Top 10 Most Common Kitchen Range Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my gas range ignite or light properly?

If your gas range burners click but don’t light, or only light sometimes, the issue is usually gas flow or a dirty igniter. First, make sure the burner cap is seated correctly and the gas supply valve is fully open. Then, clean the burner head and igniter with a soft brush and a bit of soapy water (unplug the range first and don’t flood it with liquid). Check for food debris blocking the gas ports.

If there’s no clicking sound, the igniter or spark module may have failed. If you smell gas but it won’t light, turn everything off, ventilate the room, and call a professional immediately. Ignition components and gas leaks should be handled by a certified technician 🔧.

2. Why is my electric range burner not heating?

An electric range burner that won’t heat is often caused by a faulty element, loose connection, or bad switch. For coil burners, swap the non-working burner with one that works; if the problem follows the burner, the element is bad. Check that the burner is pushed firmly into its receptacle.

For smooth-top (ceramic or glass) ranges, a bad radiant element or infinite switch is common. You’ll usually need a meter and safe disassembly to test these parts.

Turn off power at the breaker before any inspection. If multiple burners fail at once, the issue may be internal wiring or the control board, which is best left to a professional appliance technician.

3. Why won’t my oven heat up, or why is it not reaching the set temperature?

When an oven doesn’t heat or consistently underheats, start with the heating element (for electric) or igniter (for gas). Look through the oven window while it’s on: electric elements should glow red; a gas oven should show a steady blue flame after a short igniter warmup. If not, the part may be bad.

Use an oven thermometer to compare the actual temperature to your setting. Many ranges allow temperature calibration in the settings.

If you see sparks, burning smells, or exposed wires, shut off power and call a pro.

4. Why is my gas range clicking but not lighting?

Continuous clicking is usually related to moisture or debris around the igniter. This often happens after a boil-over or cleaning session. Unplug the range, remove burner caps, and gently dry the igniters with a paper towel or let them air dry for several hours. Use a toothbrush to remove stuck-on gunk.

If the clicking continues when knobs are in the OFF position, an ignition switch or spark module may be shorted. That’s a sign to contact a professional, especially if there’s any sign of arcing or burning.

5. Why does my oven take so long to preheat?

Modern ranges can take 10–20 minutes to preheat, but excessively long times indicate a problem. Common causes include a weak baking element (electric), a weak gas igniter, or a failing temperature sensor. Check that the door closes tightly and the gasket isn’t torn; heat loss will extend preheat times.

Remove unnecessary heavy cookware or pizza stones during preheat, as they act as heat sinks. Ensure the rack positions allow good air circulation.

If it takes more than 25–30 minutes to reach 350°F and never seems to stabilize, the heating system likely needs professional diagnosis. Do not keep raising the temperature to “force” it to work, as that can overheat components.

6. Why does my oven cook food unevenly?

Uneven baking—burnt on one side, raw on the other—is often due to poor air circulation, rack placement, or a failing convection fan. Make sure pans aren’t touching each other or the oven walls, and avoid overcrowding. Use the rack position recommended in your recipe (often the middle).

If your range has convection, confirm the convection mode is actually on and listen for the fan. A noisy, rattling, or non-spinning fan can cause hot and cold spots.

If you’ve tried different pans and rack positions and still get inconsistent results, a technician can test the temperature sensor and control board.

7. Why does my range smell like gas or burning?

A brief gas smell right as a gas burner or oven lights can be normal, but a strong or persistent odor is dangerous. If you suspect a gas leak:

• Turn off the range immediately
• Open windows and doors
• Avoid open flames or switches
• Call your gas company or emergency services right away 🚨

A burning or electrical smell from an electric range can signal an overheated element, wiring problem, or food debris burning on a surface. Look for visible smoke or glowing spots on elements. If you see anything abnormal, shut off power at the breaker.

Never ignore ongoing odors. Gas leaks and electrical shorts are serious safety risks that require professional attention, not DIY experiments.

8. Why is my oven door not closing or locking properly?

An oven door that won’t close tightly can cause heat loss, long cook times, and burned cabinets. First, check for obvious obstructions: pans, racks, or foil sticking out. Inspect the door gasket for tears, flattened spots, or missing sections—this seal is critical.

Make sure the ** hinges and door springs** aren’t bent or broken. If the door feels loose or crooked, one hinge may have failed. For self-cleaning models, a stuck or misaligned lock mechanism can keep the door from fully closing.

Replacing gaskets is usually a simple DIY. Bent hinges or lock assemblies are best removed and replaced by a pro.

9. Why is my glass (ceramic) cooktop cracked or scratched?

Glass cooktops are durable but not indestructible. Cracks usually result from impact (dropping a heavy pot) or thermal shock (placing very cold items on a very hot surface). Do not use a cooktop with a crack that goes through the glass—spills can reach electrical components and create shock or fire hazards.

Scratches are often caused by sliding rough-bottomed pans, using the wrong cleaners, or sugar spills that were cooked on.

To protect your glass top:

• Use flat-bottom, smooth cookware
• Lift pans instead of sliding
• Clean with a cooktop-safe cleaner and non-abrasive pad

If the glass is visibly cracked, the safe fix is replacing the glass top assembly, which usually requires a professional due to the electrical disassembly involved.

10. Why is my range display or control panel not working?

When the digital display is blank or buttons don’t respond, start with the basics: verify the outlet has power (test with another device) and check the circuit breaker. Some ranges have a small resettable fuse or thermal cutoff inside that can blow after overheating.

If only certain buttons or functions fail, the touchpad (membrane switch) or control board (ERC) may be bad. Power surges can damage these parts, so consider using a surge protector for your range if allowed by the manufacturer.

If cycling power at the breaker for 5–10 minutes doesn’t reset it, a professional diagnosis is recommended.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Range Running Smoothly

• Clean spills quickly: Wipe up boil-overs and grease once the surface cools to prevent clogs in gas burners and baked-on messes in ovens.
• Deep-clean burners and racks regularly: Remove burner caps/heads and oven racks for soaking and scrubbing; this improves performance and reduces odors.
• Inspect gaskets and hinges twice a year: Replace worn oven door seals and address loose hinges early to keep heat where it belongs.
• Avoid foil on oven bottoms: It can block airflow, damage enamel, and affect temperature readings; use a removable oven liner rated for high heat instead.
• Use cookware that matches burner size: This saves energy and prevents overheating elements or burners, extending their life.
• Schedule professional service when needed: If you notice gas smells, electrical issues, or repeated part failures, bring in a qualified technician to prevent bigger (and costlier) problems.