Quick answer
If the burners work but the oven does not heat, the range has power or gas, so the fault is in the oven's own circuit. On a gas range it is most often a weak or failed oven igniter. On electric, a burned-out bake element, often with a visible break or blister. Other causes are a faulty temperature sensor, a control lock or delay-start setting, or a failed control board. Check the lock and the clock first. HomeAdvisor puts typical oven or stove repairs at $130–$310. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
When the burners on top work and the oven does not, you can rule out the most basic causes: the range has power, and on a gas range the gas is on. The fault is in the part of the range that only the oven uses.
Check the Settings First
- 1Control lock. A lock icon or "Loc" on the display disables the oven on many models. Hold the lock button to release.
- 2Clock and delay start. After a power outage, some ovens will not bake until the clock is set, and a delay-start or Sabbath setting can look like a dead oven.
- 3Bake vs broil. Try broil. If broil heats and bake does not, the fault is in the bake circuit.
Gas Ranges
The oven igniter is the most common failure. When you set bake, it should glow orange and the burner should light within about a minute and a half. A weak igniter glows but does not draw enough current to open the gas valve, so the oven never lights or heats slowly. See gas oven won't light.
Electric Ranges
The bake element at the bottom of the oven burns out. Look for a break, a blister or a spot that does not glow red when the oven is on. The broil element at the top can fail the same way. See oven not heating.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Either Kind
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Display works, no heat at all | Igniter or bake element, or a relay on the control |
| Heats but not to temperature | Weak igniter, failing element or the sensor; see oven temperature not accurate |
| Error code on the display | Sensor or control; note the code |
| Display dark, burners work | Oven control board or its fuse |
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven or stove repairs at $130–$310, about $200, and cooktop, range or oven repairs at $100–$500. See range repair.
The Call
Call when the lock and clock are ruled out and the oven still will not heat. Have the brand, model number, and whether it is gas or electric. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my stove work but not my oven?
The range has power or gas, so the oven's own part has failed: the igniter on gas, the bake element on electric, the temperature sensor, or the control. Check the control lock and the clock first.
What if the broiler works but the oven does not bake?
On electric, that points to the bake element. On gas, ovens with separate bake and broil burners can lose one igniter.
Is it worth repairing an oven?
Igniters, elements and sensors are common, moderate-cost parts. HomeAdvisor puts typical oven or stove repairs at $130–$310.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.