Quick Answer
An oven that heats unevenly usually has one of four causes: a worn door seal that lets heat escape, a damaged element, a fan that isn't moving air properly (in fan-forced ovens), or a thermostat that is reading the temperature incorrectly. Test the oven with an oven thermometer before you decide what to replace.
Let the oven cool completely before touching the elements or the inside walls.
A cake that burns on one side and stays raw on the other, or a roast that browns unevenly, is more than an annoyance. Uneven heat often means a part is starting to fail, and it's worth checking before it gets worse.
Here is how to test the oven yourself, what each part does, and when to book an oven repair technician in Melbourne. For more background, see our oven temperature issues guide.
Test the oven before you fix anything
Place an inexpensive oven thermometer in the centre of the oven, set the oven to 180°C, and wait 20 minutes after it reaches temperature. Check the reading in several spots. If the reading is more than about 15 to 20 degrees off the setting, the thermostat or sensor may need calibration. If the heat varies from one side to the other, the problem is more likely the element, the fan or the seal.
Check the door seal
The seal around the door keeps heat in. A cracked, flattened or torn seal lets hot air escape, especially at the corners. Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out with no resistance at one spot, the seal needs replacing.
Look at the elements
Elements are the metal coils at the top and bottom of the oven. Check for blisters, gaps, or sections that have gone dark or are not glowing. A damaged element often heats only part of the oven, which causes hot spots.
Check the fan (fan-forced ovens)
Fan-forced ovens use a fan to spread heat evenly. If the fan is slow, noisy or stopped, the heat stays in one area. Turn the fan on in the oven's fan mode and listen for a steady sound. A rattle or a squeal means the motor or the fan blade needs attention.
Gas ovens need a licensed gas fitter
If you have a gas oven, uneven heating can come from a burner or gas supply problem. Gas repairs must be done by a licensed gas fitter. Turn the oven off and call for help if you smell gas, see a flame that looks yellow or unstable, or the burner won't light.
Book an Oven Repair in Melbourne
If the thermometer test or the element check shows a fault, book an oven repair with DP Electric. For more on temperature problems, read our oven temperature issues guide, and for other warning signs see signs your oven needs repair.
What's Safe to Check Yourself vs When to Call a Pro
Safe to Check Yourself
- Use an oven thermometer to test the real temperature in several spots.
- Check the door seal with a sheet of paper.
- Look at the elements for blisters, gaps or dark sections, with the oven switched off and cool.
- Run the fan mode and listen for rattles or squeals.
Always Call a Licensed Technician
- Test element continuity and power at the element terminals.
- Check the fan motor, bearings and blade.
- Calibrate or replace the thermostat or temperature sensor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my oven burn on one side?▼
The most common causes are a damaged element, a slow or stopped fan, or a worn door seal. Testing with an oven thermometer shows which one is the likely cause.
Can I calibrate my oven myself?▼
Some ovens allow a temperature offset in the settings menu. Check the manual first. If you're not sure, a technician can test and calibrate the thermostat.
Is a worn oven door seal a safety risk?▼
It is not usually dangerous, but it wastes energy and causes uneven cooking. Replace the seal when it's cracked or flattened.
When should I call for oven repairs?▼
Book a technician if the element is damaged, the fan is failing, the thermostat reading is far off, or the oven shows an error code it doesn't clear.
We Service All Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
Same-day appliance repairs available across:
Need help with this right now?
Same-day service · Licensed technicians · 12-month parts warranty & 3-month labour warranty
Dishank Patel
Lead Technician & Founder · DP Electric Melbourne
Dishank Patel has over 10 years of hands-on experience repairing household appliances across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. He holds all required Victorian electrical and gas licensing and has personally repaired thousands of appliances across brands including Bosch, Miele, LG, Samsung, and Fisher & Paykel.