While purchasing a new oven/range or trying to troubleshoot an existing one, it is important to understand the gas vs electric oven difference and their maintenance. Although the appliances have similar functions, they operate differently and are prone to various issues. Being aware of their common problems will allow you to know what to do if the oven stops working or when to call a professional.
Gas vs Electric Oven: Mechanism
A gas oven is powered by gas, while an electric model uses electricity. The igniter in the first type of oven is responsible for creating a spark, thus, opening the gas valve and allowing gas to enter and ignite. An electric oven has a bake and broil element that glows at a very high temperature when electricity passes through them.
Common Gas Oven Problems
- Faulty igniter – This is the most common gas oven problem. Although the igniter may be glowing, it may be weak to open the gas valve.
- Gas safety valve – If the gas safety valve is defective, it will be impossible to cook since the valve is unable to open, thus, no gas will reach the burner.
- Clogged burner ports – The ports can become blocked, restricting the gas flow. This results in weak flames that are unable to provide the necessary heat. In this case, the flame should appear blue and not yellow. Additionally, the ports may become clogged with food spills and grease.
- Gas odor – If you notice a rotten egg smell, it indicates a gas leak. You should open the oven door first and turn off the oven. Do not use any switches; instead, call the local gas company to locate and repair the leak. At the same time, you should evacuate the house and not re-enter until it has been confirmed safe to do so.
It is better to leave gas oven repair to a professional to avoid gas leaks or explosion risks.
Common Electric Oven Problems
- Faulty bake element – This is the most common electric oven problem. The element is most likely defective if there are visible signs of cracks or blisters or the baking element does not become red-hot when the oven is turned on.
- Malfunctioning temperature sensor – A defective temperature sensor may prevent an oven from reaching the desired temperature, resulting in undercooked or burnt meals.
- Blown thermal fuse or electrical problems – The blown thermal fuse and wiring issues in an electric oven may cause it to stop working.
The good thing is that electric oven repair is relatively easy and sometimes cheaper than gas oven repair
Gas vs Electric Oven: Which One is More Likely To Be Repaired?
When the gas oven vs electric oven debate is made, neither of the two types of ovens wins. Although they both usually last between 13-15 years with proper maintenance, they are both prone to faults and require repair. In most cases, gas ovens do not heat due to a faulty igniter or gas safety valve or the flame is too low due to clogged burner ports. However, electric ovens do not heat because the heating element is defective or the temperature sensor is faulty. On the other hand, both oven types may have problems displaying the correct temperature, and in such cases, one should check the oven’s thermostat and its connections. While a gas oven has risks associated with gas leaks, an electric oven is more likely to have electric shock faults, thus, requiring specialized repair.
When To Call A Professional Oven Repair Service
If a gas or electric oven fails to heat or heat properly, or if there are error codes, it is best to leave the oven repair to a professional. This is because oven malfunction may indicate bigger problems that require the expertise of a professional technician. A few of the common problems that require professional oven repair services include:
The oven is not heating or taking a long time to heat
- The temperature is more than 25F different from the desired temperature
- The oven display shows error codes
- The oven door does not shut or close properly
- There are unusual noises such as sparking and burning odors coming from the oven
Do-It-Yourself Oven Repair Vs Hiring A Professional
Some people may try to fix simple problems such as clogged burner ports or malfunctioning temperature sensor by themselves. Before doing any repair, it is crucial to ensure safety by turning off the electricity and gas supply to the oven. It is also advisable to call a professional oven repair service rather than trying to repair complex problems such as oven control board or thermostat malfunction that require advanced skills and knowledge.
Trusted Oven Repair By Caspi Home Service
When you need oven repair service, gas or electric, the experts at Caspi Home Service are here to help. We specialize in repairing all types of gas and electric ovens, including ranges and wall ovens, and tackle a wide range of oven problems from simple tasks to complicated jobs. We serve all brands, including Wolf, Viking, Thermador, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung and more. With our highly-skilled and certified oven technicians, we offer same-day and next-day oven repair appointments, transparent and affordable pricing with no hidden fees, and a 90-day parts and labor warranty on all our oven repairs.
We offer our professional and reliable oven repair services in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Charleston, Columbia and more. Call us at (813)-819-8285 or book an appointment online today and let us help you restore your kitchen oven back to perfect cooking condition.
Final Thoughts
Although gas and electric ovens cook the same, there are differences in the problems they will face. The most common gas oven issues are either an igniter, gas safety valve or blocked burner ports. Gas ovens also run the risk of leaking gas. Electric ovens will usually have issues with the bake element, temperature sensor or thermal fuse.
Being aware of these issues will help you resolve the issue quickly and know if you can easily fix the issue or if an expert is needed. Minor issues can often be resolved at home but if the issue is with gas lines, wiring, control boards or thermostats it should be referred to a professional.
If your oven is not working, displaying error codes or making strange noises, our certified technicians are here to help you. We offer fast same day and next day appointments, with clear pricing and a 90 day guarantee on parts and labour. Call us today on (813)-819-8285 or book online.
FAQ
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What are the most common gas oven issues?
The most common issue with gas ovens is a faulty igniter. If your igniter isn’t sparking brightly it may not open the gas valve.
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What are the most common electric oven issues?
The most common issue with electric ovens are faulty bake elements. This can be identified by seeing cracks or bubbles on the element or if the element is not glowing bright red.
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Why is my gas oven flame not blue?
If your gas oven is not giving off a blue flame and is a yellow colour or not bright it can indicate that the burner ports are blocked. Food can spill and cause the burner ports to become blocked reducing the gas flow. A good flame should be blue.
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What should I do if I can smell gas?
If you can smell a rotten egg smell it can indicate that there is a gas leak. Turn your oven off and do not use any electrical switches. Leave the house and contact your local gas company. Do not return until it has been confirmed that it is safe to enter.
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Are gas ovens more durable than electric ovens?
Neither one is better than the other. Both gas and electric ovens usually last between 13-15 years with proper maintenance and can suffer from faults.
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Is it cheaper to repair an electric oven?
Electric ovens are often easy to repair and can be cheaper to repair than gas ovens as they carry extra safety risks.
