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OVEN & HOB FAULTS

Oven Not Heating

An oven that does not heat may have a failed element, thermostat, selector switch, safety cut-out, wiring fault or loss of supply.

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Isolate electrical power and stop immediately if gas is smelled

Ovens and hobs combine mains electricity, high temperatures and, on gas appliances, combustible fuel. Do not dismantle while energised or continue using an appliance that trips, sparks, smells burnt or leaks gas.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Heating element failed The bake, grill or fan element may be open-circuit.
Thermostat or sensor fault The oven may not call for heat correctly.
Selector switch fault The chosen function may not energise the element.
Supply problem A cooker switch, fuse or circuit fault may remove power.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact heating, ignition or control pattern. ⌄
  • Oven light works but no heat
  • Only grill works
  • Only one function heats
  • Temperature never rises
  • Display is blank or intermittent
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before removing panels. ⌄
  1. Note which function or zone fails.
  2. Check the appliance lock, timer and selected mode.
  3. Confirm the cooker isolator and breaker are on.
  4. Look for visible element, seal or burner damage.
  5. Isolate before touching internal parts.
If the issue is a setting or obstruction: operation should return immediately.
If there is tripping, gas smell or internal failure: stop and call the appropriate engineer.
1 Step 1 — Confirm the selected function Isolate the appliance before removing covers or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

Choose a normal cooking mode and set a clear temperature.

Success looks like: The oven begins heating.
Escalate when: No response suggests a component or supply fault.
2 Step 2 — Check the cooker supply Isolate the appliance before removing covers or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

Confirm the isolator is on and no breaker has tripped.

Success looks like: Power is restored.
Escalate when: Repeated tripping requires electrical testing.
3 Step 3 — Look for obvious element damage Isolate the appliance before removing covers or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

With power isolated, inspect accessible elements for splits or blistering.

Success looks like: A visibly failed element is identified.
Escalate when: Internal testing should be done by a competent engineer.
⌁ Common causes explained Why oven and hob faults develop. ⌄

An oven that does not heat may have a failed element, thermostat, selector switch, safety cut-out, wiring fault or loss of supply.

The affected function is the strongest clue. A single failed mode points toward one element, ring or switch, while a total loss of operation suggests supply, control or safety-device faults.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Engineer checks and repair work. ⌄
  • Test element resistance and insulation.
  • Check thermostat or temperature sensor.
  • Inspect selector switch contacts.
  • Test thermal cut-out.
  • Verify control-board output.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Heating element
  • Thermostat
  • Temperature sensor
  • Selector switch
  • Thermal cut-out
! When to call an appliance engineer Conditions that should end basic troubleshooting. ⌄
  • The oven or hob trips the electrics.
  • There is a gas smell or unstable flame.
  • Internal electrical testing is required.
  • The appliance must be dismantled.
  • Controls, elements or wiring show heat damage.
  • The fault returns after basic checks.
? Frequently asked questions Common oven and hob questions. ⌄

Can one failed element stop the whole oven?

It depends on the model. Often one cooking mode fails while others still work.

Why does an oven trip only when hot?

Element insulation can break down as it heats, causing leakage to earth.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Turn off the appliance, avoid sparks or switches, ventilate the area and contact the appropriate gas emergency service or registered engineer.