A broken KitchenAid electric range can stop your cooking dreams. This important kitchen appliance sometimes has heating problems. Knowing the common reasons why an electric range is not heating is key. It helps you troubleshoot and choose if you can fix it yourself or if you need expert help.
Common Causes of Electric Range Heating Issues
Electric ranges are usually reliable, but they can sometimes have heating problems. These problems can be caused by different things. Some may be simple, like issues with the power supply. Others may be more complicated issues within the appliance itself.
Faulty Heating Elements: A Primary Culprit
The KitchenAid range’s heating element converts electrical energy into heat. Over time, it may wear out or fail. You can check its condition by observing a bright orange or red glow when on. If damaged, consider replacing it with basic tools or seek professional help for safety.
Power Supply Problems: From Outlets to Circuit Breakers
If your electric range isn’t working, check the power supply first. Here are some steps:
- Check the circuit breaker: Look for the breaker that controls your range and reset if tripped.
- Inspect the outlet: Ensure it’s not damaged or loose by testing with another appliance.
For serious electrical issues, seek help from a qualified electrician to avoid injury or further damage.
Diagnosing Your Electric Range’s Heating Problem
When your electric range isn’t heating properly, it’s important to follow a methodical way to find the problem. Start by checking the most obvious issues, like a tripped circuit breaker. This often leads to a fast fix.
If the problem continues, you may need to do more thorough checks. This means looking closely at the heating elements to see if they are damaged. You should also test for electrical continuity using a multimeter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking the Heating Element
Checking the heating element in your KitchenAid appliance is important for finding heating problems. Here is a simple guide to safely inspect the heating element:
- Disconnect the power: Unplug your electric range or turn off the circuit breaker. This is very important to avoid getting shocked.
- Access the heating element: The heating element might be under the cooktop or inside the oven. Check your KitchenAid manual for how to reach it.
- Visual inspection: Look closely at the heating element. Check for cracks, blisters, or discoloration. If you see damage or burn marks, you will need to replace it.
Always remember, safety comes first when using electrical appliances. If you’re not sure about any step, or if you have trouble, it’s best to get help from a trained technician.
How to Test for Electrical Supply Issues
Testing for electrical supply issues requires a multimeter, a handy tool for measuring voltage, current, and resistance. This can help determine if the outlet or circuit breaker is the cause of the problem.
Here’s a simple table to guide you:
|
Test |
Steps |
Result |
|
Outlet Voltage |
Set the multimeter to AC voltage, insert probes into the outlet |
Should read around 120V; otherwise, the outlet may be faulty. |
|
Circuit Breaker |
With the breaker on, touch one probe to the breaker screw, the other to a ground wire |
Should have voltage; if not, the breaker might be tripped or faulty. |
If both tests show proper voltage, the issue might be with the range itself. However, if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to contact an electrician.
DIY Fixes for Your Electric Range
Once you know what is wrong with your electric range, you can try to fix small problems yourself. For example, you can replace a burned-out heating element or reset a tripped circuit breaker. These jobs are easy if you know a bit about electrical work.
But your safety comes first. Always unplug the range before you start any repair. If you find any complicated wiring or feel unsure about what to do, it’s a good idea to call a professional for help.
Replacing a Burned-Out Heating Element
Replacing a burnt-out heating element is a common task you can do yourself for electric ranges. Before you start, make sure to buy a matching replacement part from a trusted appliance parts store.
- Disconnect Power: First, turn off the power to the range at the circuit breaker.
- Access the Element: Depending on your range model, you may need to take off the cooktop or open access panels in the oven to get to the broken element. Check your appliance manual for exact steps.
- Disconnect and Remove: Gently unplug the wires from the old element, noting where they go. Then, unscrew and take out the element from its spot.
To install the new element, follow the steps in reverse. Make sure the wires are connected tightly and the element fits well in its space. Turn the power back on and test the new element.
Resetting Your Electric Range’s Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is often an easy fix when your electric range won’t heat up. To safely reset the circuit breaker, follow these steps:
- Find the Circuit Breaker Panel: This is usually in a utility area, basement, or garage.
- Spot the Right Breaker: Look for a breaker marked “Range,” “Oven,” or something like that. It may be a double-pole breaker, which is wider than regular ones.
- Reset the Breaker: If the breaker feels tripped (partly or fully in the “off” position), switch it fully to “off,” then turn it back to “on.”
Doing this should bring power back to the range. If it trips again right away, there may be a bigger electrical issue that needs a professional like us at KitchenAid Appliance Repair Professionals.
Conclusion
If your electric range is not heating properly, knowing the common problems and how to fix them can help you deal with the issue quickly. You can check the heating elements and make sure there is enough power coming to the range. This may help you find out what is wrong and even fix it yourself. Always keep safety first when you work with electrical tools. For more tips, check out our blog on Simplifying Troubleshooting Range Burner Ignition Issues. Stay updated and keep your electric range working well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any preventive maintenance tips to ensure that an electric range continues to heat properly in the future?
Regularly cleaning your KitchenAid range, especially the cooktop and oven, helps stop debris from causing issues with the heating parts. Do not use harsh cleaners on these elements. Using the range with the right voltage can also help avoid problems with heating in the future.
How can you differentiate between a problem with the heating element versus a problem with the temperature controls in an electric range?
If the heating element is not glowing at all or heats unevenly, the issue is probably with the element. If the element does heat but does not reach the set temperature, then the problem might be with the temperature controls or sensor.
Is it possible to repair an electric range that is not heating on your own, or should you call a professional?
Simple problems, like resetting a circuit breaker or changing a heating element, can be easy to fix yourself. However, if you have tricky repairs with electrical wiring or if you’re not sure what the problem is, it’s better to call a nice electrician or appliance repair technician.