If your cookies are coming out burnt on one side and raw on the other, your oven likely has “hot spots.” This is a common frustration, but before you assume you need a new range, there are a few components you should check.

Here is what to look for when your oven stops heating consistently.

1. Inspect the Bake Element

For electric ovens, the bottom element does most of the work.

  • What to do: Turn the oven on and look at the element. It should glow a steady, bright red.

  • What to look for: Dark spots, “blistering” on the coil, or areas that don’t glow at all indicate the element is burning out and providing uneven heat.

2. Test the Temperature Sensor

The sensor is the small thin tube usually located at the back of the oven.

  • The Issue: If the sensor is touching the oven wall or is covered in heavy grease, it will give the control board a false reading.

  • The Fix: Ensure it isn’t touching the metal wall. Sometimes a simple cleaning with a damp cloth (when cool!) is all it takes to recalibrate your bakes.

3. Check the Convection Fan

If you use convection settings, that fan is responsible for moving the air around.

  • What to do: Listen for the fan during the cycle.

  • The Issue: If you hear a grinding noise or nothing at all, the fan motor might be seized. Without air circulation, heat gets trapped in “pockets,” causing uneven cooking.

4. Check the Door Seal

If the rubber or fiberglass gasket around your oven door is torn or compressed, heat will escape.

  • What to do: Run your hand near the door edges (carefully!) while the oven is on. If you feel a draft, that side of the oven will always be cooler than the rest.

When to Call a Professional

If your elements look fine but the temperature is still wildly off, the issue could be:

  • A failing hidden bake element

  • A faulty control board

  • Blown thermal fuses

Book Your Oven Repair with Maple Leaf