If your convection oven doesn’t heat up the way it should you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many homeowners face. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to identify the root causes and provide actionable solutions.
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Convection Oven Doesn’t Heat Up – Common Causes and Solutions
When your convection oven doesn’t heat up, the inconvenience can disrupt your cooking plans and even your entire day. A malfunctioning oven is a common issue that can arise due to a variety of reasons. By identifying the root cause, you can take informed steps to resolve the problem. Below are the three main causes you should investigate:
Heating Element
A frequent reason your convection oven doesn’t heat up is due to a defective heating element. The heating element is a coil or a rod that heats up when electricity passes through it. To determine whether this is the issue, you should conduct a thorough examination:
Unplug the Oven: Safety comes first. Always ensure the oven is switched off and unplugged from the power source before beginning any checks.
Locate the Heating Element: Open the oven’s door and identify the heating element. This is often a circular rod at the bottom or top of the oven cavity.
Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of damage like burns, breaks, or discoloration. If you see any of these signs, it’s a strong indicator that the heating element is faulty.
Physical Examination: Use a non-metallic tool to gently prod the element. If it feels fragile or crumbles easily, this is another indication that it’s time for a replacement.
Replace the Heating Element: If you’ve determined that the heating element is faulty, the next step is to replace it. Generally, this involves unscrewing the brackets holding it in place and disconnecting the wires. Once removed, install the new heating element by reversing the removal process. Plug the oven back in and test to see if the issue is resolved.
If your convection oven doesn’t heat up still, keep reading.
Read more convection oven topics here – Convection Oven: Your Ultimate Guide
Thermostat
Another issue that can cause your convection oven to not heat up is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat regulates the oven’s temperature and, if it’s not working correctly, your oven won’t heat up as it should. Here’s how to test it:
Safety Measures: Unplug the oven before starting any testing.
Access the Thermostat: Usually, the thermostat is located behind the back panel or beneath the oven control knob. You’ll typically need to unscrew a few screws to gain access.
Prepare the Multimeter: Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms scale.
Test the Thermostat: Touch the multimeter probes to the terminals on the thermostat. A functioning thermostat should display a reading of zero or close to zero. If it doesn’t, your thermostat is faulty and needs replacement.
Replace if Necessary: To replace the thermostat, remove it from its housing by unscrewing any securing screws and disconnecting the wires. Install the new thermostat, reconnect the wires, and screw it back into its housing. Test the oven to confirm the issue is resolved.
If your convection oven doesn’t heat up after replacing the thermostat, keep reading.
Internal Wiring
Lastly, issues with internal wiring can cause your convection oven to not heat up. Damaged or disconnected wires can disrupt the flow of electricity to the heating elements or thermostat.
Safety First: Unplug the oven from the electrical outlet.
Open the Back Panel: Use a screwdriver to remove screws securing the oven’s back panel. The rear panel is usually held with Philips head screws.
Inspect the Wiring: Look for any loose connections, frayed wires, or disconnected components.
Make Necessary Repairs: If you find any issues, either reconnect the loose connections or replace damaged wires by splicing in a new piece. You might need wire strippers and electrical tape or connectors to complete this task. If you are not sure of how to do this, do not hesitate to contact a technician.
Final Testing: After completing any repairs, replace the back panel, plug in the oven, and test it to ensure it’s now working correctly.
If your convection doesn’t heat up even after checking all the components, contact a technician.
Convection Oven Doesn’t Heat Up: Conclusion
Your convection oven is an indispensable part of your kitchen, and when it does not heat up, it’s a serious inconvenience. By systematically checking the heating element, the thermostat, and internal wiring, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. If you’ve tried all these steps and your convection oven doesn’t heat up, it may be time to consult a professional.