Top 5 Oven Problems We See in Melbourne Homes

Ovens are one of the most used appliances in any Melbourne home. Whether it’s a family dinner or a batch of weekend baking, we rely on them constantly. So when something stops working properly, it becomes a real headache.

The good news is that most oven issues are repairable, and common faults cause many we see every week.

Here’s a breakdown of the top five oven problems we come across in Melbourne homes, what causes them, and what you can do to fix them or prevent further damage.

1. Oven Not Heating Properly

This is one of the most frequent issues we get called out for. The oven is switched on, the fan might be running, but it’s not reaching temperature or staying hot.

What causes it:

In most cases, the heating element has blown. If not, the thermostat could be faulty, or there might be an issue with the control board or internal wiring, stopping the oven from heating correctly.

What to check yourself:

Make sure the oven isn’t set to delayed start or just the light setting. If it’s definitely in the correct mode and still not heating, the element is likely the problem.

When to call a technician:

If the element isn’t visibly damaged but still not working, it may need to be tested with tools. Control board or thermostat issues also require professional diagnosis.

2. Uneven Cooking or Hot Spots

You put it in a tray and it comes out half-burnt and half-raw. This is usually due to uneven heat distribution, which makes cooking unreliable and frustrating.

What causes it:

This is usually caused by a faulty fan element or a fan motor that isn’t spinning at full speed. Sometimes, it’s just a damaged thermostat or even a buildup of grime restricting airflow around the element.

What to check yourself:

Try using fan-forced mode if your oven has it. Clean around the back fan cover. If your food still cooks unevenly, the fan motor or element might be failing.

When to call a technician:

If the fan isn’t spinning or the oven is loud when heating, it’s time for a service. A burnt-out fan element is a common fix we handle onsite.

3. Oven Door Won’t Shut Properly

An oven door that won’t seal tightly can leak heat and affect performance. You’ll end up with undercooked meals and wasted energy.

What causes it:

This usually comes down to worn-out hinges, a broken or stretched door seal, or sometimes a slightly bent door frame. Over time, the hinges can loosen and affect the way the door closes.

What to check yourself:

Look closely at the rubber seal around the inside of the door. If it’s cracked or hanging off, it should be replaced. Also, check if the door feels loose or drops slightly when opened.

When to call a technician:
If the door doesn’t align or bounce back when you try to close it, the hinges or springs might need replacement.

4. The grill or top element is not working

You go to grill something, and nothing happens, or the top of your dish doesn’t brown. This is a sign that the top heating element isn’t working properly.

What causes it:

The most common cause is a burnt-out grill element. If the element is fine, it could be the selector switch inside the oven that’s no longer sending power to the grill. In rarer cases, the issue could be internal wiring.

What to check yourself:
Try switching between grill and bake modes to see if only one function is affected. If the grill setting does nothing at all, the element has likely failed.

When to call a technician:
Grill elements are usually quick to replace, but testing the selector switch or wiring should be done by a qualified tech.

5. Controls or displays not responding

Some ovens have electronic displays or touchpads. If yours has gone blank or isn’t responding, it can lock you out of using the appliance entirely.

What causes it:

These faults are often caused by a power surge or short circuit that’s damaged the control board. In some cases, moisture or overheating behind the display panel can cause the issue too.

What to check yourself:
Try turning the oven off at the wall for a few minutes and restarting it. Check for any visible water damage or signs of overheating.

When to call a technician:
If the display stays blank or flickers, it’s a sign of internal faults that need proper tools to assess. We handle these types of repairs regularly.

Is it worth repairing an oven?

In most cases, yes. Ovens are built to last, and even older units can often be repaired for much less than the cost of replacing one. As long as the oven body and major systems are still intact, a technician can usually fix the problem quickly with new parts.

At Nationwide Appliance Repairs, we service all oven types—electric, fan-forced, built-in, or freestanding. We carry parts for most brands and can complete many jobs in one visit.

Need an oven repair in Melbourne?

If your oven isn’t heating properly, cooking unevenly, or refusing to start, don’t wait. Book a technician to get it sorted quickly.

Call us or book online today for fast, affordable oven repairs in Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if my oven element has blown?
  The most common sign is that the oven doesn’t heat up even though the fan or light turns on. You might also see visible damage like blistering or breaks in the element.
• Can I use my oven if the door doesn’t shut properly?
  No. If the door isn’t sealing, heat escapes and cooking temperatures won’t be accurate. It can also overwork the heating elements and increase the risk of further damage.
• Is it cheaper to repair or replace an oven?
  Repairing is usually more affordable, especially if the oven is under 10–12 years old. We find that over 90% of the ovens we inspect are worth repairing.

Final Thoughts

If your oven is showing any of the signs above, don’t wait for it to fail. The earlier you get it looked at, the better your chances of a quick, low-cost fix. Most parts can be replaced quickly, and many repairs are done in one visit.

Call Nationwide Appliance Repairs today or book online for fast, reliable, and affordable oven repairs Melbourne homeowners trust.