Thermador makes sleek, high-end, luxury appliances known for their stylish appearance and superior performance. Although they’re generally reliable, any appliance can experience faults and malfunctions from time to time. If your Thermador oven isn’t heating, don’t panic just yet! There are a few things you can try at home that can restore function to your oven with just a little effort. Read on to find out what to do.
This guide applies to all popular Thermador oven models, including:
C12M
C271U
C272U
C30
C301U
C302U
CV2136PB
GPS364GLS
PCS366
PRG304US
PRG366
PRG366US
PRSE484GGS
PRSG366S
RDDS30V
SGC365RS
SGCS304RS
SGCS365RB
SGCS365RS
TMH36GS
TMH45
Check the Power Supply
Let’s start with the basics. If your oven runs on electricity, it needs to be connected to the power supply to heat. If the power connection is faulty or inadequate, your oven won’t be able to heat—or perform any other functions. If this is your issue, it won’t just be the heating that’s affected; the oven light, clock, fan, and other functions also won’t be working. Here’s how to troubleshoot this issue:
- First, check to ensure your oven is switched on. Some ovens have a wall switch that controls whether or not electricity is flowing to the oven. Make sure this is switched to the on position.
- Next, make sure the connection between the oven and the outlet is firmly in place. Most ovens are hardwired into the home’s electrical system, so if you notice the connection looks loose, you’ll need to get an electrician to repair the problem.
- If everything else looks fine, check your home’s circuit breaker. Check if the breaker that corresponds to the oven has tripped. If it has, reset it to the ‘on’ position. Then, check if the oven is heating properly.
Check the Heating Elements
Ovens contain two heating elements:
- The bake element at the bottom
- The broil element at the top
If one of the elements is broken or malfunctioning, then the oven won’t heat properly; it may heat unevenly or not at all. If this is your issue, you might have noticed your food cooks unevenly, or you may have noticed the heating becoming progressively less effective. Here’s what to do:
- To test which element is faulty, try this trick: Place a single layer of bread slices on a tray and put it in the center of the oven. Set the oven to medium-high heat, then wait until the bread starts to brown. If the oven is heating evenly, both sides should be a similar color. If only the bottom is browned, there may be an issue with the upper element, and vice versa.
- Once you’ve identified the element with the issue, turn off the power to your oven by switching the corresponding circuit breaker off.
- Remove the screws holding the heating element in place and disconnect the element from the wiring harness.
- Using a multimeter, test the element for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the element will need to be replaced.
- Source a new heating element, ensuring it’s compatible with your Thermador oven model, then install it in place of the faulty one.
- Test to see if your oven is now heating properly.
Check the Temperature Sensor
Most ovens contain a temperature sensor, which monitors the temperature of your oven’s interior while it’s running. If the sensor isn’t working correctly, your oven may underheat or overheat. If this is your issue, you may notice your oven still heats a little but never gets hot enough. It may also start heating but never get hotter than a certain temperature. Conversely, it may always get too hot. A faulty temperature sensor will need to be replaced. Here’s how to test it:
- Disconnect your oven from the power supply.
- Find the temperature sensor . You may need to consult your manual to find the specific location. In most models, it’s found at the back of the interior cavity.
- Make sure your oven is completely cooled, then unscrew and disconnect the temperature sensor.
- Test the sensor with a multimeter to see if it is functioning. It should read 1100 ohms when cold.
- If the reading is incorrect, source a compatible replacement sensor and install it in place of the old, faulty one.
- Once the new sensor is in place, restore power to your oven and test if it’s now heating properly.
For Gas Ovens Only:
Check the Gas Supply
Just like electricity is essential for heating an electric oven, gas is essential for heating a gas oven. If there’s an issue with your gas supply, your gas Thermador oven won’t be able to heat at all; however, its electric functions, such as the light or display, may still work. If the gas is the issue, your hobs won’t function either. Here’s how to find the source of the issue:
- Check the gas shut-off valve and make sure it’s in the ‘on’ position.
- Check the gas line for any kinks, paying special attention to whether you can smell any gas leaks.
- If you have any other gas-powered appliances in your home, test them to see if they’re functioning. If they’re not, it indicates an issue with your supplier.
- If you determine the problem is with your gas supplier, contact your supplier to ask about any issues in your area.
- If the problem is with your oven specifically, contact a technician to make any necessary repairs.
Check the Igniter
If your gas supply is fine but your oven still isn’t heating, there could be an issue with the igniter. The igniter lights the gas so your oven can produce heat. If the igniter isn’t functioning, the gas won’t light. This not only means your oven won’t heat, it can be dangerous because it leads to gas leaks. A functioning igniter will glow or spark when you press it. Attempt to turn on the oven to check if you see a glow. If you don’t, the igniter will need to be replaced with a compatible part.