Symptoms
- Baked goods brown too fast or too slow
- An oven thermometer reads differently than the dial or display
- Recipes need constant adjustment to work
- Preheat seems to finish too quickly or takes too long
Likely causes
- CommonOven thermostat out of calibrationThermostats can drift out of accuracy over years of use.
- PossibleFaulty temperature sensor (on electronic models)A sensor reading incorrectly tells the control board the wrong temperature.
- PossibleOven door not sealing wellA worn door gasket lets heat escape, making the oven compensate inaccurately.
- Less commonPlacement of oven thermometerThermometers near the door or heating element can give misleading readings.
What to do
- Place an inexpensive oven thermometer in the center of the oven and let the oven preheat fully to a set temperature, like 350F.
- Compare the thermometer reading to the set temperature after 15–20 minutes; a consistent difference of more than about 25 degrees points to a calibration issue.
- Check your owner's manual for an oven calibration or offset setting, which most ranges have in a hidden menu or by holding certain buttons.
- Adjust the calibration by the difference you measured and retest with the thermometer.
- Inspect the door gasket for gaps, tears, or looseness, and clean off any debris preventing a full seal.
- If the oven still runs far off after calibration, the temperature sensor may need testing or replacement by a technician.
Tools and parts
- Oven thermometer
Oven temperature sensorSearch: “gas oven temperature sensor replacement”
Oven door gasketSearch: “oven door seal gasket replacement”
When to call a pro
If calibration doesn't fix a large temperature swing, an appliance technician can test the sensor and thermostat.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.