7 signs you urgently need to replace your oven
How to tell it's time to replace your oven (photo: Freepik.com)
Even the best equipment wears out over time. What alarming signals indicate that your kitchen assistant is no longer performing its duties?
Crack in the glass
The oven door always has a window made of special tempered glass that allows you to monitor the cooking process. This design is multi-layered and serves a heat-insulating function.
If a crack appears, it’s not only a risk of heat loss but also the possibility of the glass completely breaking. Shards can end up in the food, which raises safety concerns. Moreover, replacing the glass is quite an expensive affair. Often, it’s cheaper to buy a new oven than to repair the old one.
Slow heating
Previously, your favorite pizza was ready in 10 minutes, but now it takes 15 or even longer? This is a sign that the heating elements have lost their effectiveness. If the appliance no longer heats up quickly, it uses more energy, and the result is worse. This issue is a clear signal to consider replacement.
Uneven heating
When one part of the cookies is perfect, but another part is burnt, it means the oven isn’t distributing heat evenly. The cause could be damaged heating elements or a malfunctioning fan, as well as issues with the temperature settings.
If you've checked everything and the problem isn't on your end, it’s time to calculate the cost of repairs or consider purchasing a new appliance. Even a minor malfunction could be a "warning" that other parts will soon fail as well.
An experienced housewife should monitor the condition of the oven (photo: Freepik.com)
Strange noises
A properly working oven operates almost silently. If you start hearing unusual buzzing, scraping, or clicking sounds, it’s a sign of internal malfunctions. This music is not normal, so it shouldn’t be ignored.
Unpleasant odors
The appearance of a burning or melted plastic smell during the oven's operation often indicates problems with the insulation of the wires or the door’s seal. If the smell intensifies, the issue becomes more serious. Such aroma should not be part of your cooking process.
Frequent repairs
If the oven has been repaired several times and is breaking down again, it is likely nearing the end of its service life. Regular repairs not only incur costs but also cause constant stress. In such cases, it is better to invest in new equipment that will work reliably.
Rising electricity bills
Increasing amounts on utility bills are sometimes linked to old household appliances. Over time, they lose energy efficiency: insulation deteriorates, and the thermostat malfunctions. As a result, the oven consumes more electricity than it should. It will be more economical to upgrade the appliance than to overpay every month.
The following sources were used in writing this article: the websites Lifehacker and Spruce.
