Kitchen Appliance Fix: Easy Fixes for Ovens, Fans, and More

If your kitchen gadgets have stopped working, you don’t have to panic. Most problems have a simple cause you can check yourself before calling a pro. Below we walk through the most common issues – from an oven that won’t heat to a noisy extractor fan – and give you step‑by‑step fixes you can try right now.

Why Your Oven Won’t Heat and How to Fix It

First, make sure the oven is getting power. Look at the circuit breaker and reset it if it’s tripped. Next, inspect the heating element (the shiny coil at the bottom for electric ovens). If it looks burnt or broken, it’s the usual culprit. Unplug the oven, remove the element, and test it with a multimeter – a reading of zero means it’s dead and needs replacing.

For gas ovens, the problem is often the igniter. A weak igniter can’t spark the gas, so the oven stays cold. You’ll hear a clicking sound but see no flame. Again, test with a multimeter; less than 800 ohms indicates a bad igniter. Swapping it out is cheap and straightforward.

Extractor Fan Troubles: When It Won’t Spin or Is Too Loud

Fans stop working for two main reasons: a blocked motor or a busted blade. Turn off the power, remove the fan cover, and clean any dust or grease buildup. A lot of noise comes from debris hitting the blades.

If cleaning doesn’t help, the motor may have burned out. Give the motor a quick spin by hand – if it feels gritty, the bearings are shot. In that case, replace the motor. Most kitchen fans use a standard 120V motor you can pick up at any hardware store.

When you replace a motor or blade, remember to secure all screws tightly. Loose parts cause rattling, which can make the fan seem broken even after you’ve fixed the core issue.

Quick Fixes for Water Heaters and Washing Machines

A sudden loss of hot water often means a tripped high‑temperature limit switch. Reset the switch on the heater (usually a red button) and wait a few minutes. If the water stays cold, the heating element may be corroded – test it the same way you would an oven element.

Washing machines get stuck in error codes when the door lock or water inlet valve fails. Unplug the machine, wait 2 minutes, then plug it back in to reset the electronics. If the error persists, check the door latch for broken clips and replace the valve if you notice leakage.

Both appliances benefit from regular maintenance: run a vinegar rinse in the washer every month, and descale the water heater annually to keep mineral buildup at bay.

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried the steps above and the appliance still won’t work, it’s time to get a professional. A licensed technician can safely test live circuits, replace sealed components, and ensure everything meets local safety codes. Trying to fix a sealed gas valve or a high‑voltage control board on your own can be dangerous.

But most kitchen mishaps are simple – a burnt element, a clogged fan, or a tripped switch. With a few tools and a little know‑how, you can get your appliances humming again without breaking the bank.

Keep this guide bookmarked. The next time a kitchen gadget quits, you’ll know exactly where to start, what to check, and when to pass the job to a pro.