My Gas Oven Temperature Keeps Surging

Normal Surges

• Normal gas ovens heat up to a temperature hotter than your set temperature. The oven then turns off until the temperature drops below the set temperature. Some ovens may only very 25 degrees, but other gas ovens can vary up to 50 degrees, according to appliance experts at Appliance Assistant. This temperature variance is normal, but it is affected by a number of factors including the temperature of the room, the brand of gas oven and how often you open the oven.

Temperature Probe

• Each oven is equipped with a temperature probe that shows the oven’s temperature. If the probe is broken, it may register a temperature far below the actual temperature. This keeps the oven on longer than necessary. This causes the oven to surge and burn food. The probe itself it a long tube attached to the back of the oven and extending into the oven. The probe is broken if you see cracks, nicks or chips in the probe or the wires that hold it to the oven. Fix the issue by replacing the oven temperature probe.

Clock Control

• The clock control is the mechanism that receives signals from the temperature probe and turns the heating elements on and off. If the clock control malfunctions, it may turn the heating element on and keep it on so that it surges the temperature. If the clock control is actually broken, the oven temperature drops drastically. Replacing the clock control requires should be done by a professional

Safety Issues

• If your oven surges to very high temperatures, it is a serious fire risk. If you notice a fire inside the oven, keep the door shut and turn the oven off. Wait for the fire to die down completely before opening the oven and cleaning it out. Repair the oven as soon as possible.