Electric Oven Not Working? Simple Steps to Get It Heating Again

If your oven refuses to heat, the first thing you feel is frustration. The good news is most problems are easy to spot and fix without tearing the kitchen apart. Below you’ll find the most common reasons an electric oven stops working and what you can do right now.

Check the basics before you open the door

Start with the power. Make sure the oven is plugged in securely and the wall outlet works – test it with a lamp or a multimeter. If you have a dedicated circuit breaker, see whether the breaker has tripped; reset it if needed.

Next, look at the oven’s display. A blinking code or an error message usually tells you which part is faulty. Write down the code and search the manual – it’s often a shortcut to the exact issue.

Common culprits and quick DIY fixes

1. Bad heating element – The element glows red when the oven is on. If you can’t see any glow, the element may be burnt out. Unplug the oven, remove the element screws, and test continuity with a multimeter. A zero reading means replace it. Elements are inexpensive and swapping them takes under an hour.

2. Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor – These parts tell the oven when to stop heating. A sensor that reads too low will keep the oven off. Use a multimeter to check resistance; most sensors read around 1,100 Ω at room temperature. If the reading is off, swap it out.

3. Tripped thermal fuse – Safety fuses protect the oven from overheating. If the fuse is blown, the oven won’t get power to the heating circuits. Locate the fuse (usually near the back panel), test it for continuity, and replace it if broken.

4. Loose wiring or connector – Over time, vibration can loosen wires behind the control panel. Open the back panel, look for any disconnected or burnt wires, and re‑seat them firmly. Make sure the power is off before you touch anything.

5. Bad control board – The electronic board manages all oven functions. If you notice erratic behavior, multiple error codes, or the oven won’t start at all, the board could be the problem. Replacing a control board is more complex and often better left to a pro.

After you’ve checked these items, plug the oven back in and run a short bake test. If the oven heats up, you’ve saved yourself a service call. If it still won’t work, it’s time to call a qualified technician.

When you reach out for help, give them the exact symptoms, any error codes, and the steps you’ve already taken. This info speeds up diagnosis and can lower the repair bill.

Remember, safety comes first. Never work on an appliance that’s still connected to power, and always wear insulated gloves when handling wires. With these checks, most homeowners can troubleshoot the common reasons an electric oven stops heating, and you’ll know exactly when to get a professional involved.