Range & Wall Oven - Oven Temperature Is Not Correct

If the temperature does not seem to be correct inside the oven on your Range or Wall Oven, please check the following information to help remedy this concern.

Preheating and Proper Temperature

Make sure the oven is preheated and is set to the proper temperature.

• The oven needs time to preheat before baking. Most pies, cakes, biscuits, etcetera, have such short cooking times that failure to preheat the oven can make a significant difference in cooking results.
• On Range and Wall Oven models that feature convection baking, most have Convection Conversion/Auto Recipe Conversion that will automatically change the set temperature 25 degrees lower for better convection cooking performance. You may want to see our Range & Wall Oven - Oven Temperature Incorrect with Convection Cooking article.
• When using recipes you have used for a long time, differences in timing or cooking performance between an old and a new oven are not unusual. For the first few uses, follow your recipe times and temperatures carefully and use the rack positions recommended in the Cooking Guide in the Owner's Manual for the model you own.

Oven Thermostat Operation

• Oven elements will cycle on and off throughout the bake cycle to maintain the set temperature. When the oven temperature has dropped below the set temperature, the oven cycles on again to provide heat. The oven will cycle off again once the temperature is higher than the set temperature. The goal is to maintain an average set temperature but you will see a normal rise and fall in temperatures throughout the cycle. This is the normal design of ovens and is factored into how recipes are created and used.
• • The amount the oven will cycle higher or lower than the set temperature will vary and each individual model can be different. Temperatures can vary by + 30 degrees to – 30 degrees in most cases for a total swing of 60 degrees.
  • The temperature variance can also vary by how and where you are measuring the temperature in the oven, the room temperature or number of oven door openings.
• If you are following your recipe times and temperatures carefully and still think your new oven is too hot or too cold, you can adjust the temperature yourself to meet your specific cooking preference.
• You can easily test to see if your oven is cooking properly using the "biscuit test". For more information, you can take a look at the Range & Wall Oven - Oven Temperature Bake Test article.
• See the "Adjust the Oven Thermostat" - "Do It Yourself" section of the Owner's Manual for directions about calibrating your oven thermostat.
• When checking your oven temperature, use a high quality oven thermometer. Cheap, low quality thermometers are usually not very accurate.

Choosing and Using Cookware

Check the type of cookware that is being used and the placement of the cookware.

• Your cookware may be having an effect on the baking results. If the pans being used are dark baking pans, be sure to reduce the oven temperature 25 degrees. Dark pans retain heat and at the regular baking temperature some foods may burn or overcook.
• Check the placement of the pans in the oven. Pan placement may be effecting how the oven heats. Where the pans are placed in the oven will make a difference. Make sure there are at least one or two inches between each pan as well as between pans and the side and rear walls of the oven. This will ensure proper air/heat circulation.
• Check the rack position. Rack position can also be critical for proper baking results. Placing pans too close or too far from the heating element can effect cooking performance.

Facilitating Proper Heat Circulation

Make sure heat is not being blocked from circulating within the oven.

• If aluminum foil is being used on the oven shelf, never cover the entire shelf. This will block the circulation of heat in the oven.
• There should be two inches of clearance from the back wall to a pan on the oven rack for maximum heat circulation.

Checking for Heat Loss

Make sure you are not losing heat.

• Opening the oven door frequently when cooking can increase the cooking time.
• Placing the racks in backwards may keep the door from sealing or closing properly.
• Check the oven gasket for rips or tears which may allow heat to escape from the oven. A torn gasket should be replaced by a service technician.

Malfunctioning Heating Element

Heating elements may have malfunctioned.

• On Electric Ovens, one of the heating elements may have malfunctioned. Check to make sure the bake element glows red when using the bake cycle.
• You may want to inspect the electric bake element. To do this, first remove power to your Range or Wall Oven. You may unplug a Range or turn off the fuse or circuit breaker to a Range or Wall Oven. Once power is removed, carefully inspect the bake element (lower element) for cracks or breaks. If it is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement part on our GE Appliances Parts & Accessories website.
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  • Here is a short video on how to replace an electric bake element:
     
    Video - Electric Range Bake Element Replacement
     
     
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Repair Service Recommended

If these tips do not help, service may be required. For service, please schedule a repair appointment with Bodewell.