Blog entry by Jimmie Toussaint
How to Repair Common Oven Parts
Ovens are a common kitchen appliance used to cook food. The heat from the oven sterilizes food and kills the majority of microorganisms.
Every baker needs an accurate oven thermometer. Understanding how your oven works will improve your baking and roasting abilities and eliminate those frustrating hot spots that can cause havoc with cookies, cakes and other baked items.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a crucial component of your best oven. It is used to ensure that the temperature of food is in line with the temperature you set on the control panel. As with any electronic mechanical switch or sensor, it may have issues that result in the oven going over heat or under heat, or simply not be able to maintain the temperature at the level you've set.
The oven thermostat is a small strip made of two different metals connected. When heated the different metals expand and flex at different rates, forming or breaking an electrical circuit. When the metal in the thermostat attains the temperature you've set on the control panel, it shuts off heating element's power. As the oven cools down the bimetallic strip contract to re-establish the circuit before activating the heating element. This process is repeated over and over to maintain a constant temperature in your oven.
It is necessary to disconnect the oven and all screws removed to diagnose the issue with the thermostat. If you have a multimeter (which is a tool that detects the electrical current) set it to the ohms setting, and then test the thermostat. If the multimeter reads zero or close to it then the thermostat is working correctly and doesn't need to be replaced.
If the multimeter doesn't read anything at all, then the thermostat is not working properly and requires replacement. Cooker Spare Parts recommends that you replace the thermostat with a new one of the same type as the one you have. They are available through the internet or at a kitchen goods store, and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Bake Element
Ovens are not complete without the bake element which creates heat to make your oven cook food. It's a simple component that transforms electricity into the high temperatures needed for baking, roasting, and broiling. Heating elements are typically found in electric ovens hobs [Blogfreely.Net] and ranges and can be either covered or concealed under the floor of the oven.
The majority of oven heating elements are constructed from high-resistance components like nickel-chromium alloy. They convert electrical energy into heat using resistance. The heat then radiates through the interior of the oven to achieve the desired temperature to cook different kinds of food.
When you switch on the oven the heating elements begin to produce heat through the high-voltage electric current flowing across the metal surface. When electricity is flowing through it, the element heats up. When the element reaches its temperature, it starts to shine red hot.
The baked element is the primary source of heat for most oven functions. It's usually located at the bottom of the oven. A lot of ovens that are automated also utilize it for self-cleaning. When it begins to smoke you may notice that your oven doesn't heat up as fast or that your food is not cooked through completely.
To verify that you have a working oven baking element, plug your multimeter into its black and red ports, then touch the probes made of steel against each other on one end of your element. The other end of the element against one terminal and then place your hand on it. If the element feels warm, take it off it and start testing again. If it's not, take off the element and test again.
Broil Element
The broil element is usually situated in the top of the oven and can provide high heat like grills to cook or brown food. Broil settings in ovens and hobs are ideal for quick grill meat crisp vegetables, heat lasagna or caramelize the top of a casserole.
The broiler heating element is similar to the bake element in that it converts electrical energy by resistance into heat. It is comprised of an inner core consisting of metal wires, wrapped in an insulating and expanded product called perlite. The inner core is enclosed in an outer layer of stainless steel, which protects the wires from direct contact with the oven. The three-layer design helps reduce the temperature of the broil element, making it more secure than the older models.
While you are able to use any heating element in your oven, you should choose one that matches the rated wattage of your oven. Utilizing a different wattage may damage your oven or cause it to overheat. You can verify the power of your oven as well as the rating of the new heating element by examining their current and voltage ratings on the oven's control panel.
Examine the resistance of the old element, and compare it to the wattage rating of the new element. The greater the resistance, the greater the power that an oven element draws from.
If the heating element in your broiler is malfunctioning or isn't working in any way, you should replace it immediately. Your oven needs to function properly to to cook your favourite meals. If, however, your oven isn't functioning at all or only intermittently, the problem could lie with another part of your oven.
Light Bulb and Assembly
The oven light helps you keep an eye on the food as it cooks, without having to open the door and let the heat escape. The light also alerts you when your casserole is ready. But it's not uncommon for Hobs Oven the bulb to go out. This can be frustrating but it's an easy fix you can accomplish yourself. Before you start, make sure that the breaker hasn't been tripped and that the three-prong connector remains intact.
First, remove the light bulb that was in use and locate the new one. It is possible to search the internet to find a replacement that matches the wattage and the type of oven you have. Some ovens have normal appliance bulbs that run at 40 watts, while others need an halogen lamp that can reach 50 watts. Consider using cotton gloves to protect the bulbs from the damage caused by oil.
Before you place the new bulb into place You must first remove it from its glass casing. It's important to take this step slowly to ensure that you don't fracture it. You'll then need to remove the air from the bulb and replace it with the mixture. This will extend the lifespan of the filament.
If your light bulb is always going out, there may be a larger electrical issue that should be addressed by a professional. Make sure you double-check that you're using the correct bulb for your oven and look over your Use and Care Guide for more troubleshooting advice. Make sure to unplug the oven and turn off the power before you start any repairs. This will prevent you from suffering an electric shock.
Vent Tube
The vent tube is a crucial oven part as it allows a small amount of airflow inside the cavity. This allows the bake element to circulate heat throughout the oven and ensures that the temperature is evenly dispersed.
It also allows vapors from the oven to escape and allows smoke to be removed from the cooking surface. It is crucial for the efficient operation of any electric or gas oven.
Vents for ovens can become blocked by many factors. Accidental spills or splatters could leave sticky residues on oven vents. They may attract dust, debris and other contaminants that could cause blockages in the course of time. Grease and oil particles can be blown into the air and settle around the vents, and vice versa. Other environmental factors such as construction and kitchen renovations can introduce dust into the vents. This can cause clogs.
Based on the type of the oven, the vent tube can comprise a spreader 46 and a fill tip 12, and an a bottle guide 20 that are integrally formed into the pipe 32. For example, the bottle guide 20 might have a tapered outer surface that is complemented by the tapered inner surface of the spreader 46. This allows the vent tube to be effortlessly placed into various sizes and shapes of bottle necks.
A blocked vent tube may cause a reduction in pressure inside the enclosure, which can lead to an updraft that pulls exhaust backwards and then down the vent, damaging the oven components. Consult a professional if you believe that your vent could be blocked or clogged. They will determine the cause and give suggestions for clearing or cleaning the vent.