Troubleshooting 4 Common Problems with Ovens
When your oven stops working or starts doing strange things, it can be frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, there are often simple fixes that will put your oven back into working order. Keep reading for four of the most common problems we encounter with ovens, and some pointers on how to fix them.
Excessive Moisture on Door
If you notice moisture or condensation on the glass of the oven door, don’t freak out. Some foods, such as roasts, turkey, and casseroles naturally have more moisture in them and while they are cooking may produce more steam. This can cause condensation on the glass of the oven door while the oven is in use. If you notice condensation every time you use the oven you can call for a technician to take a look, but if you see it when you are cooking the foods mentioned earlier, or just occasionally than your oven is most likely fine.
Strange Smells
If you notice strange smells when your oven is in use, check the inside of the oven for any spills or food debris. If there is a lot of a large spill, it can burn when the oven is in use and produce nasty smells, especially if it has been there for a long time. To fix this, turn the oven off and wait until it cools completely. Next, clean the inside of the oven. If you didn’t notice any food debris stuck inside your oven, stop using your oven right away and call a technician to take a look, especially if you have a gas stove.
Door Won’t Shut
If your oven door won’t shut properly you can fix that easily yourself. Turn off the power to the oven to avoid injury. Next, remove the door by unscrewing the hinges. While the door is off, take a good look at the springs to see if they are damaged. If they are, they should be replaced. Remove the rubber gasket that lines the inside edge of the oven door by using a screwdriver or pliers and prying one section loose and pulling the rest off. Replace it with an identical or similar gasket. You can adjust the length of the gasket by measuring the length of the original and using a knife to trim it. Push the gasket into the groove of the door with your fingers. Then reattach the oven door by screwing it back into its hinges.
Oven Not Heating Properly
If you notice that your oven is not heating properly or turning on at all, check your elements. They should be glowing a bright orange when they’re on. If you notice one or more is not glowing, or that they’re dull, your elements probably need to be replaced. If your oven elements seem fine, your thermostat might need to be adjusted. To do this, take a oven thermometer and place it inside of your oven while your oven is on. This will help you check the temperature difference. Read your oven’s owner manual to adjust the temperature.
