Broken bake element
On electric ovens, the lower element can break or blister and stop heating.
Appliance problem guide
Oven Not Heating
An oven that will not heat usually has a failed bake element on electric models or a weak igniter on gas models.
Short answer
Check the oven setting, any timer or delay start, and on electric models look for a visibly broken bake element. On gas models, listen for the igniter and gas valve. If the oven still will not heat, a technician should test the element or igniter, sensor and controls.
For homeowners with a broken washer, dryer, oven, stove, cooktop or freezer. Not for refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, commercial appliances, parts orders or phone-only quotes.
What is usually behind it
Likely causes
The heat source and the temperature control work together. If either fails, the oven stays cold or heats poorly.
Weak gas igniter
On gas ovens, an igniter that glows but is weak may not open the gas valve.
Temperature sensor
A failing sensor can make the oven think it is already hot.
Control or setting
A timer, delay start or control lock setting can stop the oven from heating.
Safe first checks
What you can safely check first
- Make sure the oven is set to bake, not a timer or delay mode
- Look at the bake element for breaks or blisters with the oven cool
- On gas ovens, confirm the stovetop burners light, which shows gas is reaching the range
- Check the breaker for an electric range
- Place an oven thermometer inside to compare the temperature with the setting
Safety: gas and electrical work
If you smell gas, do not switch anything on or off and do not use a phone near the appliance. Leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Turn the breaker off before touching any part of an electric oven, and let it cool fully. Do not try to replace gas parts yourself.
When to call
When to call a technician
Call if the element is broken, if the gas igniter glows without the burner lighting, or if the oven heats far below the setting. Mention gas or electric, freestanding range or wall oven.
Related services
Services that cover this problem
Start with oven repair, part of stove, cooktop and oven repair.
Oven Repair
Ovens that will not heat, heat unevenly or will not turn on.
Stove, Cooktop and Oven Repair
Ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, gas or electric.
Markets and areas
Calling from your market
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Birmingham, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Huntsville, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Mobile, AL
Markets
Regional areas
A weak igniter can let a small amount of gas through before lighting fails. Turn the oven off. If the smell is strong or lingers, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.
That pattern often points to a failed bake element on electric ovens or a bake igniter on gas ovens. A technician can test the part.
Place an inexpensive oven thermometer in the center of the oven, set it to a known temperature and wait about 20 minutes. A large difference suggests a sensor or control problem.
Next step
Still not working after the safe checks?
Call to describe what the appliance is doing and get connected with an independent local provider.