Oven Baking Unevenly or Running Hot or Cold
Likely causes
- ✓Miscalibrated temperature sensor
- ✓Bake or broil element heating only partially
- ✓Warped or damaged door seal letting heat escape
- ✓Convection fan not running on convection models
- ✓Rack position or bakeware blocking airflow
The short answer: if the oven is always off by the same amount, the temperature sensor probably needs recalibrating. If one side bakes faster, an element, the door seal or the convection fan is more likely.
Check with an oven thermometer first.
What usually causes it
- Miscalibrated sensor. The oven is consistently too hot or cold.
- Partial element failure. Heats unevenly.
- Warped door seal. Heat escapes on one side.
- Convection fan not running. Hot spots form.
- Rack position or bakeware. Pans block airflow.
What you can check yourself
- Test with a thermometer. Preheat to 350°F and compare after 20 minutes; 10–25 degrees off is common.
- Preheat fully. Wait for the signal, then a few extra minutes.
- Leave space around pans. Don’t let them touch the walls or line the bottom with foil.
- Check the door seal. It should sit flush all the way around.
- Convection models: confirm the fan runs.
How to prevent it
- Use an oven thermometer.
- Rotate pans halfway through baking.
- Keep the door seal clean.
When to call a technician
Call us if:
- The thermometer is off by more than about 25°F
- One side or the back keeps burning
- The convection fan doesn’t run
These repairs involve live voltage, gas or hidden parts, so we recommend leaving them to a professional.
Service call: $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair. Warranty: 90 days on every repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my oven burn one side?
Often an element, door seal or convection fan issue.
How accurate should an oven be?
Within about 25°F is common. More than that suggests recalibration.
Can I recalibrate it myself?
Many ovens allow offset adjustments in the settings; check your manual.
This is one of the issues covered under our Oven & Range Repair service.