An oven that won’t heat can bring dinner, and the holidays, to a halt. The good news: most oven problems trace back to a few specific parts, and some are easy to diagnose. Here’s what causes the most common oven issues on both electric and gas models, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Serving Grand Rapids & all of West Michigan · Gas & electric ovens
Most Common Oven Problems (and What Causes Them)
1. Oven Won’t Heat At All
- Electric oven: the most common cause is a burned-out bake element. Look for visible blistering or breaks in the element; if it doesn’t glow orange when on, it needs replacing.
- Gas oven: usually a weak or failed igniter, the oven clicks or the igniter glows but never lights the gas.
2. Oven Heats Unevenly or Won’t Reach Temperature
A faulty temperature sensor (or a sensor touching the oven wall) throws off the thermostat. A miscalibrated oven or a weak element/igniter can also cause uneven baking. A technician can test the sensor’s resistance to confirm.
3. Oven Won’t Turn On At All
Check the breaker (electric ovens use a 240V circuit, both legs must be live), the clock/timer setting, and any “delay start” mode. If there’s power to the unit but nothing responds, the control board may have failed.
4. Broiler Not Working
Similar to the bake issue, a failed broil element (electric) or igniter (gas) is the usual cause.
5. Oven Door Won’t Lock or Unlock
Common after a self-clean cycle. The door lock motor or switch may need attention, a job best left to a professional.
Electric vs. Gas Oven Repair: Safety First
You can safely check breakers, settings, and a visibly broken electric element. But anything involving gas lines, igniters, or wiring should be handled by a professional, gas leaks and high-voltage circuits are serious hazards. If you ever smell gas, shut off the supply and call for service immediately.
How Much Does Oven Repair Cost?
Most oven repairs run $130 to $350. A bake element or igniter is on the lower end; a control board or door-lock assembly is higher. If your oven is over 12 to 15 years old and the repair approaches half the cost of a new range, replacement may be worth considering.
Oven & Range Repair in Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Our experienced technicians repair all major oven and range brands, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, and more, gas and electric, with same-day and next-day appointments. Book our oven and range repair in Grand Rapids, or see our microwave repair and refrigerator repair services. We also serve Grandville and Kentwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my oven not heating but the stovetop works?
The stovetop and oven use separate elements/igniters. A non-heating oven usually means a bad bake element (electric) or igniter (gas), even when the burners work fine.
How do I know if my oven’s heating element is bad?
A working electric element glows bright orange and is smooth. If it has breaks, blisters, or won’t glow, it needs replacing.
Is it safe to use an oven with a bad igniter?
No, a weak gas igniter can allow gas to release before ignition. Have it repaired promptly.