Oven not heating or heating unevenly? Heating elements, fan and thermostat
An oven that doesn't heat is often just waiting for you to set the clock after a power cut. If that's not it, the usual culprit is a burnt-out heating element. It's a cheap repair.
- Most common cause
- clock not set, burnt-out element, thermostat
- Time
- 10 minutes
- Repair shop
- 200–520 zł
Elements are replaced after removing the back panel or pulling the oven out of its housing. Always switch off the oven's circuit breaker before any work. An oven runs on a high-power supply.
Step by step
Set the clock
After a power cut many ovens need the time set before they'll start heating. A flashing 00:00 is a clue.
Check the lock and demo mode
A key symbol means the lock is on. Some ovens also have a demo mode, where the light and fan work but the elements don't heat.
Test the modes one by one
Switch on top–bottom heat, grill and fan oven separately. If only some work, you know which element is burnt out. The top one glows red-hot, so you can see it.
Inspect the elements
Cracks, bulges or burnt spots on an element mean it needs replacing.
Check with a thermometer
An oven thermometer costing a dozen or so złoty will show whether the temperature matches the setting. A difference of more than 20–30°C points to the thermostat or sensor.
Listen to the fan
In fan mode the fan on the back wall should spin. If it's stuck, cakes bake unevenly.
- The oven trips the circuit breaker.
- You smell burning from the electronics, not from food.
- The door glass is cracked.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Replacing the top / bottom element | 200–410 zł |
| Replacing the fan oven element | 200–480 zł |
| Replacing the thermostat / sensor | 200–480 zł |
| Replacing the fan motor | 200–480 zł |
| Electronics repair | 340–880 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
Ovens are simple and durable. Replacing an element or thermostat almost always pays off. Even a 10-year-old oven can run for years after it.
Check if it's worth repairing your oven
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Can I replace the element myself?
In many models you can do the bottom and fan oven elements yourself, after sliding the oven out of its housing. Remember to switch off the circuit breaker and match the part to your model.
Why does my cake burn on one side?
Most often the heating is uneven: a broken fan, a damaged element or a leaky door. As a test, turn the tray halfway through baking.
Can pyrolytic cleaning damage the oven?
Pyrolytic ovens are designed for it. Rarely, after many cycles, the door lock or a sensor fails. Don't leave trays and rails inside during pyrolysis.