Oven Won’t Heat Past 350: Reasons and Easy Solutions!

You’re ready to bake your favorite cookies, but your oven won’t heat past 350 degrees. It’s so annoying, right? This problem can mess up your baking plans. But don’t worry! You’re not alone, and it can be fixed.

If your oven won’t heat past 350 degrees, it can be frustrating. First, check if the temperature setting is correct. Make sure the oven is clean inside. Sometimes dirt can cause problems. Also, check the oven’s heating element to see if it’s working. If the heating element is broken, it needs to be replaced. Lastly, look at the oven’s thermostat. If it’s not working, it could be the reason your oven isn’t getting hotter.

This blog post will help you understand why your oven won’t go higher than 350 degrees. We’ll look at common reasons and give you simple steps to fix it. Whether you have an electric or gas oven, we’ve got tips for you.

Common Reasons Your Oven Won’t Heat Past 350

Faulty Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor checks how hot the oven is. If it is broken, the oven can’t tell if it is hot enough. This might stop the oven from heating past 350 degrees.

Heating Elements Problems

Ovens have heating elements at the top and bottom. These parts make the oven hot. If they are damaged, the oven won’t heat properly. Check them for any breaks or burns.

Control Board Issues

The control board tells the oven what to do. If it is not working right, the oven won’t heat up as it should. Look for any signs of damage on the control board, like burnt spots or loose wires.

Oven Door Seal

The oven door has a seal to keep the heat inside. If this seal is broken or worn out, heat can escape. This makes it hard for the oven to get hotter than 350 degrees.

Oven Calibration

Sometimes, the oven’s settings can be off. This is called calibration. If the oven is not calibrated correctly, it might not heat to the temperature you set. Follow your oven’s manual to fix the calibration.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue: Oven Won’t Heat Past 350

When your oven won’t heat past 350 degrees, you can follow these simple steps to find and fix the problem.

Check the Temperature Sensor

Locate the Sensor: The temperature sensor is usually at the back of the oven. Look for a thin metal rod sticking out. If you can’t find it, check your oven’s manual or look up the location for your specific model online.

Test the Sensor: Use a tool called a multimeter to check if the sensor is working. You can buy a multimeter at a hardware store. Set the multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Touch the sensor with the multimeter probes. If the reading is not within the expected range (usually around 1000-1100 ohms at room temperature), the sensor is broken.

Replace the Sensor: If the sensor is broken, you need to replace it. Unscrew it from the oven and put in a new one. Make sure to get the correct replacement part for your oven model, which you can find online or at an appliance store.

Inspect Heating Elements

Turn Off Power: Make sure the oven is off and unplugged to stay safe. If you can’t unplug the oven, turn off the circuit breaker that powers it.

Look for Damage: Check the heating elements at the top and bottom of the oven. They look like metal coils. Look for any breaks, burns, or other damage. If the elements are hidden, you might need to remove some screws or panels to access them.

Test with a Multimeter: If the elements look fine, test them with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to measure resistance (ohms) and touch the elements with the probes. If the reading shows no continuity (infinite resistance), the element is broken.

Replace Faulty Elements: If an element is broken, you need to replace it. Unscrew the element and put in a new one. Make sure to get the correct replacement part for your oven model.

Examine the Control Board

Access the Control Board: The control board is usually behind the oven’s control panel. You might need to remove some screws to get to it. Be sure to take pictures or make notes of the wiring connections before disconnecting anything.

Look for Damage: Check the control board for any burnt spots, loose wires, or other damage. If you see anything wrong, the control board might not be working properly.

Replace if Necessary: If the control board is damaged, you need to replace it. Be careful when handling electrical parts. If you’re not comfortable doing this, consider calling a professional technician.

Inspect the Oven Door Seal

Check for Gaps or Tears: The oven door has a rubber or silicone seal around the edge. Look closely at the seal for any gaps, tears, or signs of wear. If the seal is damaged, heat can escape from the oven, making it hard to reach higher temperatures.

Replace the Seal: If the seal is damaged, you need to replace it. Pull out the old seal by gently tugging it out of its groove. Push the new seal into the groove, making sure it fits snugly all the way around. You can find the right seal for your oven model online or at an appliance store.

Calibrate the Oven

Consult the Manual: Your oven’s manual should have instructions for calibration. Calibration means adjusting the oven to make sure it heats to the correct temperature. If you don’t have the manual, you can often find it online by searching for your oven model.

Adjust the Settings: Follow the manual’s steps to recalibrate the oven’s temperature. This usually involves pressing some buttons on the control panel and adjusting the temperature up or down by a few degrees. After calibration, test the oven with an oven thermometer to ensure it heats accurately.

Adding these details should help the reader or user better understand and follow each step in the troubleshooting and fixing process.

Are these Questions on Your Mind?

What should I do if my oven still won’t heat past 350 degrees after following all the steps?

If your oven still won’t heat past 350 degrees after you’ve checked and fixed the temperature sensor, heating elements, control board, door seal, and calibration, it might be time to call a professional technician.

There could be a deeper issue that requires expert knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your oven is safely and correctly repaired.

How often should I check the temperature sensor and heating elements?

It’s a good idea to check the temperature sensor and heating elements at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help you catch potential problems early before they cause your oven to stop heating properly. If you use your oven frequently, you might want to check these components every six months.

Can I use my oven if it won’t heat past 350 degrees?

You can still use your oven if it won’t heat past 350 degrees, but it will limit the types of dishes you can cook or bake. Many recipes require higher temperatures, and your food might not cook evenly or thoroughly at lower temperatures. It’s best to fix the issue to restore full functionality to your oven.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when fixing my oven?

Yes, always take safety precautions when fixing your oven. Make sure the oven is turned off and unplugged before you start any repairs. If you can’t unplug it, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the oven.

Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts or burns, and use tools carefully. If you’re not comfortable with electrical repairs, call a professional technician.

How do I know if my oven is calibrated correctly?

To check if your oven is calibrated correctly, place an oven thermometer inside and set the oven to a specific temperature, such as 350 degrees. After the oven preheats, check the thermometer.

If the temperature on the thermometer matches the oven setting, your oven is calibrated correctly. If there’s a significant difference, you might need to recalibrate the oven following the steps in the manual.

What type of multimeter should I use for testing my oven’s components?

Any basic digital multimeter that measures resistance (ohms) will work for testing your oven’s components. You can find multimeters at most hardware stores or online.

When using the multimeter, follow the instructions carefully and make sure the oven is unplugged to avoid any electrical hazards.