Electric Oven Problems: Common Issues, Fixes, and When to Call a Pro

When your electric oven, a household appliance that uses electrical current to generate heat for cooking. Also known as electric range, it's one of the most relied-on tools in the kitchen. stops working, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can throw off your whole week. Unlike gas ovens, electric models don’t have pilot lights or gas lines, so when they fail, the problem usually lies in the electrical components. The most common issue? A heating element, the coil inside the oven that glows red-hot to generate heat. If it’s cracked, burnt out, or loose, your oven won’t reach temperature—or won’t heat at all. You might notice uneven baking, longer cook times, or just cold air blowing out. Replacing it isn’t always expensive, but it does require safety steps you can’t skip.

Another frequent culprit is the thermostat, the sensor that tells the oven when to turn on or off to maintain the set temperature. If it’s off by even 25 degrees, your cookies burn or your roast stays raw. Many people assume the oven is broken when it’s just the thermostat misreading. Then there’s the control board, the digital brain that manages power to all oven functions. A glitch here can make the oven display errors, lock up, or refuse to turn on—even if the power’s fine. And don’t forget the oven door seal, the rubber gasket that keeps heat from escaping. A worn seal doesn’t break the oven, but it makes it work harder, raising your energy bill and slowing cooking times.

Before you call someone, check the basics: Is the circuit breaker tripped? Did you accidentally turn off the oven’s power at the wall? Is the timer set to auto mode? These simple fixes solve more problems than you’d think. If the element looks damaged or the oven won’t heat past a certain point, you’re likely looking at a part replacement. Most electric oven repairs cost under £150 if it’s just the element or thermostat. But if the control board is fried or the oven is over 12 years old, replacement often makes more sense. You’ll find real cost breakdowns, step-by-step checks, and honest advice on whether to fix or replace in the posts below. No fluff. Just what actually happens when your oven stops working—and how to handle it without overpaying or risking safety.