What is actually happening
On a fan oven the heat comes from a circular element hidden behind the back panel, wrapped around the fan. When it fails the fan still spins and everything still lights up, so the oven looks entirely normal while staying stone cold — which is why this one is so often mistaken for a control fault. If the grill still works, that is a strong sign the oven element alone has gone.
The usual causes
- A failed fan oven element — the most common oven fault we attend
- A tripped thermal cut-out, often after the cooling fan has failed
- A failed thermostat or temperature sensor
- A failed control board or timer holding the oven off
- A burnt-out terminal block at the cable connection, which usually smells before it fails
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Check whether the grill and any hob rings still work — if they do, the supply is fine and the oven element is suspect
- Check the timer is set to manual rather than auto, which locks the oven off on many models
- If there is any smell of burning or scorching around the cooker, switch it off at the isolator and leave it off
Still not heating up?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my oven not heating up?
The oven powers up and the light works, but it never gets hot. On a fan oven the heat comes from a circular element hidden behind the back panel, wrapped around the fan. When it fails the fan still spins and everything still lights up, so the oven looks entirely normal while staying stone cold — which is why this one is so often mistaken for a control fault. If the grill still works, that is a strong sign the oven element alone has gone.
Can I fix a oven not heating up myself?
Check whether the grill and any hob rings still work — if they do, the supply is fine and the oven element is suspect. Check the timer is set to manual rather than auto, which locks the oven off on many models. If there is any smell of burning or scorching around the cooker, switch it off at the isolator and leave it off. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a oven not heating up?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other oven faults
- oven fan not working
- oven not getting hot enough
- oven grill not working
- oven tripping the electrics
- oven burning smell
- oven light not working
- oven door will not close
- oven cooking unevenly