Quick answer
An oven that heats but stalls around 300–350°F usually has a part that works only partly. On electric ovens, the bake element may be failing, so the broil element does most of the work. On gas ovens, a weak igniter opens the gas valve slowly or not at all at higher demand. A faulty temperature sensor or a torn door gasket can also keep it from reaching temperature. Check whether the bake element glows evenly, and test with an oven thermometer. 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 heats but will not get past 350°F, or takes an hour to reach 400°F, is usually not dead. A part is working at partial strength.
Electric or Gas?
| Oven | Most likely cause | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Failing bake element | Should glow red evenly; dark or blistered spots mean it is failing |
| Electric | Broil element out | Some ovens use both to preheat |
| Gas | Weak igniter | It glows but the burner takes over 90 seconds to light, or lights and goes out |
| Both | Temperature sensor | Thermometer reads very different from the display; error code |
| Both | Door gasket | Heat escaping; torn or flattened seal |
Step by Step
- 1Use an oven thermometer in the center. Preheat to 350°F and wait 20 minutes. If it is close, the oven may simply be slow, or out of calibration; see oven temperature not accurate.
- 2Electric: watch the bake element during preheat. It should glow evenly. See oven heating element replacement.
- 3Gas: watch the igniter through the broiler or bottom panel. A weak igniter glows orange but is slow to open the valve. See gas oven won't light.
- 4Check the door gasket for tears and gaps.
- 5Note any code on the display before resetting.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Safety
If you smell gas, do not turn anything on or off. Leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310, about $200. An element, igniter or sensor usually sits in that range. See oven repair.
The Call
Call when the thermometer confirms it stalls and the element or igniter looks suspect. (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?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my oven heat past 350 degrees?
A failing bake element on electric ovens, a weak igniter on gas ovens, a faulty temperature sensor, or a door gasket letting heat escape.
Can a bad igniter keep an oven from getting hot?
YesA weak igniter may not draw enough current to open the gas valve fully, so the oven heats slowly and stalls.
How do I test if my oven temperature is right?
Place an oven thermometer in the center, preheat to 350°F, wait 20 minutes, and compare. Many ovens let you calibrate small differences.
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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