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Oven not heating: safe checks for electric and gas ovens

Before you assume the worst, rule out a locked control, a delayed start or a tripped breaker. Here's what you can safely check, and where to stop.

Updated · 6 min read

You set the oven, wait for it to preheat, and nothing happens. Or it runs for a while and the inside is barely warm. A cold oven can wreck dinner plans, but the cause is sometimes a setting rather than a broken part.

Modern ovens have features like control locks, delayed starts and store display modes that can make a working oven look broken. We'll rule those out first, then check power, and then look at the parts you can safely see. Plan on 15 to 30 minutes.

Gas ovens have a firm limit on what you should do yourself. You can check the gas valve and the plug. Anything beyond that belongs to a professional.

What you'll need

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Not sure of your model? See how to find your appliance model number.

Check the settings and the door

Whirlpool lists these as common reasons an oven powers on but won't heat:

  1. Control lock. Look for a lock symbol or "Control Lock" on the display. On many models, you hold the lock button for about 3 seconds to turn it off. Your manual has the exact steps.
  2. Delayed start. If someone set a delay or timed bake, the oven waits before heating. Press Cancel or Off, then start a regular bake.
  3. Demo mode. Some ovens have a showroom mode where the display works but nothing heats. Your manual explains how to turn it off.
  4. Door not closed. The elements won't heat if the door isn't fully shut. Check for a rack or pan keeping it open.
  5. Setting not confirmed. Some models, like many LG ranges, cancel the temperature you entered if you don't press Start soon after.

Try a plain bake at 350°F. After 10 minutes or so, carefully open the door and feel for heat.

Check the power

Electric ovens

Electric ovens and ranges usually run on a large double-wide breaker labeled "range" or "oven." A partly tripped breaker can leave the clock and lights working while the oven doesn't heat.

  1. Find the breaker. Our guide on reading your breaker panel can help.
  2. Reset it. Push it firmly off, then back on. See how to reset a tripped breaker.
  3. Test again. If the breaker trips again when you turn on the oven, Whirlpool recommends professional help. Don't keep resetting it.

Gas ovens

Gas ovens still plug into a standard outlet to run the controls and the igniter. Make sure the plug is firmly in the wall and the outlet's breaker isn't tripped. LG says the range should be plugged straight into the outlet, never into an extension cord.

Next, check the gas valve. Whirlpool and LG both note that the oven won't heat if the gas valve is closed, which can happen after the range is pulled out for cleaning. The valve is on the gas line behind the range. It's open when the handle lines up with the pipe. If the handle sits across the pipe, the valve is closed.

If the valve is open and the oven still won't light, stop there. Don't adjust fittings, igniters or anything else on the gas system.

Look at the bake element (electric ovens)

On many electric ovens, the bake element is the thick metal loop on the oven floor. Some newer ovens hide it under a smooth floor panel, so you won't see it.

  1. Turn off the breaker and let the oven cool. Confirm power is off with a non-contact voltage tester near the oven's control area.
  2. Take out the racks.
  3. Inspect the element with a flashlight. Look for cracks, a break, or a bubbled or melted spot.
  4. Don't use the oven if the element is damaged. A damaged element needs to be replaced.

An element can also fail without any visible sign. If yours looks fine but the oven won't heat in bake mode, a technician can test it. Replacement elements are model-specific. If you're handy and want to do it yourself, follow your model's service instructions with the breaker off. Otherwise, it's a fairly routine job for a repair technician.

While you're in there, look at the thin temperature sensor sticking out from the back wall. Whirlpool notes that if it gets bumped out of position, the oven may not heat properly. Don't bend it hard. If it looks crooked, mention it to the technician.

Oven heats, but not enough?

If the oven warms up but food takes too long, place an oven thermometer on the center rack and preheat to 350°F. Whirlpool says a difference of 15°F or more can often be adjusted using your manual's calibration steps. A difference near 100°F is a reason to call for service instead.

When to call a pro

Stop and call for help if:

  • You smell gas at any time. Leave first, then call the gas company or 911 from outside.
  • A gas oven won't light, clicks without lighting, or the igniter doesn't glow. Gas parts should only be handled by a licensed professional.
  • The breaker trips again after you reset it.
  • The bake element is cracked, broken or sparking.
  • You see scorch marks, smell burning wires or see an error code your manual says needs service.
  • You rent. Let your landlord know before any repair.

Read how to choose an appliance repair technician, or take our fix it or call a pro quiz.

Keep it from happening again

  • Wipe up spills on the oven floor so they don't bake onto the element.
  • Keep an oven thermometer inside and check it now and then.
  • Learn how your control lock and delay start work so they don't surprise you.
  • After moving the range to clean, check that the gas valve is open and the cord isn't pinched.
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm if you have any gas appliances.

Common questions

Why is my oven display on but the oven won't heat?

Common causes are a control lock, a delayed start that's waiting to begin, a demo mode, or a door that isn't fully closed. Whirlpool notes that the elements won't heat with the door open. Check your owner's manual for how to clear each setting.

How can I tell if my oven's bake element is bad?

On ovens with an exposed element on the oven floor, look for cracks, breaks or a melted spot. An element can also fail without visible damage, so a technician may need to test it.

My gas oven won't heat. Can I fix it myself?

You can check that the gas valve behind the range is open and that the range is plugged in. Leave igniters, gas valves and gas lines to a licensed professional. If you smell gas, leave the house and call from outside.

My oven heats, but food comes out underdone. What's wrong?

Your oven temperature may be off. Whirlpool suggests checking with an oven thermometer on the center rack. Your manual may explain how to adjust it, and a large difference is a reason to call for service.

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