Every special occasion deserves an extra special meal. So if your tried and tested recipes are no longer coming out the way you expected it could be because you need a new oven. Here, we take a look at the warning signs that your trusty appliance might be on its way out.
1. Your favourite recipes don’t come out right
It might not be you! Over time, different components of your oven wear-out or break causing fluctuations in temperature that can affect your tried-and-tested bakes.
This could be because:
- The oven is no longer able to properly regulate temperature and the thermostat needs replacing
- Heat is escaping out of the oven – check the seals around the door for wear and tear
Did you know? Older ovens aren’t as energy efficient as newer models and could lead to higher energy bills
2. Your gas oven isn’t lighting – pilot problems
Gas ovens, unlike electric ones, can be especially hazardous when parts wear out. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk if problems aren’t taken care of immediately.
If you have a gas oven, you should always have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home.
If your oven isn’t lighting automatically, you might have a problem with your pilot light, such as:
- Broken switch meaning you need to light manually
- Yellowy orange flame instead of vibrant blue – this means there’s a lack of oxygen
- Having to relight the pilot light because it keeps going out
If you experience any of these problems, you will need to have a professional come and look at your oven – or why not try Team Knowhow’s Fix It service.
Did you know: It is against the law for anyone to do work on gas appliances in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Guernsey unless they are on the Gas Safe Register.
3. Your electric oven isn’t heating up
Electric ovens might be a more modern way of cooking, but even an old electric oven can have its share of problems.
If you have one that sometimes fails to light up, it could be that the heating element has broken, or has worn out over time. If the heating element isn’t glowing, it’s time to replace it. However, if your oven isn’t heating up at all, it could be a serious problem, and worth getting it looked at by a professional.
4. Worktops are scorching when you’re cooking
Your Sunday roast is resting and the Yorkshire puds are rising in the oven when you notice a few scorch marks on the worktops. It could be because there isn’t enough space between the oven and the cupboards or that the seals on the oven have worn out and heat is escaping.
Simply check to see if the seals are worn – if they are you might be able to replace them. Read this handy guide to replacing them.
If the oven door or knobs suddenly start overheating it could be because the cooling fan has stopped working.
5. Your oven is uncleanable
It’s important to regularly clean your oven. Like with anything, dirt can build up over time, and may cause some issues. A dirty oven ends up a trap for grease and food spills, which may leave you with some horrible smells, and could cause smoke to spew out every time you open the oven door.
Sound familiar? You have 3 options:
- Start scrubbing
- Call a professional
- Invest in a new model that comes with an automatic pyrolytic cleaning function. These ovens turn grime into dust, ready to be swept away in an instant. A new oven in this case would make life easier, but always try steps 1 and 2 first.