Quick answer
An oven that keeps heating after you turn it off should have its circuit breaker switched off right away; on a gas range, also close the gas shutoff. The usual cause is a relay on the electronic control board stuck closed, or a failed thermostat on a knob-controlled oven. Do not restore power and reuse it until it is repaired. HomeAdvisor puts typical oven and 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 3, 2026· Next review May 2027
An oven that keeps heating after you press Cancel or turn the knob to Off is a safety problem, not an inconvenience. Cut its power first, then work out the cause.
Do This Now
- 1Switch off the oven's circuit breaker. On an electric range it is usually a double breaker labeled range or oven. Unplugging works if you can reach the plug safely.
- 2On a gas range, close the gas shutoff valve behind or below the range, and switch off its breaker or unplug it, because the control and igniter are electric.
- 3Keep the door closed until it cools, and keep people and pets away.
- 4If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.
What Usually Causes It
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Display shows Off, but the oven keeps heating | Relay on the electronic control board stuck closed |
| Knob-controlled oven heats with the knob at Off | Failed oven thermostat or switch |
| Oven runs much hotter than the set temperature | Temperature sensor or thermostat failure |
| Self-clean will not end, door stays locked | Control board or door lock; see the note below |
| Broil element glows when it should not | Control relay or a broil element shorted to the oven body |
After a Self-Clean Cycle
A door that stays locked for up to an hour after self-clean is normal while the oven cools. An oven that will not leave self-clean, or keeps heating past it, is the relay problem above.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Do Not Reset and Reuse It
Restoring power may seem to fix it, but a relay that stuck once can stick again with no one watching. Leave the breaker off until it is repaired.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven and stove repairs at $130 to $310, about $200; Fixr's national average for oven repair is $150 to $400. A control board is usually at the upper end. See oven repair.
When to Call
Call with the breaker off. Have the brand and model number ready from the sticker on the frame inside the door or the storage drawer. (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
What should I do if my oven won't turn off?
Switch off its circuit breaker, or unplug it if you can reach the plug safely. On a gas range, also close the gas shutoff valve. Leave it off until it is repaired.
Why does my oven stay on when it is off?
Most often a relay on the electronic control board has stuck closed. On a knob-controlled oven, a failed thermostat or switch is the usual cause.
How much does it cost to fix an oven that won't turn off?
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven and stove repairs at $130–$310, about $200; a control board is usually at the upper end. Fixr's national average for oven repair is $150–$400.
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.