anyone have tips on dealing with an electric oven that seems to way overheat when it preheats. it's almost like it's just on, increasing in temp, and never realizes that it hits its target. i bought an oven thermometer, which is how i know. any experienced chefs have ideas (beyone obsessive checking?) ignorance was (kind of bliss)!

Raquelita
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6 Comments

innoabrd February 8, 2011
this happened to me when one of the heating elements went out in a Smeg I owned. Somehow only having one of the two elements working made the other never shut off. Could be this, could be the thermostat, but in any case you're looking for an appliance repairman, not a cook!
 
stilltrying February 6, 2011
yea, my oven did this when the thermostat went bad
 
pierino February 6, 2011
No two ovens (gas or electric) are calibrated exactly the same way. But electric ranges are absolutely diabolical. Just got rid of mine. With electric the temp fluctuates and doesn't hold at a steady point, which is really frustrating because there really is no correct setting.
 
drbabs February 6, 2011
I think you might need a new thermostat.
 
hardlikearmour February 6, 2011
Does it have a preheat setting? Maybe just make a time chart to figure out how long it takes to get about 25º F past the temperature you want (to account for cooling when you open the oven.) Otherwise consider foregoing the preheat, and just use the bake setting at the desired temperature, and wait 15 to 20 minutes before putting your dish in.
 
amysarah February 6, 2011
Unfortunately, I think this is more a question for an appliance repair person than a chef.

I'd start by calling the manufacturer's tech dept. or helpline - if needed, they can direct you to a local licensed service company. (The owner's manual or manufacturer's website might also have a troubleshooting guide - but this really sounds like something that should be looked at by a professional.)
 
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