Why Does My Gas Oven Not Preheat?

Broken Bake Igniter

• A gas oven's bake igniter is responsible for turning on the appliance's heating element. The igniter is a small device that is either rectangular or circular and ranges in size from 4 to 8 inches. It is always near or on the burner. A bake igniter weakens before it actually breaks. When weak, an igniter causes the heating element to have a small flame, which negatively affects how well the oven heats.

Broken Heating Elements

• Each gas oven has at least two heating elements. These elements generally last only a few years, but they may break within one year. When they break, or when they weaken, they either do not work or do not create as much of a flame as they should.

Defective Thermostat

• The appliance's thermostat tests the oven's temperature. If the thermostat doesn't work properly, it may prevent the oven from preheating fully or holding the correct temperature. The thermostat might be broken and need replacement, or it simply might not be calibrated properly. Recalibrate it yourself by consulting the oven's manufacturer or repair manual.

Defective Safety Valve

• The oven's safety valve prevents gas from leaking outside the oven. If the safety valve is defective, the oven may stop working. Fixing the valve, however, can return the oven to proper working order.