Whether it’s brand new or years old, there may come a time when you find your oven temperature not accurate. Why is my oven not getting up to temperature? A failed bake element is often the cause. If you notice visible damage like blistering or breakage, it requires replacement. Learn how to troubleshoot an inaccurate oven temperature and recognize the telltale signs it’s no longer exact. 

How to Tell if Your Oven Temperature Isn’t Accurate

Oven temperature issues often mask themselves as cooking mistakes. But before you blame your culinary skills, knowing what to look for can identify the real problem and solution.

These signs are often present when you find your oven temperature not accurate:

  • Food takes longer to cook than the recipe, or prior cooking times, suggest.
  • Meals are under or overdone when cooked to the set time.
  • Cakes and other baked goods are lopsided or not cooked throughout.

Oven Temperature Not Accurate? Follow These Troubleshooting Tips

It can be hard to know where to start when you find your oven temperature not accurate. These common causes detail how to identify and solve the problem.

Heating Element Has Failed

Located in the base of electric ovens, the main heating element is a metal coil that provides most of the oven’s heat. A properly functioning heating element will have an uninterrupted red glow and provide steady, even heating.

If this element fails, you’ll find your oven not heating up enough, as only the broil element above will be providing heat. You may also notice visible signs of damage on the heating element, such as breaks, blistering, or interruptions in its red glow. If it shows a lack of continuity with multimeter testing, you must replace heating element to restore oven function.

oven temperature not accurateIgniter Isn’t Working

Why is my oven temperature not right even after it preheats? In gas ovens, the igniter uses an electrical current to open the gas valve, allowing gas to flow and ignite the burner. The igniter continues opening the valve throughout the cooking process to allow gas to flow and maintain the oven’s set temperature.

Over time, the igniter can weaken to the point where it can’t repeatedly open the gas valve. When this happens, the oven won’t maintain a steady temperature and food will likely be undercooked. In this case, the igniter requires replacement.

Broil Element is Burned Out

The broil element is located at the top of an electric oven’s interior and functions much like the main heating element at the bottom. While the broil element provides some heat when baking and roasting, the main function is to broil food through direct heat on the broil setting.

If the broil element burns out, foods will likely be underdone on the top from the lack of heat. There will also be the same visible signs, such as breaks, blisters, or interruptions in the element’s red glow. A lack of continuity with multimeter testing can confirm that the broil element needs to be replaced.

How to Calibrate Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat senses the oven’s temperature fluctuations, cycling the heat on when it gets too low. Sometimes, the thermostat isn’t calibrated correctly and needs to be adjusted to better reflect the oven’s actual temperature. 

Are you wondering, “how do I calibrate my oven temperature control thermostat?” Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the exact directions for your model oven. Most can be adjusted up to 35℉ by changing the temperature in 5-10 degree increments.

Appliance and A/C Parts Today can help when you find your oven temperature not accurate. Visit us to find what you need for fast repair!