Common Oven Problems (and When to Call in a Professional)

Your oven is one of the most-used appliances in your kitchen — and when it stops working properly, it disrupts everything from midweek meals to weekend roasts. While some issues may seem minor, many oven problems are signs of deeper faults that can escalate quickly if ignored.

At The Repair Master, we’ve been repairing ovens, cookers, and hobs across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey for years. Whether it’s gas, LPG, electric, induction, or ceramic, we’ve seen (and fixed) it all. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common oven problems, what causes them, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

1. The Oven Won’t Heat Up

One of the most frustrating issues is an oven that doesn’t heat at all — or not enough to cook your food properly. This can be caused by:

• A faulty heating element (common in electric ovens)

• A broken thermostat, which fails to regulate temperature

• A gas ignition problem or blocked burner (in gas ovens)

• Faulty wiring or blown fuses

If your oven is consistently underheating or not heating at all, it’s best to stop using it and book a professional inspection. Continuing to run a faulty unit could damage internal components or pose a safety risk.

2. Uneven Cooking or Hot Spots

Is one side of your roast chicken always undercooked while the other side burns? Uneven heat distribution can ruin your meals — and it usually indicates:

• A damaged fan or fan motor (in fan-assisted ovens)

• A misaligned or failing element

• A faulty thermostat that doesn’t read temperature correctly

This isn’t just annoying — it could lead to undercooked food, which poses a health risk. The Repair Master can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue to restore even, reliable cooking.

3. Gas Smell When Using the Oven

If you smell gas when turning on your oven, stop immediately, ventilate the room, and do not attempt to fix it yourself. This could be due to:

• A faulty ignition system

• A damaged gas valve or connector

• A leak in the gas supply line

This is a serious safety issue that requires urgent attention from a Gas Safe registered engineer. Our team is fully qualified to handle natural gas and LPG repairs, with fast response times across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey.

4. Oven Door Not Closing Properly

If your oven door won’t seal shut, heat escapes — making your appliance inefficient and your energy bills higher. Common causes include:

• Worn-out door seals or hinges

• Warped frames or misaligned doors

• Broken latches or glass panels

Our technicians carry replacement parts for most major brands, including Aga, Rangemaster, and Falcon, so we can fix this quickly on-site.

5. Error Codes on Digital Displays

Modern ovens often display error codes when something goes wrong. These codes vary by brand but often indicate issues like:

• Thermostat failure

• Sensor malfunction

• Electrical fault

• Locked controls

If you’re unsure what your oven’s error code means, don’t guess — call The Repair Master. We have experience with most leading manufacturers and can interpret codes accurately, saving you time and hassle.

6. Burning Smells or Smoke

If your oven produces a burning smell (and it’s not from spilled food), it could be:

• A short circuit

• A burning wire or component

• An overheating fan or motor

In rare cases, these symptoms can precede electrical fires or total unit failure. Always unplug your oven and contact a repair professional immediately.

When to Call The Repair Master

While some oven issues may seem minor, they can point to serious faults or lead to dangerous outcomes if left unaddressed. As a rule of thumb, call us if:

• Your oven or hob smells of gas

• You experience repeated electrical tripping

• Heat is inconsistent or unreliable

• You see error codes or hear unusual noises

• You’re using a high-end or multi-brand oven that needs specialist care

We repair gas, LPG, and electric ovens, as well as induction and ceramic hobs, and we cover Sussex, Kent, and Surrey with fast, friendly service.

Final Thoughts

Oven problems are more than just inconvenient — they can be dangerous or costly if ignored. Knowing when to call a professional is key to keeping your kitchen running smoothly and safely.

At The Repair Master, we’re proud to offer expert diagnostics and repairs on all major oven brands. From Aga and Rangemaster to everyday multi-brand appliances, we’ve got the tools, training, and experience to get the job done right.

Need help with your oven?
Book your repair today at https://therepairmaster.co.uk or call us for expert advice and fast service.