itself is in need of replacement.
This information can help you to narrow down the source of the problem with your oven. Knowing where the issue lies can help you save money on potentially costly troubleshooting or unnecessary repairs. Call a Thermador appliances technician for further inspection if these steps don't help you narrow things down.
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