How to Repair Common Oven Parts
The oven is an appliance used in kitchens that is used to cook food. The heat from the oven sterilizes food and kills the majority of microorganisms.
An accurate oven thermometer is a necessity for all bakers. Knowing how your oven functions can help you improve your baking and roasting abilities and eliminate those annoying hot spots that wreak havoc with cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important part of your oven. It assists in ensuring that the temperature of food corresponds to the temperature that you set on the control panel. Unfortunately, like any other electro mechanical switch or sensor it can sometimes have problems that can cause the oven to over heat or under heat, or not be able to maintain the temperature at what you've set.
The oven thermostat is a small strip made of two different metals that are bonded together. When heated by the oven, the metals expand or bend at different rates. This creates an electrical circuit. When the metal in your thermostat reaches the temperature you set on the control panel it will turn off the power to the heater. When the oven cools down the bimetallic strip contract, re-establishing the circuit and activating the heating element. This process continues to ensure that the temperature remains constant in your oven.
To determine if there is a issue with the thermostat, you'll need to disconnect the oven and ensure that all of the screws that hold it in place have been removed. If you own a multimeter (which is a tool that measures electrical current) set it to the ohms setting, and then test the thermostat. If the multimeter reads zero or close to zero, the thermostat is functioning correctly and does not need to be changed.
If the multimeter doesn't detect anything it means that the thermostat is defective. It needs to be replaced. Cooker Spare Parts suggests that you replace your thermostat with one of the same type as the previous one. They can be purchased online or at a kitchen goods store, and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Bake Element
Ovens are not complete without the bake element, which is the element that heats up to help your oven cook food. It's a small element that converts electricity into the high temperatures required for baking, roasting and broiling. Electric ovens and ranges often contain heating elements, which can be either exposed or hidden beneath the floor.
In general, oven heating elements consist of high-resistance materials like nickel-chromium. They work by converting electricity into heat through resistance. The heat then radiates through the oven's interior to achieve the desired temperature to cook different kinds of food.
When you switch on the oven the heating elements begin to generate heat by the high-voltage current flowing across the metal surface. The element is a ribbon or coil (straight or corrugated) of wire, and when the electric current passes through it, it begins to get hotter. The element will appear red hot when it reaches the temperature you want.
The baked element is the primary source of heat in most oven functions. It is typically located at the lower levels of the oven. A lot of ovens that are automated also use it for self-cleaning. When it begins to smoke, you might notice that your oven doesn't warm as quickly or your food isn't fully cooked.
To check for a working oven baking element, plug your multimeter into its black and red ports, and then place the probes made of metal against each other on one side of the element. The other end should be placed against one of its terminals, and then place your hands on it to determine whether the element is warm to the contact. If it's not, take off the element and try again.
Broil Element
The broil element, which is typically located at the top of your cavity offers high heat to brown or char the food. The broil setting of your best oven is a great option for quickly searing meat, crisping vegetables, reheating lasagna or caramelizing the top of a casserole.
Similar to the bake element the broiler heating element transforms electrical energy into heat via the process of resistance. It is composed of an inner core made up of metal wires, which are wrapped in an insulating, expanded material known as perlite. The inner core is enclosed in an outer layer of stainless steel, which protects the wires from direct contact with the oven. The three-layer structure reduces the temperature of the broil element making it more secure and efficient than the older designs of elements.
You can use any heating element you want to use for baking or broiling in your oven. However, you should select one that matches your oven's rated wattage. A different wattage may cause damage to your oven or cause it to overheat. The current and voltage ratings of the latest heating elements can be found on the control panel of your oven. This allows you to determine the wattage and rating of your oven.
You should also test the resistance of your previous element and compare it with the power output of your new broiler heating element. The higher the resistance of an oven element, the more power it draws.
Replace your broiler element immediately if it is not working or if it is acting up. Your oven must work correctly to be able to cook your favorite meals. If your oven does not operate at all, or only intermittently, the issue may be a problem with a different component.
Light Bulb and Assembly
The oven light helps you keep an eye on your food while it cooks without having to open the door and let the heat escape. The light also informs you when your casserole is ready. It's not unusual for the bulb to die. It can be a hassle but it's an simple fix that you can accomplish yourself. Before you begin, make sure that the breaker isn't tripped and that the three-prong connector remains intact.
Take out the old bulb and Modern Kitchen then locate the new one. It is possible to search online for the right replacement bulb that is compatible with your oven's wattage. Some use standard 40-watt appliance bulbs, while others require a halogen bulb up to 50 watts. Consider using cotton gloves to shield the halogen bulbs from damage caused by oil.
Remove the glass casing from the bulb before replacing it. It is important to do this slowly so that you don't damage it. Then, you'll need to evacuate the air inside the bulb and fill it up with gas mixture. This will extend the filament life.
If your bulb keeps being replaced, it may be a larger electrical issue that must be addressed by an expert. Double check that you are using the correct oven bulb and look over your Use and Care Guide to get more troubleshooting advice. Make sure to unplug the oven and turn off the power prior to beginning any repairs. This will help protect your from electrical shock.
Vent Tube
The vent tube is an essential oven part as it allows for a small amount of airflow to be created inside the cavity. This allows the bake-element to circulate heat throughout the oven, making sure that the temperature is distributed evenly.
It also allows the vapors that are released from the oven to escape, and also allows smoke to be drawn away from the cooking surface. It is necessary for the proper operation of any electric or gas oven.
Vents for ovens can become blocked by various reasons. Accidental spills or splatters while cooking can leave sticky residues on the hobs oven vents, which could attract dust and other particles that can eventually cause clogs or blockages in the course of time. Grease and oil can also become airborne, and then settle around vents. Other environmental factors, like Kitchen Convenience renovations and construction work can bring dust or other contaminants into the vents, leading to clogs or blockages.
Based on the oven model the vent tube may comprise the bottle guide 20 or spreader 46 as well as a fill tip 12 that are integrally constructed with the pipe 32. For instance, the bottle guide 20 may have a tapered outer surface that is complemented by the tapered inside of the spreader 46, allowing the vent tube to be smoothly placed into various sizes and forms of bottle necks.
A blocked or clogged vent tube can cause an increase in pressure within the enclosing structure. This can result in a downdraft that pushes exhaust down the vent and then backwards over the oven hob's burners, which can cause damage to oven components. Contact a professional if you believe that your vent may be clogged or blocked. They will determine the cause and provide suggestions on how to clear or clean the vent.