Quick answer
To check an oven's temperature, put an oven thermometer in the center, set 350°F, and read it after 20 minutes and again 10 minutes later; ovens cycle above and below the set point, so average the readings. A steady difference can often be corrected with the oven's temperature offset setting. An oven that will not climb past 300–350°F usually has a weak gas igniter, a failing bake element or a faulty temperature sensor. HomeAdvisor puts typical oven 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
An oven that burns cookies at the recipe's temperature, or takes an hour to bake what used to take 40 minutes, may not be at the temperature it shows. Before calling, measure it, because a steady difference can often be corrected from the control panel.
Test It
- 1Put an oven thermometer on the center rack, not touching the walls.
- 2Set the oven to 350°F and wait 20 minutes after the preheat signal.
- 3Read the thermometer, then read it again 10 minutes later.
- 4Average the two. Ovens cycle the heat on and off, so the temperature swings above and below the set point. That swing is normal.
Read the Result
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Average within about 10–15°F | Normal |
| Steady 20–35°F off, hot or cold | Calibrate with the offset setting |
| Never reaches 350, or stalls near 300 | Weak igniter (gas), failing bake element (electric), or sensor |
| Wild swings, burns then undercooks | Temperature sensor or control |
| Heats far above the set point | Sensor or a relay stuck on; stop using it |
Calibrate the Offset
Many ovens let you shift the displayed temperature, often up to about 35°F either way. The steps vary by model and are in the manual. Calibration fixes a steady offset; it does not fix a part that is failing.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
The Usual Parts
- Gas igniter: the igniter glows and must draw enough current to open the gas valve. A weak one glows but lights the burner slowly or not at all, so the oven struggles to climb. See gas oven won't light.
- Bake element: on electric ovens, a failing element may heat partly or show a blister or break. See oven not heating.
- Temperature sensor: the thin probe at the back of the oven cavity. A technician tests its resistance against the model's specification.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310, about $200; Fixr puts oven repairs at $150–$400. See oven repair.
The Call
Call when the oven will not reach temperature, overheats past the set point, or swings widely after calibration. (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.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my oven stay at temperature?
Some swing is normal as the oven cycles. A large swing, or an oven that never reaches the set point, points to a weak igniter on gas, a failing element on electric, or a faulty temperature sensor.
Why won't my oven heat past 350?
On a gas oven, a weak igniter that glows but does not open the gas valve fully is the common cause. On electric, a failing bake element or sensor.
Can I calibrate my oven temperature?
Many ovens have a temperature offset setting, often up to about 35°F either way. The manual shows how. Calibration fixes a steady difference, not a failing part.
How much does it cost to fix an oven temperature problem?
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310, about $200.
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.
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