Having a functioning range is essential for preparing healthy (and not-so-healthy) meals. Whether you cook once or twice a day, or only on occasion—you want to get your kitchen back up and running as soon as possible. Below are the most common oven, range, and stove repairs and some tips for troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Oven, Range, and Stove Repairs
It’s unlikely that you will be able to perform your appliance repair yourself, but there are a few things you can troubleshoot before you call a technician.
Complete the 5 steps below:
- Check your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips. If you have a smart appliance, check the app to see if you have any performance alerts.
- For electric appliances, check to ensure that your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Even if it’s in the “on” position, switch it “off” and “on” and try again. Also, check to ensure it is plugged in.
- If you have a gas oven or range that isn’t igniting, check to ensure your gas line is on. As always, if you smell a rotten egg smell—turn off your gas line, open the windows for ventilation, avoid using a lighter or fire source, and call for repair immediately. If turning off the gas doesn’t stop the leak, evacuate immediately and call the gas company.
- Check for visual damages. Use a flashlight for a better view inside your oven. For example, if the side of your oven has been punctured it may heat, but not maintain a consistent heat level.
- If you identify a repair need below, call a certified technician to complete your repair.
Pro Tip—many smart appliances allow you to share data with a designated technician. This can speed up your repair time because they will know what needs to be repaired and can check to ensure they have the part in their van before they arrive.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Appliance Repairs
Don’t wait until you need oven, range, and stove repair!
It doesn’t matter which appliance it is, if it’s not working—it’s stressful! By having your appliances serviced annually, you can avoid most emergency repairs. Most repairs begin as something minor. If your technician catches it early, they can fix it or replace the part before your appliance malfunctions. Annual service visits can also extend the lifecycle of your appliances. For commercial appliances, your service technician will advise on your service schedule.
Also, be sure you use all appliances as directed.
Schedule all of your preventative maintenance at once. The most efficient and cost-effective approach to preventative maintenance is to have all of your appliances serviced at the same time.
This includes your:
- Oven
- Stove
- Range
- Vent or range hood
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Microwave
- Ice machine
- Wine coolers
Common Oven Issues
On average, electric ovens last 13 years, and gas ovens last 15 years. During your annual service visit or emergency repair your technician will advise on the expected lifecycle of each appliance. With above-average use, appliances may need to be replaced sooner. However, your oven may last longer than your stovetop.
Some of the most common repair needs include:
- Broken oven knobs (which you can order online too)
- Oven sparking
- Over or under heating
- Fluctuating temperature
- Oven not heating
- Uneven baking
- Broken timer
- Self-clean not working
- Door broken
- Oven light not working
- Broiler not broiling
- Broken timer
- Faulty display
- Gas won’t ignite
- Touchpad/buttons not working
- Odd noises
- And more
Oven, range, and stove repair—what is the difference between the three?
Oven—an oven is where you bake, and sometimes broil. Many ovens have a separate broiler.
Stove—a stovetop or cooktop is the top area with burners. It is sometimes referred to as a range.
Range—the range is the whole appliance, but is sometimes used to refer only to the stove.
Common Stovetops
There are a variety of stoves to choose from with the most common being:
- Electric
- Gas
- Induction
- Downdraft
Repair technicians understand how to fix all types of stovetops. The average stovetop lasts for 10 to 15 years, so it might die before your oven does!
Some of the most common repairs required include:
- Worn-out igniters
- Broken burners
- Sporadic burner functionality
- Faulty timer
- Touchpad/buttons not working
- Faulty ignition
- Broken sensors
- Temperature controls not working
- Odd noises
- And more
Common Range Hood and Vent Repairs
In addition to oven, range, and stove repairs your exhaust system may be in need of repair. Proper ventilation is essential for air quality, cleanliness, odor control, and the visibility required to cook to perfection!
Modern range hoods even minimize grease splatters. If your hood or vent isn’t venting properly, check the filter. It may simply be time to clean or replace the filter. Check your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions. Some filters are dishwasher safe. If cleaning doesn’t fix your ventilation, it’s time for a repair.
Your vent should last between 12 and 18 years.
Signs that your vent is in need of repair include:
- Smoke fills the kitchen
- Fan isn’t working
- Fan blows but doesn’t vent
- Light isn’t working
- It won’t turn on or shut off
- Strong food aroma after cooking
- Odd noise while on
If your vent isn’t working, open a window to allow fresh air inside. If you have a ceiling fan or box fan, you can use it to move the smoke out of the kitchen.
In Need of Oven, Range, and Stove Repair in Santa Barbara County?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, call, text, or email Superior Appliance Repair today!
We provide both residential and commercial appliance services and we keep our service vans stocked with the most common parts required for repairs. Our technicians are available 7 days a week and can be dispatched for holiday, after-hours, and 24/7 emergency appliance repairs.
You can trust us—we are honored to be the 2022 Santa Barbara Award winner in the Appliance Repair Service category from the Santa Barbara Award Program.
