If your oven isn’t heating properly or takes too long to reach the right temperature, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common appliance issues for homeowners in Victoria, BC, including Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, and Oak Bay.
When the oven doesn’t reach the set temperature, food cooks unevenly, stays raw in the middle, or takes twice as long — which can be frustrating. This guide explains why your oven isn’t reaching temperature, what you can safely check at home, and when to call a professional technician in Victoria.
Common Reasons an Oven Doesn’t Reach Temperature
1. Faulty Bake Element (Electric Ovens)
The bake element provides most of the heat inside an electric oven.
If it’s damaged, cracked, or not glowing red, the oven won’t reach high temperatures.
Signs:
Oven heats slowly
Uneven baking
Dark/burn spots on element
Element does not glow red
2. Weak or Failing Igniter (Gas Ovens)
For gas ovens, a weak igniter is the number one cause of low heat.
Symptoms:
Slow preheating
Weak flame
Clicking but no strong ignition
If the igniter doesn’t get hot enough, the gas valve won’t fully open — causing low heat output.
3. Temperature Sensor Problems
Modern ovens use a sensor to control heat.
If the sensor is bent, loose, or faulty, it gives false temperature readings.
Symptoms:
Oven preheats but stops early
Actual temperature much lower than display
Temperature fluctuates randomly
4. Oven Calibration Issues
Over time, ovens naturally drift and may need recalibration.
Your display may say 350°F, but the real temperature might be 320°F.
Many ovens allow calibration adjustments from the settings menu.
5. Damaged Oven Door Seal
If the gasket around the door is worn or cracked, heat escapes constantly.
Check for:
Torn or flattened rubber
Gaps between the door and oven frame
Heat escaping from corners
A weak seal stops the oven from reaching higher temperatures.
6. Faulty Thermostat or Control Board
If the thermostat or control board malfunctions, the oven may not send consistent heat.
This is a more complex issue and requires professional diagnosis.
Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try at Home
✔ 1. Check the Bake Element or Burner Flame
Electric: the bake element should glow evenly red.
Gas: flame should be strong and blue.
If not — the part may need replacing.
✔ 2. Use an Oven Thermometer
Place a thermometer in the center of the oven.
Preheat to 350°F and compare after 15–20 minutes.
If it’s more than 25°F off, there’s likely a sensor or calibration problem.
✔ 3. Inspect the Temperature Sensor
Look for the thin metal rod on the back oven wall.
Make sure it’s not touching racks or walls.
Bent or loose sensors give incorrect readings.
✔ 4. Check the Door Seal
Close the oven door on a piece of paper and try pulling it out.
If it slides out easily → your gasket needs replacement.
✔ 5. Avoid Opening the Door Too Often
Every time you open the oven door, heat drops significantly.
Use the oven light and window instead.
✔ 6. Try Recalibrating the Oven
Some ovens allow a ±5–30°F adjustment.
Check your user manual or settings menu.
Professional Oven Repair in Victoria, BC
If your oven still isn’t reaching temperature after these steps, it’s time to call a technician.
At Quick Fix Appliance Experts, we repair all major gas and electric ovens across Greater Victoria:
We fix:
Broken bake/broil elements
Weak igniters
Temperature sensor failures
Thermostat & control board issues
Worn door gaskets
Oven calibration issues
