Why Is My Oven Broiler Not Working? Guide 2023

If you want to find an answer to why is my oven broiler not working. Then you’re in the right place. Not working the oven broiler can be a frustrating problem. If you are trying to cook something in the oven. Then, realize that the broiler will not turn on. After that, it can put a damper on your meal plans.

Fortunately, there are usually some simple fixes. You can try before having to take drastic measures and call a repairman; in this blog, I will explain why your oven broiler might not be working and how to troubleshoot the problem. 

What is Broiling and How Does It Work?

Broiling is a cooking method that uses high, direct heat from the oven’s broiler element to cook food quickly. It’s like a reverse grill! When you broil, your oven’s top element heats up intensely, creating a searing heat source. You place your food on a rack or pan near the top of the oven, and the broiler’s heat cooks the top side of the food first, creating a crispy and golden exterior.

As the top gets deliciously browned, the broiler’s heat also penetrates the food, cooking the inside. It’s a fantastic way to cook steaks, fish, vegetables, and even melt cheese on top of dishes.

What causes a broiler in a oven not to work

Common Issues That Cause The broiler Not To work

  • Incorrect oven temperature
  • Oven baking element won’t work
  • Surface elements that won’t work
  • Faulty relay board
  • Faulty control thermostat
  • The oven won’t heat properly
  • Oven control board failure
  • The electric stove is not working
  • The heating element is not working
  • Failure of circuit breakers

Read More: What Does Oven Cleaner Do To Kitchen Countertops?

Step By Step Explaining Why Is My Oven Broiler Not Working

1- Check The Power Supply Of The Oven

The first step in troubleshooting an oven broiler that is not working is to check the power supply for any potential problems. Start by making sure that the appliance is properly plugged into a working outlet. 

Make sure that the circuit breaker for the oven has not been tripped, which can be checked by flipping the switch in your home’s fuse box to see if power has been lost. If all of these things have been checked and are functioning correctly, then move on to the next step.

2- Inspect The Oven For Obstructions

Next, make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the path of the broiler. Check inside the oven and make sure that nothing is blocking the heating element from turning on. This can include food particles or other debris in your oven’s interior. 

So be sure to use a flashlight to get a good look. If any blockages are found, use a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth to remove them before proceeding with the next step.

Read More: How To Clean Oven When Aqualift Doesn’t Work? Helpful 2023 Guide

3- Check That The Oven Broiler Element

Your oven will usually have a test cycle feature which can help you determine if the broiler element is working correctly. If your oven has this feature, run it to check if the element is heating up and turning on properly. This may take a few minutes to complete, but it should give you an indication of whether or not the element is working correctly. On the grill, the machine element is in charge of cooking and heating the food. 

Long-term use of the machine can harm the element. If the electric connections are properly connected and the grill does not work. It could be due to the element burning out or being damaged. Turning on the grill and inspecting the element is the simplest approach to test its condition. If it is flashing red, it signifies it is in good functioning order.

Why Is My Oven Broiler Not Working

4- Reinstalling The Element

An electric element heats the grill. This component is often attached to the top of the grill enclosure. The element will not make contact with the grill terminals if it is loose. You must reseat the terminal to troubleshoot the issues. Make sure the machine’s power supply is turned off before proceeding.

5- Check The Temperature Settings

The next step in troubleshooting a non-functioning broiler is to check the temperature settings. Make sure that the oven’s thermostat has been set to the correct level for the broiler element to heat up and turn on properly. If it hasn’t, adjust it accordingly before continuing with the next step.

6- Make Sure All Safety Switches Are Turned On And Functioning Properly

Most ovens have safety switches that prevent the broiler element from being overheated. Make sure that all of these switches are set to the correct position and functioning properly. If any of them appear to be damaged, or if they’re not working correctly, you may need to replace them before proceeding with the next step.

Read More: How To Replace Oven Insulation? Ultimate Guide 2023

7- Clean Or Replace The Igniter

The final step in troubleshooting a non-functioning broiler is to clean or replace the igniter. This part is usually located near the bottom of the oven and should be checked for any built-up dirt or debris. 

If there is any, use a damp cloth to wipe it away before proceeding with replacing or cleaning the igniter. If it appears to be faulty or not working correctly, you will need to replace it with a new one before attempting to use your oven again.

8- Safety Guide

Before attempting any of these steps, make sure that the oven is unplugged and the circuit breaker has been turned off in order to avoid any potential hazards. Additionally, if you are not sure how to perform any of these steps or replace a part, consult an appliance repair expert first. 

How do I turn on my oven broiler

These are some of the most common troubleshooting steps for why your oven broiler isn’t working. If you have already tried these things and are still having trouble, it may be time to call in a professional appliance repair technician. They can provide more comprehensive diagnosis and repair services to determine what’s causing the issue and get your oven back up and running again.

How To Determine If Your Broiler Element Is Faulty?

If you’re unsure about the condition of your broiler element, there are a few signs to watch out for. A malfunctioning broiler element can affect your oven’s ability to cook and brown food properly. Here’s how you can identify if your broiler element is bad:

Uneven Browning Or Cooking

One clear indicator of a faulty broiler element is uneven browning or cooking of your food. If you notice that one side of your dish is browning while the other remains undercooked, it could be due to a malfunctioning broiler element.

Can you use the oven if the broiler element is broken

No Visible Red Glow

During normal operation, the broiler element should emit a red or orange glow. If you don’t see this glow when the broiler is turned on, there’s a possibility that the element is not working.

Long Preheating Times

If your oven takes an unusually long time to preheat or doesn’t reach the desired temperature, the broiler element might be at fault. A damaged element can lead to slower heating times.

Visual Inspection

Carefully examine the broiler element for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or holes. Physical damage to the element can directly impact its performance.

How to test oven with multimeter

Testing With A Multimeter

If you have access to a multimeter, you can perform a simple test to check the continuity of the broiler element. This can help confirm whether the element is functioning properly or not.

Strange Odors Or Smoke

If you notice unusual odors or smoke from your oven when using the broiler, it could indicate a problem with the element. Turn off the oven immediately and inspect the element.

Consulting The Manual

Refer to your oven’s user manual for guidance on troubleshooting and identifying issues with the broiler element. The manual may provide specific instructions for your oven model.

Read More: Can Electric Oven Cause Carbon Monoxide? Best Guide In 2023

FAQs

How do you test a broiler element

Why Does My Oven Broiler Go On And Off?

If your oven broiler is cycling on and off, it might be due to the temperature regulation system. Your oven uses a thermostat to maintain the desired cooking temperature. When you set the broiler, the thermostat sends signals to the broiler element to cycle on and off, keeping the temperature in check. This cycling is normal and ensures your food cooks evenly. However, if the cycling seems unusually frequent or erratic, it could be a sign of a faulty thermostat or sensor.

How Do You Fix A Broiler Element In An Oven?

To fix a broiler element in an oven, start by turning off and unplugging the oven. Remove oven racks to access the broiler element. Take out any securing screws or clips, then gently pull out the old element. Install the new element and secure it with screws or clips. Replace the oven racks, plug in the oven, and test the broiler to ensure it’s working properly. If unsure, refer to the manual or seek professional assistance.

How Long Does Oven Broiler Take To Heat Up?

As an oven broiler expert, the heating time can vary based on factors like oven type and desired temperature. Generally, electric broilers take about 5-10 minutes to heat up fully, while gas broilers might take around 3-5 minutes. For a specific example, an electric broiler set to high can reach its optimal temperature in approximately 7 minutes, while a gas broiler might take around 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the broiler to prevent overcooking, and always follow your oven’s guidelines for best results.

Conclusion

There are a few things you can try to troubleshoot to find out why is my oven broiler not working. Start by ensuring the appliance is plugged in, and all of its safety switches are on. Then, check for any obstructions or debris blocking the heating element from turning on. 

Use your oven’s test cycle feature to check that the broiler element is working correctly. Also, make sure that the temperature settings are correct. If all these steps fail, it may be time to call in an appliance repair expert. Because only he can provide more comprehensive diagnosis and repair services. 

No matter what you decide to do, always unplug your oven. Turn off the circuit breaker before attempting any repairs or maintenance. This will keep you safe and ensure that your oven works correctly for years.