Quick Answer
If your oven won't heat, first check the power supply, control settings, timer mode, gas shutoff valve, circuit breaker, and whether the door is closing fully. Electric ovens often fail because of a bad bake element, broil element, sensor, relay, or control board. Gas ovens often stop heating because of a weak igniter, gas valve issue, safety valve problem, or control failure.
Symptoms at a Glance
Oven does not heat at all**
Likely cause: Tripped breaker, failed igniter, bad bake element, control issue, or gas supply problem.
Homeowner action: Check power, settings, and gas valve if accessible.
Oven light and display work, but no heat
Likely cause: Failed bake element, weak igniter, relay failure, or temperature sensor fault.
Homeowner action: Stop after basic checks and schedule diagnosis.
Gas oven clicks or glows but never lights
Likely cause: Weak igniter, gas valve issue, or burner restriction.
Homeowner action: Do not keep retrying if gas odor appears.
Electric oven heats only on broil
Likely cause: Failed bake element, wiring issue, or control relay fault.
Homeowner action: Inspect only from a safe distance.
Oven heats slowly
Likely cause: Weak igniter, failing element, poor voltage, sensor issue, or door seal problem.
Homeowner action: Check the gasket and avoid long preheat guessing.
Oven shuts off during preheat
Likely cause: Control board, overheating protection, sensor, wiring, or ventilation issue.
Homeowner action: Stop using the oven until inspected.
Repair Difficulty Meter
DIY difficulty:** Low for checking settings, breaker status, timer mode, door closure, and accessible gas shutoff position.
Estimated time: 10-30 minutes for safe homeowner checks.
Tools needed: Flashlight, owner's manual, appliance thermometer if heat is partial, and a phone for photos of error codes.
Safety risk: High if panels, wiring, gas parts, elements, or valves must be accessed.
When to call a professional: Call when the oven has power but no heat, a gas oven will not ignite, an element is damaged, an error code returns, or the oven shuts off during preheat.