A toaster oven not heating up properly can be frustrating. This handy kitchen appliance is designed to toast bread, bake small items, and warm up leftovers. When it suddenly stops working as expected, you may find yourself without a quick and easy way to prepare meals.
Don’t worry – in most cases, fixing a toaster oven that won’t heat up is an easy DIY project. With some basic troubleshooting, you can get your toaster oven working again in no time.
Common Reasons a Toaster Oven Won’t Heat Up
There are a few common issues that can prevent a toaster oven from heating up properly:
- Faulty heating element – This is the most likely culprit. The heating element provides the high heat needed to toast and cook food. If it malfunctions or burns out, the oven won’t heat.
- Temperature sensor failure – There is a sensor that monitors the internal temperature. If it malfunctions, the oven may not reach the desired temp.
- Thermostat problems – The thermostat controls oven temperature. If it is broken, the oven won’t heat evenly or maintain the right temp.
- Power issues – If the toaster oven isn’t receiving power, it can’t heat up. This could be due to a tripped breaker, faulty plug, or cord damage.
- Burnt food debris – Leftover burnt food stuck to the heating elements can prevent them from working properly.
How to Troubleshoot a Toaster Oven That Won’t Heat Up
Start troubleshooting by checking some basic things first:
Is the Toaster Oven Plugged In?
Make sure the toaster oven is plugged into a working electrical outlet. Plug in a different device like a lamp to test the outlet. Reset any tripped breakers or faulty GFCI outlets.
Is the Timer Set Correctly?
Double check that you have set the timer or temperature dial properly. The oven won’t start heating if the timer isn’t turned on.
Is There Power to the Oven?
Check if the power indicator light is on. If not, try unplugging and replugging the unit. Test the outlet again with another appliance. This will confirm if electricity is reaching the oven.
Is the Door Shut Properly?
Most toaster ovens have a safety switch that only allows the heating elements to operate when the door is completely closed.
If the latch is broken or door alignment is off, the switch may not engage properly. Close the door securely and see if that helps.
Is the Crumb Tray Full?
Some toaster ovens have a thermal safety switch underneath the crumb tray. If the tray is overfilled with crumbs, it can trigger the switch and interrupt power to the heating elements.
Pull out the crumb tray and empty it completely. Check if the thermal switch was tripped. You may need to press the reset button on it to restore power.
How to Test a Toaster Oven Heating Element
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t reveal the issue, it’s time to test the heating element. Follow these steps:
Unplug the Toaster Oven
Always unplug small appliances before doing any troubleshooting or repairs. This ensures the heating elements are safely powered off.
Remove the Crumb Tray
Slide out the crumb tray. This exposes the bottom heating element and allows access for testing.
Visually Inspect the Element
Look for any visible damage like cracks, burned or broken coils. The element may need replacing if severely damaged.
Check for Continuity
Use a multimeter on the continuity setting to check if electricity can pass through the heating element. Place a probe at each end or connection point. If the meter beeps, there is continuity.
If there is no continuity, the element has broken electrical connections and needs to be replaced. This is the likely issue if the oven won’t heat up at all.
Check Element Resistance
Set the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms. Touch each probe to the terminations on the element. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper resistance range – often between 15 to 25 ohms.
If the reading is infinity or far outside the normal range, the heating element should be replaced.
Replacing a Faulty Toaster Oven Heating Element
If testing proves the heating element is defective, replacement elements are readily available for purchase online or at appliance parts stores.
Follow these steps to safely replace the element:
Unplug Oven and Let Cool
Make sure the oven is unplugged and fully cooled for at least an hour before servicing to avoid burns.
Remove Oven Rack and Pan
Take out the wire rack and baking pan or tray. This allows easier access to remove the element.
Detach Electrical Connections
Disconnect the two wires or terminals from the ends of the defective element.
Unscrew the Retaining Screws
Remove any brackets or screws securing the element in place inside the oven.
Slide Out the Heating Element
Gently pull the element away from the opening and out of the oven.
Install the New Element
Follow the reverse steps to slide in the new replacement heating element and secure it with brackets and screws.
Reconnect Wires
Attach the two wires to the terminal ends on the new element.
Test Operation
Plug in the toaster oven and test that the new element heats up properly. If it still doesn’t work, double check the wire connections.
Cleaning Toaster Oven Heating Elements
Over time, food debris and crumbs can stick to the heating elements, causing them to not work as efficiently. Follow these steps to clean them:
Unplug Oven and Remove Rack
Make sure the oven is unplugged and fully cooled. Take out the wire rack for easier access.
Remove Heating Element
Follow the steps above to remove the bottom heating element.
Clean with Non-abrasive Tool
Use a non-abrasive plastic or nylon scrubbing pad to gently remove stuck-on debris and crumbs from the element coils.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Wipe off all residue. Make sure no water remains before reinstalling the element.
Reinstall Element
Put the bottom heating element back in place and reattach all wiring.
Other Toaster Oven Repairs
If cleaning or replacing the heating element doesn’t fix the issue, there may be other needed repairs. Here are some possibilities:
Replace Temperature Sensor
The sensor monitors internal oven temp. If defective, it should be replaced.
Replace Thermostat
A faulty thermostat that regulates temperature needs to be replaced.
Replace Circuit Board
For digital ovens, a damaged circuit board may disrupt power to heating elements.
Replace Door Switch
If the door safety switch is broken, the elements won’t operate when door is closed.
Replace Power Cord
Frayed or split cords should be replaced to avoid electrical shorts and shock risk.
Adjust Door Alignment
If the door hinges are bent or frame is misaligned, the safety switches may not engage properly.
When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician
While many issues are DIY repairs, it’s best to call a professional appliance repair technician for:
- Replacing or accessing internal electrical components
- Adjusting door hinges/alignment
- Assessing issues with complicated digital controls
- Determining why fuse repeatedly blows
- Safely handling electrical shorts/shock risk
Technicians have specialized skills, tools, and testing equipment to accurately diagnose and fix problems – saving you from electrical or injury hazards.
Preventing Future Toaster Oven Problems
With proper care and maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your toaster oven and avoid breakdowns.
Clean after Each Use
Always empty the crumb tray and wipe down the interior after the oven cools. This prevents any food buildup.
Don’t Overfill the Crumb Tray
Empty the tray frequently to avoid blocking airflow or tripping safety switches.
Don’t Run Oven Empty
Heating an empty oven can damage heating elements and leads to greater wear.
Avoid Overheating
Don’t use foil or shields that trap heat. Only use oven-safe cookware.
Check Door Seal
Make sure the door creates a tight seal when closed. Replace worn out or cracked seals as needed.
Use Gentle Settings for Small Items
High heat toasts fast but can burn small items like English muffins. Use lighter toasting for small foods.
Allow Adequate Airflow
Don’t block vents or operation will be impaired. Leave space around oven for ventilation.
Use Surge Protector
Plug the toaster oven into a surge protector to avoid damage from power spikes.
Don’t Operate with Wet Hands
Always make sure hands are dry before touching any hot surfaces or controls to avoid electric shock risk.
Conclusion
With some basic troubleshooting and repairs, you can often get a toaster oven heating up again on your own. Just be sure to unplug the appliance and let it fully cool before any maintenance. Test components like the heating element for faults. And if necessary, replace inexpensive parts like the element to restore full functionality.
But for any complex disassembly or electrical work, trust the job to qualified appliance repair technicians. Their expertise can quickly diagnose issues and get your toaster oven working like new again. With proper care and maintenance, your toaster oven should provide many years of reliable service.