The oven reaches very high temperatures to heat and cook the food inside. It is designed to withstand this temperature change for a very long time.
It thus has several resistances allowing heating according to a type of cooking chosen beforehand: the resistance of sole, vault, grill and convection heat. A propeller that will turn to heat the interior of the oven as a whole and diffuse the heat.
Oven cooking modes sometimes malfunction. In this case, it is first necessary to determine which mode is causing the problem in order to be able to test the various responsible components.
Many modern ovens come with a range of cooking modes such as bake, broil, convection bake, and more, each optimized for specific types of cooking or baking. However, these modes can sometimes malfunction or perform poorly, affecting your cooking results. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why your oven’s cooking modes might be working poorly and propose some potential solutions.
Disclaimer: Before attempting any troubleshooting or repair, always disconnect your oven from the power source for safety. If you are uncomfortable with any DIY fixes or if your oven is under warranty, it is recommended to seek help from a professional.
1. User Error
Before jumping to conclusions about your oven’s functioning, it’s important to ensure you’re using the correct cooking mode for the type of food you’re preparing. For example, the convection mode, which circulates hot air using a fan, is ideal for roasting and baking cookies but can lead to uneven baking in certain other recipes. Always consult your oven’s user manual to understand how to use each mode effectively.
2. Faulty Oven Sensor
The oven sensor works with the oven’s control board to regulate temperature, which in turn can affect how well each cooking mode functions. If the sensor is faulty, it could be sending incorrect temperature readings to the control board, causing overcooking or undercooking. A technician can test the sensor and replace it if necessary.
3. Malfunctioning Heating Elements
If your oven isn’t heating properly in certain modes, there could be an issue with the heating elements. For example, if your oven isn’t broiling, the top heating element (broiler) could be the problem. If it isn’t baking properly, the bottom heating element could be at fault. Heating elements can be visually inspected for damage and tested with a multimeter for continuity. Replace any malfunctioning elements.
4. Problems with the Convection Fan
In the convection mode, a fan circulates hot air for even cooking. If this fan is not functioning correctly, food may cook unevenly or take longer to cook. The fan could be blocked, or its motor could be faulty. If cleaning the fan doesn’t solve the issue, the motor may need replacement.
5. Issues with the Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the oven’s temperature. If it’s not working correctly, it could result in poor cooking results. The thermostat might need recalibration or replacement, tasks typically best left to professionals.
6. Control Board Malfunction
The control board governs the oven’s cooking modes. If it’s malfunctioning, it could impact how well each mode works. A faulty control board typically requires professional replacement.
CHECK OVEN RESISTANCE
A traditional oven is usually equipped with three resistors. The principle of verification is repeated for all resistors:
- vault resistance + grate
- rotating thermistor
- floor resistance
To test resistors:
- Disassemble the back of the oven to access the resistances.
- Set the multimeter to a range greater than 100 ohms (200 or 600 ohms).
- Position test leads at the ends of the resistance to be tested.
If you find a non-zero numerical value, the resistor is good. If your multimeter reads 1 or OL, the resistor is disabled and therefore bad.
In conclusion, a range of issues can cause your oven’s cooking modes to work poorly, from simple user errors to more complex problems with the oven’s components. Understanding these potential issues can help you troubleshoot problems and decide whether to attempt a DIY fix or call a professional. Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical appliances.
