Homeowners and businesses throughout North America are connected to Mr. Appliance® and other service brands from the Neighbourly family for repair and maintenance solutions. This includes addressing questions regarding home appliance repairs and maintenance. The following are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.
What should I do if my oven isn’t holding a consistent temperature?
There are several possible reasons why your oven temperature may be erratic.
Your oven’s temperature sensor, which functions as a thermostat, might be damaged or directly touching a wall that forms the interior of the oven cavity. Inconsistent temperatures might also be a sign that the oven needs to be recalibrated. Most oven models today feature adjustable electronic controls used for calibration.
Lastly, be sure that the oven door is closing (sealing) correctly, as an opening may allow heat to escape.
Are there any regular maintenance tips to keep my oven and stove in good working order?
Regularly cleaning your oven removes oil and stuck food debris that may generate smoke and pose fire risks. A clean oven will also operate more efficiently and ensure that heat is distributed correctly.
Many ovens have a self-cleaning feature—simply follow the manufacturer's instructions to use it. You can also clean the oven manually by applying an oven cleaner, letting it sit, and then rinsing it off.
Keep the burners on the stovetop clean to extend their life. For electric stoves, most of the burners are removable by lifting the coil and gently removing it from the socket. If needed, the burners can be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda or mild dish soap. Remove the drip pans and soak, wipe, rinse, and dry them.
For gas stoves, remove the grates and soak, scrub, rinse, and dry them before replacing them. Wipe the burner caps below clean with a scrubbing pad or sponge.
How can I tell if my oven igniter needs replacement?
If your gas oven fails to light, it may have a defective igniter. The igniter usually makes a clicking sound when it tries to ignite the gas. If you do not hear the clicking sound, the spark module, which powers the igniter, might be the cause of the problem.
Otherwise, check the burner caps to see if they are misaligned, which might be obstructing the spark needed to ignite the gas.
Can a technician provide both gas and electric oven repair?
Yes. If you start to notice signs of potential issues, a properly trained appliance service technician is typically experienced in both electric and gas oven repair and should have access to replacement parts for both types.
What causes my oven door to not close properly?
In some cases, an oven door may not close properly or seal completely when food gets stuck or other debris is in the way. If the door will not open after running a self-cleaning cycle, try unplugging the unit for a few minutes. The oven door latch may also stick or warp over time, or the door hinge may become misaligned and prevent proper closure.
Why does my gas stove make a clicking sound but won’t ignite?
The clicking sound you hear when turning on a gas stove is likely the electric igniter. A misaligned burner cap or dried food debris may be blocking the flow of gas to the igniter. Moisture from a spill might also prevent ignition, meaning that the burner cap needs to be removed to dry up the moisture.
Also, check your gas supply valve to ensure it was not inadvertently turned into the OFF position.
What should I do if my stovetop burner isn’t heating evenly?
For electric stove models with a glass top, look for any bubbles or cracks on the surface. In many cases, a glass stove top will need replacement.
After turning on a standard electric stove, a burner coil should heat up evenly as it receives the flow of electricity. In many cases, the burner is malfunctioning, and the contents of the pots or pans placed on top of it will not cook thoroughly. The first step involves simply switching out the burner with a different one from the stovetop by lifting the burners and loosening them from their sockets.
Closely inspect the socket for any built-up food debris or other material, and clean it using a damp towel. After installing the other burner, if the coil heats up evenly, then you will know that the existing burner simply needs to be replaced.
If the other burner also heats up unevenly, the problem might involve the infinite switch, which is linked to the knob used for turning on the burner. To ensure your oven or stove is properly repaired, promptly contact an electric oven and range repair technician for assistance.
How long does it typically take to repair an oven or stove?
Depending on the age and style of the oven, an oven or stove repair will usually take one or two hours. Keep in mind that a professional appliance technician will not take shortcuts when inspecting or diagnosing a faulty appliance. It is crucial to solve the problem properly and not move hastily, which could pose safety risks.
If a replacement part is needed to restore your oven or stove to normal operation, component availability might also affect the overall time of the oven repair.