How to Replace an Oven Light (Step-by-Step)

If you use your oven regularly, you probably use the oven light to help check the status of your food while it is cooking. Using the light means you don’t have to open the oven door, which lets the heat out and can interfere with the cooking process.

If the oven light has stopped working, the likely culprit is the bulb burning out. Thankfully, replacing the light bulb is a very straightforward task that you can easily do yourself. All you need to do is purchase the correct replacement bulb and have a set of screwdrivers on hand to remove the light cover.

To help make the process of changing the bulb as simple as possible, follow the steps below.

Step 1—Make sure the bulb is blown

Before replacing the light bulb in your oven, it’s a good idea to make sure the bulb is the cause of your oven light not working. Start by making sure the power to your oven is switched on properly. 

If your oven doesn’t turn on, check the circuit breaker and the power socket if necessary. You can also make sure the power switch (which is located inside the oven door) isn’t obstructed in any way.

Step 2—Purchase a new light bulb

Once you have made sure the light bulb is the cause of the light not working, the next step is to purchase the correct replacement light bulb. You should be able to get one easily at a major hardware store or specialist appliance store. Thankfully, they generally don’t cost too much money. 

Just make sure you get the correct bulb for your oven. Your owner’s manual should have this information in it or you can just take the old bulb with you to the store.

Step 3—Make sure the oven is cool

Before replacing the light bulb, make sure the oven has completely cooled down. This will prevent you from getting burnt and damaging the oven light unit. 

You need to remove the cover off it to replace the bulb and heat can damage the wiring. It’s also a good idea to switch the power off to the oven.

Step 4—Locate the oven light

Once you have the correct replacement bulb and you have ensured the oven is cool, the next step is to locate the light unit and remove the old bulb. If you can’t locate the light unit easily, use a torch to find it. 

Once you locate the light, remove the cover from the light. This can be done by gently twisting the cover and pulling it off. Some lights are protected by a glass cover that has a clip that needs to be removed to get the cover off.

Step 5—Replace the light bulb

Once the cover comes off, you can remove the old bulb. This can usually be done by unclipping it or unscrewing it. 

Then screw or clip in the new bulb and put the cover back over the light unit.

Step 6—Turn your oven on

Now that the new bulb is installed, the final step is to switch the power back on and test that the new bulb is working. 

If the bulb isn’t working, you will need to get a technician to come and inspect your appliance so they can find the cause. In some cases, the entire oven light unit might need to be replaced.

Frequently asked questions

Why has my oven light stopped working?

If your oven light has stopped working, it’s most likely the result of the light bulb burning out. 

The first thing to do is change the light bulb. If that doesn’t fix the light, the light socket might be defective and will need to be repaired or replaced by a technician. In some cases, the issue might be caused by faulty wiring in your oven.

What type of light bulb is in my oven?

Different makes and models have specific types of light bulbs. In general, the light bulb in your oven will be a specialty type of bulb that can handle high heat. 

The easiest way to find out what bulb you need to purchase is to check your owner’s manual. Alternatively, you can take the old bulb out and take it with you to the store.

Can I use a regular incandescent bulb?

No. It is not recommended to use regular incandescent bulbs in an oven as they are unable to handle the high temperatures that an oven bulb needs to. They can also become a safety concern as they could potentially shatter and damage the light unit in your oven. 

Consult your owner’s manual to make sure you purchase the correct replacement bulb.

How do I remove the light cover?

To remove the cover from the oven light unit, you need to twist the cover gently and it should then be able to be pulled off. 

Some oven light units are protected by a glass cover that has a clip that needs to be removed before you can take the cover off.

How long does an oven light bulb last?

Most light bulbs last up to 900 hours of use. Even if you use your oven every day and leave the light on, the bulb will most likely last for many years. 

When replacing a light bulb in your oven, purchase a high-quality replacement bulb as they will last longer.