Overheating oven is one of the most common problems that owners of ovens and our clients face. When working correctly, the appliance should maintain the right temperature, but often it happens that baked goods come out raw inside and burnt and dried out on the outside, and sometimes there is even a burning smell. The reasons for this issue can be simple, such as a worn-out door seal. But there are also serious breakdowns of the thermostat or the control board. In this article, we will go over the main reasons why the oven overheats. Learn more about our range stove and oven repair services:
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Reasons Why the Oven Is Overheating
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Faulty Thermostat
The function of the thermostat is to control the level of heating in the oven. When the temperature reaches the required value, the thermostat sends a signal and then turns the heating off. When the thermostat is not working correctly, the temperature is either measured incorrectly, or it doesn’t “feel” it at all. As a result, the oven does not stop heating, and the temperature can exceed the normal range by dozens of degrees. Why does this happen? The main reasons are wear and tear of parts over time, calibration failure of the thermostat, and damage to the contact group.
Solution
- You need to check the part with a multimeter, you should see a specific resistance
- The exact value is always better to check in the service documentation for your oven model or on the marking of the sensor/thermostat itself
- If the readings do not match the documentation, the part must be replaced
- Make sure, if you have experience and knowledge in this area, that the new thermostat is installed in the right position and securely fastened
Pro Tip:
If you don’t have enough experience in repairing ovens, we advise not to try calibrating the old thermostat yourself, usually replacing it with a new part will be faster and more reliable.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
The upper and lower heating elements are the main oven heaters. The bottom one is used for baking, the top one — for browning and in grill mode. If the coil is damaged, they can work incorrectly: either heating unevenly or heating too much. Uneven heating, in turn, creates the effect of overheating in certain zones. Possible causes of heating element failure: burnt out or deformed coil, mechanical damage during cleaning, corrosion due to moisture.
Solution
- Carefully inspect the heating elements for cracks or burnt areas
- If you see sparks when turned on, that also indicates a problem
- Next, you need to check the integrity of the circuit with a tester (if you know how to use it)
- It may be that one or more elements will need to be replaced. A technician can tell you this after inspection
- Replacing a heating element is a fairly simple procedure for a professional appliance repair specialist
Pro Tip:
If you notice sparks or a burning smell during oven operation, immediately turn off the appliance and do not use it until it is repaired.
Temperature Sensor Problems
The temperature sensor measures the heat while the oven is operating and transmits this data to the control board. If the temperature sensor is faulty, the oven doesn’t know how hot it is. As a result, it overheats, reaching values far above normal. Possible reasons for such problems are overheating due to long use and damaged wiring.
Solution
- You need to check the sensor with a multimeter. The resistance value should change with temperature changes. Check the documentation for your appliance for the proper range
- Replace the sensor if the readings do not meet the standards
- Also make sure the wires are securely connected and not damaged
Pro Tip:
For replacement, choose only original spare parts that are compatible with your specific oven model to avoid appliance errors.
Blocked Oven Vent
The ventilation system in the oven serves to remove excess hot air. If air circulation is disrupted due to vent holes being clogged with grease, dirt, or food residue, the temperature inside the oven exceeds normal. Accordingly, the oven begins to overheat regularly. Causes of blockages include: infrequent or poor cleaning, foreign objects, and the use of overly aggressive cleaning agents.
Solution
- Regularly check the vent opening for dirt
- If you find any, clean the vent with a sponge and a soft brush
- If deposits are too heavy or hard and don’t clean off with just a sponge, use special oven cleaners
Pro Tip:
Clean the vent at least once every 2 months, especially if you often cook fatty foods.
Damaged Door Seal
If the rubber gasket located around the edge of the door is worn out or damaged, the sensors register insufficient heating. That’s because the heat escapes outside. As a result, the system forces the heating elements to work harder. This is what causes overheating. Reasons for damage to the door gasket: wear and tear over time, damage by sharp objects (for example, during cleaning), or the door not closing tightly.
Solution
- First visually inspect the entire gasket
- If you find gaps, cracks, holes — it must be replaced
- Make sure the door itself is not skewed and closes tightly
Pro Tip:
A simple test — close a piece of paper in the oven door. If it slips out easily — it’s time to replace the gasket.
Malfunctioning Control Board
The control board is the “brain” of the oven. It receives signals from the sensors and regulates the work of the heating elements. If the board fails, the oven stops controlling the temperature properly and may overheat. Possible causes of control board failure: moisture on the contacts, power surges, burnt out parts of the microcircuit.
Solution
- Visually inspect the oven board for damage or burn marks
- Check the power and circuits with a multimeter, if you have one
- For serious breakdowns — we recommend replacing the board completely
Pro Tip:
Working with the control board requires experience and special equipment, so it’s better to trust the repair to professionals.
Repair Cost
| Thermostat repairing or replacing | $180-$300 |
| Heating element repairing or replacing | $280-$345 |
| Temperature sensor replacing | $250-$290 |
| Oven vent cleaning | $170-$250 |
| Door seal replacing | $180-$270 |
| Control board repairing or replacing | $250-$390 |
The price of fixing an oven varies based on its brand, specific model, and how difficult it is to identify and repair the issue. If you’re experiencing issues with your stove or oven, our appliance repair Tampa team is ready to help with fast and reliable service.
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If your oven is running too hot and causing food to burn or cook unevenly, our skilled technicians can fix the issue quickly and effectively. We specialize in diagnosing overheating problems and restoring your appliance to safe, proper operation. Reach out by phone or through our online form to schedule your repair today.
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6 Comments
I think the door of my oven doesn’t close tightly. Can I check the condition of the seal myself?
Hi Colton! Yes, you can. Do a simple “paper test” — place a sheet of paper in the door and close it. If the paper slides out easily, the seal is worn out and should be replaced. Also, look for cracks, gaps, or damage along the rubber gasket. If you see any, it’s best to install a new seal.
Can I test if the thermostat is working without a multimeter?
Hi Spencer! Without a multimeter, it’s hard to get accurate results. But you can do a basic check: set your oven to a specific temperature (for example, 350°F), then use an oven thermometer placed inside. If the oven keeps heating far above the set temperature, your thermostat may be faulty. Still, for a precise diagnosis, a multimeter or a professional technician is recommended.
While using my Whirlpool oven, I often smell a burning odor. How dangerous is this?
Hi Miles! A burning smell can be serious. It might be caused by food or grease buildup, but it can also indicate a damaged heating element, burning wires, or an electrical issue. If the smell is strong, metallic, or smoky, unplug the oven and stop using it until it’s checked by a technician. Continuing to run it could risk fire or electrical damage.
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