6 WAYS TO TROUBLESHOOT AN OVEN THAT ISN’T COOKING EVENLY
You depend on your oven to help you get dinner on the table, and a heating problem can disrupt your meal prep routine. Use this article to explore possible causes and fixes for an oven that isn’t cooking evenly so you can get dinner back on track.
WHAT CAUSES UNEVEN BAKING IN AN OVEN?
Although there are ways to cook without your oven, a heating malfunction can be frustrating. Understanding the possible reasons behind uneven heat distribution inside your oven can help you determine possible solutions. Explore the potential causes below.
1. OVEN DOOR AJAR
Leaving the oven door slightly ajar or opening the door multiple times throughout the baking process can lower the internal temperature of your oven. Heat escapes from the oven’s cavity when the door isn’t completely closed, which can lead to poor heat distribution.
2. UNEVEN AIRFLOW
Although it may seem like an oven-cleaning hack, lining your oven racks or the bottom of the oven with tin foil or another covering can restrict airflow and lead to cold pockets inside the oven cavity.
3. OVERCROWDED BAKING RACKS
Like tin foil lining, overcrowded baking racks can negatively affect the airflow in an oven. When you add too many casserole dishes and baking trays to your oven, the hot air isn’t able to reach the surface area of each dish to properly cook your food.
4. OVEN IS INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED
If your oven is not distributing heat properly, it may be improperly calibrated. Oven calibration adjusts the heat settings to ensure accurate temperature readings, and a miscalibrated oven may lead to uneven heat distribution.
5. BROKEN HEATING ELEMENT
Broken or damaged heating elements can lead to improper heating inside your oven. If you notice uneven baking when using your oven, check the exposed bake and broil elements for breaks, blisters or any other visible signs of wear.
6. MALFUNCTIONING TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Your oven’s internal temperature is monitored by a thin metal tube typically located in the top right corner called the temperature sensor. The sensor’s positioning is integral to proper function, and even lightly bumping it out of place can impact your oven’s heat distribution.
SHOP MAYTAG® WALL OVENS
Maytag® wall ovens can seamlessly integrate into your kitchen and open up more space for baking, roasting, broiling and more. Shop single, double and combination wall ovens to find the right option for your kitchen.
WHY SHOULD YOU NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR WHEN BAKING?
Opening the oven door during the baking process lets a draft inside the oven and allows hot air to escape from the interior. It is recommended to keep the oven door completely closed throughout the baking process to ensure proper heating.
POSSIBLE FIXES FOR AN OVEN THAT IS NOT BAKING EVENLY?
The solution for an oven that is heating unevenly can vary depending on the cause. Discover possible fixes for your oven’s heating issues below.
Keep the oven door closed during preheating and cooking. You can use the interior light and viewing window to check on your food as it bakes.
Remove tin foil or other obstructions from the racks and bottom of your oven to improve airflow.
Allow at least two inches of space between baking dishes to prevent overcrowding.
Check that your oven is properly calibrated and recalibrate if needed.
Inspect your heating elements for visible signs of damage. If found, schedule a service with a licensed technician to repair or replace the damaged part.
Check the positioning of your temperature sensor and move it back to its proper position at a 90° angle.
If you have a Maytag® wall oven or range that isn’t heating properly, you can visit the Service & Support Owner’s Center to schedule service with a licensed technician.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® RANGES
Shop gas and electric ranges from Maytag brand to find the right option for you. Explore select kitchen ranges with features like Air Fry which lets you enjoy your fried favorites without the mess of a deep fryer, or Power Preheat which lets you start cooking quicker.
