Nothing is more frustrating than following a recipe exactly and still having your food come out wrong. If you're consistently burning things or finding that food takes much longer than expected, the problem almost certainly isn't your cooking — it's your oven's temperature accuracy.
Why Ovens Run Hot or Cold
1. Failed temperature sensor
Most modern ovens use a temperature sensor (probe) that measures the oven cavity temperature and signals the control board to adjust accordingly. When this sensor fails or drifts out of calibration, the oven can run 25–75°F hotter or cooler than the set temperature. This is the most common cause of temperature inaccuracy and is a straightforward repair.
2. Worn door gasket
The oven door gasket creates a heat seal when the door is closed. A worn or damaged gasket lets heat escape, forcing the oven to work harder and creating uneven temperatures — particularly affecting items near the door.
3. Faulty bake element (electric ovens)
If the bake element (the coil at the bottom of the oven) is partially failing, it may produce inconsistent heat. You might notice one side of the oven cooking faster than the other, or the oven cycling on and off more than usual.
4. Control board calibration issues
On newer digital ovens, the control board manages temperature regulation. Software glitches or component failures can cause temperature inaccuracies that look like sensor problems but aren't.
A Quick Test
Buy an inexpensive oven thermometer (available at any kitchen store for under $10). Place it in the center of the oven and set your oven to 350°F. After 20 minutes, check the thermometer reading. More than 25°F off in either direction indicates a calibration or sensor problem worth fixing.
Getting It Fixed
Most oven temperature sensor replacements are completed same-day. Larry serves all of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and throughout Ventura County. Call (805) 253-2434 — the $100 service call is applied toward your repair.
Need appliance repair in Simi Valley or Ventura County?
Larry provides same-day service throughout the area. $100 service call applied to your repair.
Call (805) 253-2434