If your oven suddenly stops working, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it heavily to cook meals for yourself or your family. However, before you rush out to buy a new one, it’s worth considering whether you can repair it yourself. In this blog post, we’ll go through some of the steps you can take to repair an oven that has stopped working.

Step 1: Identify the problem

The first step in repairing your oven is to identify the problem. This can be done by checking if the oven is getting power, if the control display is working, and if the bake and broil elements are working. If any of these components are faulty, they will need to be replaced.

Step 2: Check the heating element

One common issue with ovens is a malfunctioning heating element. The heating element is responsible for heating the oven and if it’s faulty, the oven won’t be able to reach the desired temperature. To check if the heating element is faulty, you will need to visually inspect it for any cracks or breaks. If no breaks are visible, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test the leads on the element.  If you find any issues, the heating element will need to be replaced.

Step 3: Check the thermostat

Another issue that can cause an oven to stop working is a faulty thermostat or control board. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the oven’s temperature, so if it’s faulty, the oven won’t be able to maintain the desired temperature. To check if the thermostat is faulty, you will need to use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to each end of the thermostat. If there is no continuity, the thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced.  Testing a control board is more difficult and will require reading the wiring diagram of your specific oven.

Step 4: Inspect the igniter

If you have a gas oven, a faulty igniter can cause it to stop working. The igniter is responsible for lighting the gas to heat the oven, so if it’s faulty, the oven won’t be able to heat up. To check if the igniter is faulty, you will need to visually inspect it for any cracks or breaks. If no breaks are visible, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test the leads on the igniter.  If you find any issues, the igniter will need to be replaced.

Step 5: Clean the oven

Sometimes, an oven may stop working simply because it’s too dirty. A build-up of grease and grime can prevent the oven from working properly. To clean the oven, remove any loose debris and then apply an oven cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when using an oven cleaner.

Step 6: Call a professional

If you have checked all of the above steps and the oven still isn’t working, it may be time to call a professional. A professional repair technician will be able to diagnose the issue and repair the oven quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, repairing an oven can be a simple process if you know what you’re doing. By following the steps outlined above, you may be able to save yourself the cost of buying a new oven. However, if you’re unsure about any of the steps or if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s always best to call a professional.