Burned cookies or underdone roasts may be easy to blame on the chef, but repeated cooking problems usually signify uneven baking. So what are the most common causes for an electric oven not baking evenly?
We’ll troubleshoot the most likely problems and solutions from a faulty bake or broil element to a malfunctioning oven control board.
What to Do For an Electric Oven Not Baking Evenly
So, what do you do when your oven cooks unevenly? Typically there are just three common reasons. We’ll discuss how to diagnose each problem and recommend a fast solution.
Burned Out Bake Element
One of the most common reasons for an electric oven not baking evenly is a burned-out bake element. When you select the bake function, it signals an electrical current to run to the bake element at the bottom of the oven. Then, if the element heats properly, it will glow bright red, giving off a steady heat to cook food with the broil element above.
However, if your oven doesn’t bake evenly from a faulty bake element, foods are typically cooked on top but remain underdone on the bottom. You may also notice visible damage in the element, such as breaks or blistering. If the bake element shows these signs or exhibits a lack of continuity with multimeter testing, it needs to be replaced.
Burned Out Broil Element
Similarly, a burned out broil element can also be responsible when your electric oven bakes unevenly. The broil element is located at the top of the oven and is the only source of heat used when broiling foods. However, the broil element also heats up when the bake function is selected to provide a secondary source of heat.
If you find your electric oven not baking evenly these common signs indicate broil element malfunctions:
- Food is cooked on the bottom but remains underdone on top.
- The element provides uneven heat, or no heat at all when the broil function is selected.
- Visible damage likes breaks or blistering is evident.
- Multimeter testing reveals a lack of continuity.
If any of these signs are evident, the broil element requires replacement.
Faulty Oven Control Board
An oven control board works with other devices, like the sensor and thermostat, to regulate the oven’s temperature. However, if the control board doesn’t read the sensor’s signals correctly, it can result in uneven oven temperature. This can leave food under or overcooked or cause bake times that are longer or shorter than a recipe recommends.
Sometimes, the control board can be recalibrated to improve its accuracy.
Calibrate Oven Temperature
Wondering how do I calibrate my oven temperature? We recommend referring to your user manual for specific instructions. The control board can usually be calibrated up to 35°F to reflect a more accurate temperature. If recalibrating still leaves you with inaccurate oven temperatures, then the control board may need to be replaced.
Whether you have an electric oven not baking evenly or not baking at all, the team at Maughanster Appliance Repair can help. Call us for professional solutions to fix a broken oven.
