Oven Not Heating Evenly? Here’s What Might Be Going On

If your oven burns cookies on one side and undercooks the other, you’re not alone. Uneven heating is one of the most common oven problems — but luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix.

1. Worn Heating Elements

Over time, your bake or broil elements can weaken, crack, or burn out entirely. If your oven struggles to heat or only cooks from one side, this is likely the culprit.

2. Malfunctioning Temperature Sensor

If your oven’s sensor is faulty, it may think the oven is hotter or cooler than it really is — leading to unpredictable cooking results. A quick sensor replacement usually solves the problem.

3. Faulty Igniter (Gas Ovens)

For gas ovens, a weak igniter prevents the burner from lighting properly, causing uneven heating or no heat at all. This is a quick, safe fix for a trained technician.

4. Improper Calibration

If your oven consistently over- or under-heats, it may need calibration. Adjusting your thermostat ensures the temperature displayed matches the actual oven temp.

5. Blocked Airflow

Overcrowding your oven or blocking vents with pans can cause hot spots. Even spacing and clean vents help air circulate properly for even cooking.

Bottom Line:

Whether your oven won’t heat evenly or won’t heat at all, the team at House Calls Appliance Repair can help. We’ve been fixing ovens across Ramona and San Diego County since 1991 — fast, affordable, and “Fixed right or we make it right.”