Oven Not Heating or Not Reaching Temperature
When the oven won't heat — or heats weakly and never reaches temperature — the cause differs between gas and electric, but both come down to a common, replaceable part. Here is how to diagnose it.
Electric Oven: The Bake Element
Look at the curved bake element on the oven floor while it preheats. A working element glows bright orange evenly. If it stays dark, has a visible break, or has a blistered/burned spot, it has failed. The bake element is the most common electric-oven no-heat cause and is an easy, inexpensive DIY swap (two screws and two wires, power off).
Gas Oven: The Igniter
A weak igniter is the number-one gas-oven no-heat cause. The igniter is supposed to glow hot enough to open the gas valve and light the burner. If it glows but takes more than 90 seconds, or glows weakly, it is too weak to open the valve and the oven won't light (or lights very late). A glow-bar igniter that does not glow at all has failed. Either way, replace the igniter.
Both: Check the Temperature Sensor
If the oven heats but never reaches the set temperature or runs way off, the oven temperature sensor (RTD) may be faulty — test it (about 1080 ohms at room temp). See our oven sensor testing guide. A miscalibrated oven can also just need a calibration offset adjustment in the settings.
Broiler Works But Bake Doesn't (or Vice Versa)
If one element works and the other does not, that confirms a failed element (electric) — the working one proves the oven has power and a functioning control. Replace the dead element.
Parts & Tools
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FAQ
On an electric oven, usually a failed bake element (it won't glow or is visibly broken). On a gas oven, usually a weak igniter that no longer opens the gas valve. Both are common, replaceable parts.
Watch it during ignition. If it glows weakly or takes more than about 90 seconds, it is too weak to open the gas valve and needs replacing — even if it still glows.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.