How to Adjust the Temperature Control on an Electric Oven

If your electric oven isn’t heating properly, don’t jump too quickly and call an electric range and oven repairman. Electric range and oven repair people love simple adjustments that bring in big money. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to adjust the temperature of their electric oven, and many are afraid to try. Don’t make the costly mistake of calling an electric range and oven repairman for a simple adjustment. You can easily adjust the temperature of your electric oven yourself.

Diagnosing an Electric Oven Temperature Problem

An electric oven that isn’t heating properly isn’t hard to diagnose. An electric oven temperature control that’s set too low wil take longer than expected to bake foods, and results will be less than satisfactory. On the other hand, an electric oven temperature control that’s set too high will cause foods to become overdone much quicker than expected, and baked foods may even burn on the bottom before becoming properly baked on top.

It’s easy to check the accuracy of the temperature control on an electric oven. Simply place a high-quality oven thermometer in the center of your electric oven. Set the temperature of the oven at exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and after approximately 25 minutes, check the temperature reading of the thermometer. If the temperature of your electric oven is off by 20 degrees, one way or the other, the thermostat requires replacement. If the temperature of your electric oven is less than 20 degrees off either way, it can easily be adjusted with a simple turn of a screwdriver.

Adjusting the Temperature of an Electric Oven

Before making any repair or adjustment to an electric appliance, the first order of business is to shut off the power. Shutting off the power doesn’t mean simply turning off the appliance. Make sure the oven is unplugged before proceeding.

Most electric ovens have a removable knob that controls the temperature. Firmly pull the knob straight out to remove it for examination and adjustment. One type of electric oven temperature control will have the adjustments on the back side of the knob. Turn the knob over and look for adjustable notches. There may be screws or clips holding the adjustment disc in place. Loosen them if necessary. Typically, one notch represents 10 degrees, and there will probably be directional arrows indicating “higher” and “lower.” Turn the disc accordingly to adjust your electric oven temperature control.

Electric ovens can have a different type of temperature control. This type has a hollow shaft beneath the removable oven knob. Remove the knob and look for a screw within the shaft. Choose the proper screwdriver for the job, and turn the screw counterclockwise to raise the temperature setting and clockwise to lower it. Keep in mind that an eighth of a turn is about 25 degrees one way or the other.

After adjusting your electric oven temperature control, retest the temperature of the electric oven using your oven thermometer. If it’s necessary to adjust the temperature control of your electric oven again, allow the oven to cool before checking the temperature. Adjust the temperature control accordingly, and recheck the temperature of the oven. It may take several tries to set your oven to the correct temperature, but taking the time to adjust and check the temperature of your oven is well worth the money you will save by doing it yourself.