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Your oven orelectric rangeis one of the most vital appliances in your kitchen.
If its not functioning correctly, it can become a real pain in the neck.
First, uneven browning can indicate an oven that is not functioning correctly.
I once helped a customer who baked cakes as a side business.
She noticed one side of her cake was consistently darker.
Your food may also have hot or cold spots.
And your food might take more or less time to cook than indicated in a recipe.
This is another sign that your oven isnt cooking evenly.
Here are some reasons suggested by our experts.
Faulty heating elements
An improperly functioning heating element could cause uneven cooking if you have an electric oven.
The upper or lower element may burn out over time, explains Shu.
Temperature sensor issues
Your ovens temperature configs ensure your food is cooked at the correct temperature.
But sometimes, the sensor isnt positioned correctly, so it cant accurately determine the temperature inside the oven.
Issues with the temperature sensors can lead to unevenly cooked food.
If the sensor inside the oven is faulty, it wont regulate heat properly, explains Shu.
If this doesn’t align with your chosen setting, that could indicate a broken sensor.
Damaged door seal
If the oven door isnt sealed properly, heat can escape from the oven.
Check your door seal to see if you notice any damage.
If the fan is blocked or not functioning, air circulation is compromised, explains Shu.
Check the fan by manually turning it when the oven is fully cool.
If it resists, you will likely need to call an appliance repair specialist to fix it.
Test out different rack positions to see if they help even out your cooking.
If the food on the top rack burns frequently, try lowering it to see if that helps.
Dirty oven
A dirty oven can affect its function.
Vuong states, Grease and food buildup can affect heat distribution.
Food buildup can reduce the appliances heating efficiency and damage the oven.
Clean your oven frequently or after a spill to prevent uneven cooking.
Should you repair or replace an oven thats not cooking evenly?
When your oven isnt cooking evenly, you might be tempted to scrap it and buy a new one.
But thats not always the best course of action.
But sometimes, it might be better to replace your oven.
One consideration is the age of your oven.
Also, consider how frequently your oven breaks down and needs repairs.
If multiple components are failing, its more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer model, advises Shu.
Another factor is the cost of repairing the oven compared to the replacement cost.
If your oven lacks the features you want, buying a new one might be the best option.
Finally, consider the efficiency of your oven.
Newer ovens are often more energy-efficient, saving you money on utility bills, explains Vuong.
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