Common Stove and Oven Problems We Fix

Cooking appliances can fail in a multitude of ways. Issues can range from simple mechanical failures to complex electronic glitches. Regardless of the symptom, our team has the experience to diagnose and resolve it. We use a systematic troubleshooting approach to identify the root cause of the problem. Below are some of the most common issues we repair for homeowners in Lynn.

Oven Won’t Heat Up

The most fundamental purpose of an oven is to generate heat. When it fails to do so, it becomes a glorified storage box. For electric ovens, this is often caused by a burnt-out bake element. Over time, the heating element can blister and break, breaking the electrical circuit. It could also be a failure of the igniter in a gas oven. Gas igniters must reach a specific temperature to open the gas safety valve; if they are weak, the gas will never release. We test both elements and igniters to determine the failure point. We also inspect the infinite switches and control boards that regulate the power flow to the heating components.

Burners Won’t Light (Gas)

A gas burner that clicks but never lights is a common frustration. This issue is frequently caused by a clogged burner porthole or a misaligned burner cap, which disrupts the gas flow. It can also be a failure of the spark module or the spark electrode itself. If the ceramic insulation on the electrode is cracked, the spark may arc to the chassis instead of the burner. We clean and inspect the burner assembly to ensure proper gas flow. We test the ignition system to verify that a strong spark is being generated at the correct location.

Electric Burner Won’t Heat

On an electric range, a surface element that stays cold is usually due to one of three things: a bad element, a faulty receptacle, or a broken switch. Coil elements can burn out internally, or their contacts can become corroded. The receptacle block where the element plugs in can also melt or arc, preventing a solid connection. In some cases, the infinite switch behind the control knob fails to send power to the element. We inspect the physical condition of the element and the receptacle. We use a multimeter to trace the voltage from the switch to the burner to identify the break in the circuit.

Oven Temperature is Inaccurate

If your cookies are burning on the bottom or your roast is taking twice as long as usual, your oven temperature is likely inaccurate. This can be caused by a drifting temperature sensor or a thermostat that has lost its calibration. In older ovens, the sensing bulb may have shifted or been damaged. In modern digital ovens, the electronic control board reads the resistance of the sensor to determine the temperature; if the sensor is out of spec, the board will be misled. We use precision digital thermometers to measure the actual internal temperature and compare it to the set point. We can then recalibrate the control or replace the faulty sensor.

Oven Door Won’t Close or Open

The oven door is a critical safety component. It keeps the heat inside and protects your kitchen cabinets. If the door will not close properly, heat escapes, leading to uneven cooking and wasted energy. This is often caused by worn hinges or broken door springs. Conversely, if the door is stuck locked after a self-clean cycle, it is usually a failure of the door lock motor or latch assembly. We carefully disassemble the door to replace hinges and springs. We also troubleshoot the lock mechanism to release a stuck door without damaging the appliance.

Glass Cooktop is Cracked or Damaged

Glass ceramic cooktops are sleek and efficient, but they are also prone to physical damage. Dropping a heavy pot can crack the surface. A crack is not just a cosmetic issue; it allows liquid to seep into the high-voltage components below, creating a shock hazard. We can replace the glass main top assembly on most major brands. We ensure that the radiant elements underneath are correctly positioned and that all seals are watertight before reinstalling the unit.

Self-Clean Function Not Working

The self-clean cycle uses extremely high temperatures to burn off food residue. If this feature is not working, it can be due to a faulty door lock assembly or a problem with the temperature control thermostat. Safety features prevent the cycle from starting if the door cannot be securely locked. We test the lock motor and the switches that signal the door position. We also check the high-limit thermal fuse, which is designed to cut power if the oven gets too hot, to ensure it has not nuisance tripped.