When you repair appliances for a living, you get quite a few questions about common kitchen range problems. Understandably so, as ranges are an integral part of how we prepare our meals every day.
Below are some of the most common kitchen range problems and FAQs we get from customers.
Most Common Kitchen Range Problems Q & A
Q: My oven won’t heat. Why?
A: This may be the number one most common kitchen range problem. There are many reasons why your oven isn’t heating up or the oven temperature isn’t accurate. It is most commonly caused by a faulty igniter or bake element.
When the oven igniter fails, it won’t open the safety valve as it should. If you notice the igniter stays glowing for over a minute without the gas flame igniting, the igniter likely needs to be replaced.
In the cases of a faulty bake element, you’ll likely be able to notice visible damage to the element’s exterior. If it’s not glowing red and/or is blistering, this is a sign the bake element needs to be replaced.
In either of these cases (or you suspect a different problem), contact an oven repair technician near you.
Q: Should the oven door be left open while broiling?
A: The answer to this kitchen range question depends on the type of oven you have. You should leave the oven door open when broiling in an electric oven, but closed to broil in a gas oven.
Why? The higher temperature of a gas oven can cause excess smoke. Consult your owner’s manual to confirm your oven broiler’s specifications.
Q: How can I test if my range vent hood is working properly?
A: This can be done pretty easily, as all you’ll need is a sheet of paper. Make sure the stove burners are turned off and turn on the vent fan. Then hold the sheet of paper over the vent filter to see if it holds the paper in place or if it falls.
If it holds the paper in place, it’s probably working properly. If not, there’s a good chance your hood filter is clogged. Here is a great article on how to best clean it (from kitchn.com): How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood.
Q: My entire range isn’t working. What’s wrong with it?
A: If you range isn’t working at all, there is likely a problem with its power source. Make sure your range is plugged into the outlet snug and reset the circuit breaker if necessary.
If there is still no power to the range, it’s possible there’s a short in the plug (which needs to be replaced) or there’s a problem with the circuit breaker. At this point, it’s recommended you contact a qualified electrician for this common kitchen range problem.
Q: How do I clean my glass cooktop without scratching it?
A: Melissa Maker from the YouTube Channel “Clean My Space” provides very helpful step-by-step instructions on how to best do this (w/o using any harsh chemicals):
