Solved! Why Your Oven Isn’t Heating Properly—and How to Fix It

Favorite Baked Potato Soup

My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio

Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey Butter

My mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they’re especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Pecan Butter Tarts

I searched for the perfect butter tart for ages. After many attempts, I discovered this favorite that begs for a scoop of ice cream on top. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Miso-Buttered Succotash

The miso paste in this super simple and healthy canned vegetable recipe gives depth and a hint of savoriness. To brighten the flavor profile even more, you could add a splash of your favorite white wine. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina

Garlic Bread

Ever wonder how to make garlic bread? This homemade garlic bread is the answer! Minced fresh garlic is key to these flavor-packed crusty slices, which our big family would snap up before they even had a chance to cool. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey

Pecan Meltaways

This sweet, nutty pecan meltaways recipe is a tradition in our house at Christmastime, but the treats are delightful any time of the year. —Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Cast-Iron Loaded Breakfast Biscuits

These loaded breakfast biscuits are full of hearty breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, mushrooms and cheese! They are perfect to bake up on the weekends, then freeze for a quick weekday breakfast. A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the all-purpose flour. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Aquafaba

If you’re making a vegan recipe and need a baking soda substitute, consider using aquafaba, the water from a can of chickpeas. This will give your baked goods a bit of rise and also provide them with additional structure, similar to how whipped egg whites would work in your batter.

How to use it:

First, whip ¼ cup of aquafaba until it turns white and stiff peaks form. This usually takes around 5 minutes. Then, add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar and whip until combined. Fold the mixture gently into your batter, being careful not to break any air bubbles.

Shortbread

The Range Burner Won’t Heat

1. Switch out the faulty burner with one that you know works. Simply unplug it from the burner socket and plug in the working one.

2. If the working burner heats up, that means all you have to do is replace the original one.

3. If the working burner doesn’t heat up, the problem may be the socket. Does the socket look burned or damaged? You may need to replace it.

4. Test the burner again. If it still doesn’t work after replacing the socket, test the infinite switch and replace it, if needed.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma’s! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida

Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin

I never had blood oranges until I moved to California. Their growing season is pretty short, so I use them in everything I possibly can. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. The sweet orange flavor pairs perfectly with brown sugar and looks so lovely. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California

The Oven Won’t Heat to the Right Temperature

1. Make sure that the sensor is not touching the inside wall of the oven.

2. Use an ohmmeter to ensure the sensor is functional. The resistance should rise as the temperature of the oven increases. If the ohmmeter shows that the sensor is not working, replace it.

4. Once everything has been checked or replaced, recalibrate the oven.

5. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature inside the oven with an oven thermometer after 20 minutes. Continue checking the temperature every 20 minutes for the next 90 minutes to two hours.

6. Add up the sum of the temperature readings and divide by the number of readings you took to get the average temperature of the oven.

7. Adjust the oven’s temperature dial accordingly.

The oven door is open

If the oven door is open, heat will escape and the oven temperature will drop significantly. This can make it seem like your oven isn’t heating when really it just needs some time to recover from the loss of heat. So, if you think your oven might not be heating properly, make sure the door is firmly closed, then wait 10-15 minutes to see if that does the trick.

The Gas Stove Won’t Light

If you have a gas stove, you can light the range burners with a match if the electric ignition isn’t working. However, if the burners still won’t light, and it’s not the result of an obvious problem like a power outage, take these steps to troubleshoot it:

1. Lift off the burner grate, burner cap, and burner base.

2. Clean any food debris out of the burner with a toothpick or compressed air.

3. While you’re at it, clean the grate, cap, and case.

4. Check the wires connecting the igniter to the control module. If there’s a loose connection, tighten it.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, it could indicate that the oven igniter is not working; you may need to have the igniter replaced. It could also indicate another problem, like a kink in the gas line. Since this is a hazardous issue, it’s time to call the pros.

The power supply or gas is not on

One of the most common reasons why your oven isn’t heating is because the power supply or gas hasn’t been turned on. Before doing any other troubleshooting, make sure that both the power supply and gas are turned on. If they are, and the oven is still not heating, you will want to cycle the circuits.

Electric ovens require 240V, and many homes will use two 120V circuits instead of 240V ones. In some cases, if the two circuits are not linked together correctly, one will trip and the other won’t. This will cause an electric oven to still be able to turn on, but be unable to heat. (Gas ranges use only one 120V circuit and will not power on or spark the igniter if the circuit is tripped). Tripped circuits may not be immediately noticeable as they sometimes look like they are untripped, so cycle them off for 30 seconds and back on again to be certain.

Chocolate Eclairs

With creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin

Shortbread Hearts

These flaky cookies melt in your mouth. Dipped in chocolate, they look festive.—Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah

Garlicky Herbed Shrimp

I love shrimp. Love garlic. Love herbs. Cook ’em in butter and what could be better? —Dave Levin, Van Nuys, California

Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter

This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington

Granny’s Apple Scalloped Potatoes

This scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with breaded baked pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired and it’s just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O’Connell, San Antonio, Texas

Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter

We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina

Check if the thermal fuse is working

The next possible cause of your Samsung oven not heating is a faulty thermal fuse. The thermal fuse turns your oven off when it overheats. If the fuse stops working or doesn’t read the temperature correctly it can malfunction.

The best way to check the thermal fuse is to:

1. Turn the power and/or gas off.
2. Find the thermal fuse in your oven.
3. To test the thermal fuse, remove it from your oven, or disconnect it.
4. Use your multimeter to test the fuse.
5. If faulty, replace it. If fine, move on to the final step.
6. Once you have installed a new thermal fuse into your Samsung oven, check if the oven can now heat. If not, move on to the final step.

Flaky Butterhorn Rolls

The recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them “Grandma’s croissants”! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota

Dreamy Polenta

I grew up eating polenta, so it’s a must at my holiday gatherings. Traditional recipes require constant stirring, but using my handy slow cooker allows me to turn my attention to the lineup of other foods on my spread. —Ann Voccola, Milford, Connecticut

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These easy pumpkin cookies are pleasantly spiced. Everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture, too. —Lisa Chernetsky, Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Coconut Oil

When you’re out of butter, swap in coconut oil in equal amounts for nearly any baked good. Not only does coconut oil give sweets a little tropical flair, but it’s a great butter substitute for cakes, brownies, quick breads, muffins, corn bread and yeast breads. It’s one of few butter substitutes that makes cookies crunchy. If you don’t want too much coconut flavor, use refined coconut oil.

The bake element is faulty (electric ovens)

If you’ve checked all of the above items and your oven still isn’t heating, there’s a chance that the bake element, the part of the stove that actually emits heat, is faulty and will need to be replaced. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy repair that most people can do themselves with just a few tools. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to replace the element, we recommend calling a professional for help.

The bake element is located on the bottom of the oven and is responsible for providing heat to the baking chamber. To test the bake element, start by unplugging your oven and accessing the back panel. There should be two terminals on opposite sides, near the base of the oven. Disconnect these, and using a multimeter, test the terminals for continuity. Ideal continuity for a baking element should be between 10-50 ohms.

If there is no continuity, that means the bake element needs to be replaced. If you’re not confident in your ability to replace the element, we recommend calling a professional for help.

From here, simply remove the old element by sliding it out. Slide the new one in and screw it in. Be sure to reconnect any wires that may have come loose during removal. Once everything is back in place, plug your oven back in and test it out. If it still isn’t working, you may need to call a professional.

Herb-Buttered Baby Carrots

The herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide.—Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho

Olive & Vegetable Oil

You might be out of butter but you likely have a bottle of oil on hand, so grab that bad boy and bake up some treats. Oils work best for muffins and quick breads, but you can use them for cookies as well. Try ¾ cup olive or vegetable oil for every cup of butter called for.

Pumpkin Puree

If you love pumpkin, swap it in for the butter in your treats. Multiply the amount of butter in a recipe by ¾, and you’ll know how much pumpkin puree to use. (In other words, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you’d use ¾ cup of pumpkin in its place.) It’s both a fat and a sweetener for quick breads, cakes, cupcakes, bars and cookies. Remember that pumpkin will change the color of your cookies (hope you like orange!) and yield a dense product.

Buttery Herb Roasted Chicken

Roasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can’t get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Margarine

Margarine is possibly the most-used butter substitute for baking cookies, cakes, doughnuts or just about anything else for that matter. Margarine can be used in the equal amount of butter a recipe calls for. Margarine actually helps cookies keep their shape slightly better than butter, so if the shape of your cookies is really important to you, consider this butter substitute. Here’s the actual difference between butter and margarine.

How to Save on the Cost to Repair an Oven

Photo: Monkey Business / Adobe Stock

Hands down, the best way to save on repair costs is to maintain the oven like a pro. For example, be sure to:

• Clean your oven with the proper cleaning supplies and on a regular schedule.

• Keep your range, stovetop, and coils clean.

• Clean your range hood and door gasket regularly.

• Inspect your plug and gas line regularly.

Additionally, find a local appliance repair team in your area that you can call for advice the moment you suspect something is going wrong—fixing problems early may help you avoid costly repairs. We recommend chatting with at least three local contractors to request quotes, turnaround time, and additional travel fees.

The Interior Light Is Out

Just like other lightbulbs, the one inside your oven occasionally goes out. Thankfully, this is a simple oven repair task. Here’s how to replace your oven light:

1. Remove the bulb cover, usually by giving it a quarter-turn counterclockwise.

2. Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out.

3. Use a dry cloth or gloves to install the new bulb (it should be the same type as the old one).

Install a new control board

The last step is to replace the control board in your Samsung oven. Sometimes, this will fix the problem, but you’ll only know for sure once it has been replaced. Before replacing the control board, consider getting a second opinion from a qualified technician.

Amish Sugar Cookies

These easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I’ve passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

7UP Pound Cake

My grandmother gave me this 7UP pound cake recipe. On top of being delicious, this 7UP cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California

Whipped Cream

Much like whipped egg whites, whipped cream can also add a nice rise to foods like pancakes or waffles. However, this baking soda substitute will add fat to your recipe, so keep that in mind.

How to use it:

For this substitute, you will swap out a portion of a liquid in your recipe and replace the amount at a 1:1 ratio with heavy cream. Then, using a whisk or a hand mixer, beat the whipped cream for 3-4 minutes until it’s fluffy and forms stiff peaks. You can then carefully fold the whipped cream into your batter and bake away.

Just be careful not to overmix the whipped cream or it will turn to butter!

Butter Pound Cake

Whether garnished with fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary or just served plain, this rich cake is fabulous. It bakes to a beautiful golden brown and it’s definitely a keeper! —Edgar Wright, Silver Spring, Maryland

Lemon-Butter Spritz Cookies

This recipe makes a lot of terrific cookies! It’s great for Christmas when all the kids and grandkids visit. They can help decorate the cookies-not to mention help eat them! —Paula Pelis, Rocky Point, New York

Sauteed Tarragon Radishes

Who says radishes only belong in salads? These sautéed radishes are cooked in wine and tarragon, and may just change the way you look at radishes forever. These can be served on their own, or added to your favorite au gratin recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Dutch Letters

These S-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here’s a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round. —Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan

Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

This yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Browned Butter Red Potatoes

I’ve been making my version of Dad’s potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington

Lemon-Butter Brussels Sprouts

Kick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Kentucky Butter Cake

I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

This tender pound cake is the first one I mastered. You’ll want to eat the browned butter icing by the spoonful. It tastes like pralines. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

Chicken in Lime Butter

“A few ordinary, on-hand ingredients make this moist and tender chicken something really extraordinary! The flavor added by the rich, buttery sauce with a splash of lime juice is unmatched. It’s been a hands-down winner at our house for 20 some years,” says Denise Segura of Draper, Utah.

Stollen Butter Rolls

My family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee

Lemon & Rosemary Butter Cookies

Cooling lemon and aromatic rosemary make these butter cookies stand out at the holidays. I use them to punch up the cookie trays for potlucks or as gifts.—Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba

Creamy Orange Caramels

Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon

Check if the broil spark electrode is working

The next step is to check the spark electrode. This component helps to light up the bake or broil flame so your oven can heat. When it stops operating correctly, your oven can’t ignite and heat up.

To check the spark electrode:

1. Switch the power off to your oven and turn the gas off.
2. Locate the spark electrode and check if it is damaged. You can locate the electrode next to the burner.
3. If the spark electrode is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it isn’t damaged, test it with a multimeter for continuity. To test the spark electrode, it will need to be removed from your oven.
4. If the electrode fails the test, replace it. If fine, reinstall the electrode and then move on to the next step.
5. Once you’ve installed the new spark electrode, attempt to turn your Samsung oven on. If it still doesn’t heat, move on to the next step.

Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey Butter

I turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They’re gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

Homemade Pierogi

Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with a filling, make for a wonderful change-of-pace side dish. —Diane Gawrys, Manchester, Tennessee

Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee

I don’t live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you’ll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan

Potassium Bicarbonate

Potassium Bicarbonate is another baking soda alternative. This substitute is the most similar in chemical composition to baking soda. It doesn’t have sodium, so you’ll need to salt potassium bicarbonate before you use it to give it the same flavor as baking soda.

Although it’s generally available in supplement form and used to support heart health, potassium bicarbonate is an effective leavening agent.

How to use it:

Potassium bicarbonate used to replace baking soda can be done at a 1:1 ratio. It’s one of the best substitutes for baking soda, with the only real difference being the amount of sodium.

Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Butter

A platter of golden and orange potatoes can serve double duty as your dinner centerpiece. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes

My husband swears my cheddar mashed potatoes are the world’s best. We always have some in the freezer. Sometimes I dollop individual servings in muffin cups and reheat them that way instead. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

Every bite of these flaky biscuits get a little kick from cayenne pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. They’re a nice accompaniment to soup and stew.
—Kimberley Nuttall, San Marco, California

Butter-Dipped Biscuit Squares

These are the easiest and best biscuits I’ve ever made. They’re light and buttery and they go well with virtually any meal. —Rebekah DeWitt, Star City, Arkansas

Check if the bake element is working

Electrical ovens get their heat from the bake element. When the element becomes faulty, your Samsung oven won’t be able to heat to the right temperature or not at all.

The best way to check the bake element is to:

1. Take the cover off the bake element (not all models have a cover).
2. Switch your oven to the highest heat setting.
3. After a few minutes, look at the heating element to see if it is glowing red. If not, this is a good sign it’s faulty.
4. Before replacing the heating element, test it with a multimeter for continuity.
5. If the element fails the test, replace it. If fine, move on to the next step.
6. Once the new element is installed, turn your Samsung oven on. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next step.

Garlic-Butter Steak

Made in a skillet, this quick-and-easy garlic butter steak is restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Holiday Hot Buttered Rum Mix

My family loves serving this rich and delicious beverage around the holidays. It can be made with or without alcohol, so everyone enjoys it! —Alisa Pirtle, Browns Valley, California

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, or Sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful chemical leavening agent. People use baking soda for a number of things, from baking to cleaning and odor absorption. In addition, it is used in a variety of recipes, from pumpkin spice donuts to lemon poppyseed cupcakes to make baked goods rise.

Baking soda is alkaline, which means it is not acidic. Instead, it works by interacting with acidic ingredients. For example, it makes batters light and fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide bubbles when you place baking soda with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, yogurt, or vinegar.

Usually, baking soda is most potent in the first six months after opening. However, if your baking soda is working on a heavy-duty project like absorbing the odors in your fridge, you’ll want to switch it out about every 30 days.

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Buttery Mashed Potatoes

These creamy, buttery mashed potatoes use simple ingredients. The tricks are to use Yukon Gold potatoes and then to warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cranberry Butter Crunch Bark

One Christmas I dreamed this recipe up when making buttercrunch toffee. It is an addictive treat that disappears fast.—Heather Ferris, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Nutty Butter Munchies

My sweet tooth flared up, so I had to get baking. Peanuts and pecans are everywhere in Louisiana, so I worked them into my buttery drop cookies. —Zenola Frazier, Tallulah, Louisiana

Buttery Radish Baguette

My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

Mimosa Butter Cookies

You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico

Hot Buttered Cider Mix

Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Frosted Butter Rum Brickle Bites

The rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan

Holland Butter Cookies

My great-grandmother’s Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey

Cost to Repair an Oven by Part

The part that needs replacing determines how much you’ll pay for the project. The cost of the part itself and how long it takes to repair or replace it varies considerably. Take a look at some of the most common oven parts that need replacement and how much they cost, for parts and labor.

Thermostat

It costs between $100 and $200 to repair or replace an oven thermostat. The thermostat is the most likely culprit if your oven isn’t heating properly. Either you get pies burned on the outside but raw in the middle, or that delicious cake just doesn’t want to cook through. This indicates that the thermostat isn’t correctly regulating the oven temperature. If the thermostat is being problematic, the appliance repair technician may only need to adjust the sensor or adjust it, which is a simple, inexpensive fix. If the thermostat needs replacing, you’ll pay toward the higher end of the cost range.

Oven Door

Depending on the problem with your oven door, expect to pay $100 to $250 for a repair. Hinge or lock fixes are usually fairly simple and budget-friendly, while a broken latch or broken door that needs replacing will cost more. A damaged oven door is an essential repair, as trying to use the oven while the door doesn’t close properly is dangerous as well as inefficient.

Oven Paint

Painting an oven will run you $100 to $250. Ovens are prone to scratches, scuffs, and general signs of wear that make them look old and worn, even if they’re in perfectly good working order. Giving your oven (and your other appliances) a fresh coat of paint is a great way to freshen the look of your kitchen without the cost of buying new appliances.

Igniter

You’ll pay $150 to $250 to repair the igniter. Igniters are crucial parts of gas ovens, as they are responsible for igniting the gas to give heat and cook your food. So, if the igniter is faulty, the oven simply won’t heat, but it’s dangerous, too, because it can result in gas leaks. Sometimes, the fix is a simple one: the igniter gets caked in grease or food particles and needs to be thoroughly cleaned. If, however, it’s completely broken, it requires replacement.

Control Board

Control boards cost $150 and $300, all-in, to repair. The control board is responsible for all of your oven’s key functions. Therefore, if it cracks, gets a loose connection, or some other form of damage, you’ll notice random errors or malfunctions such as the oven selectively turning off, not turning on, or refusing to switch off.

Heating Element

Repairing a broken heating element will set you back $150 to $400. If the heating element has gone, your oven simply won’t cook because it isn’t able to heat. The most common problems with heating elements include cracking and splitting, neither of which are repairable. In fact, most problems with heating elements cannot be repaired. Instead, the heating element gets replaced.

Oven Door Glass

Oven door glass costs $100 to $300 to replace. If the tempered glass in your oven door breaks, cracks, or shatters, there’s no way to repair it, so you’ll need to replace it. While a crack can seem insignificant, it actually prevents the oven from reaching and maintaining a steady temperature, reducing efficiency, wasting energy, and putting you at risk of food poisoning. 

Door Switch

Door switches cost $100 to $200 to replace. This small part detects whether the oven door is open or closed. If the switch fails, depending on what the switch controls, the oven light may not work or, if the switch thinks the door is open even when it’s closed, it can stop the oven from getting hot. This is a common safety feature but problematic when it goes wrong.

Gas Valve

Costing between $100 and $200, the gas safety valve controls when gas is allowed to pass through to the igniter. So you can see that a failed gas safety valve poses significant danger and you should turn off the gas supply to the oven until you call out a local electrician to fix it.

Sensor

To replace your oven sensor, you’ll pay between $100 and $250. A crucial part of the thermostat, the sensor assesses the internal temperature of the oven and relays this information to the control board. If the sensor fails, the oven will either get too hot or never reach the appropriate temperature.

Fan Motor

Installing a new fan motor will run you $100 to $250. If the fan stops working, air doesn’t circulate within the oven cavity properly, resulting in hot spots. In this case, you’ll notice food only cooks properly on one side, and food at the front of the oven may cook slower than at the back. Until you get the fan fixed, you’ll likely need to adjust temperature and cooking times and try to remember to turn food around halfway through cooking. 

Gasket

Gasket repair costs $100 to $250. The gasket on your oven door seals it to keep heat from escaping. Therefore, if the gasket fails, heat will escape and the oven will struggle to maintain its internal temperature.

Fan

Repairing or replacing a fan costs $100 to $275. A failed fan can cause the oven or the control board to overheat. Other symptoms of a broken fan can be hot spots, the oven getting too hot, or the whole oven breaking down. 

Buttery Spritz Cookies

This tender spritz cookie recipe is very eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it’s fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois

Buttery Orange Sugar Cookies

My husband’s grandmother made a variety of cookies every year for her grandkids at Christmastime. She would box them up and give each child his or her own box. This crisp, orange flavored cookie is one of my favorites from her collection.—Heather McKillip, Aurora, Illinois

Check if the safety valve is working

The next component to check is the safety valve. The point of the valve is to open up to provide the burner with gas. If the valve cannot open, your burner won’t get gas, and your oven will not be able to heat.

The easiest way to check the safety valve is to:

1. Make sure the gas and power are turned off.
2. Locate the safety valve and test it with your multimeter for continuity.
3. If the valve fails the test, replace it. If fine, move on to the next step.
4. Once you’ve installed the new valve, attempt to turn your Samsung oven on. If it still doesn’t heat, move on to the next step.

Butter & Herb Turkey

My kids love a turkey meal, and this one falls off the bone. It’s the ideal recipe for special family times and holidays. —Rochelle Popovic, South Bend, Indiana

The Oven is Not Heating

An oven that won’t heat is usually the result of a faulty igniter (for a gas oven) or heating element (for an electric oven). You may be able to replace the heating element or igniter yourself:

1. Make sure to turn off the power to your oven before servicing it.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the old igniter or heating element. Heating elements and the igniter are usually located inside the oven.

3. To get to your igniter, remove the broiler or storage drawer.

4. If your heating element is hidden, you may need to call a repair person to replace it for you.

A gas oven not working—plus faulty gas burners—indicates that the problem is most likely the gas line. Gas oven repair for a defective gas line usually requires the skill of a trained professional.

Chive Garlic Bread

A purchased loaf of French bread gets a real boost with a few simple ingredients. Garlic and chives make the savory slices irresistible. Along with lasagna or other Italian meal, we munch them until the last crumbs have vanished! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

Check if the igniter is working

If you have a gas oven, you need to check if the igniter is working. If you have an electric oven, proceed to step 5. The igniter is the little component that ignites the gas so your oven can heat up. If the igniter stops working, your Samsung oven won’t heat.

To check the igniter, you need to: 

1. Locate the igniter and then try to turn your oven on.
2. If the igniter isn’t igniting the gas and lighting the flame, you will need to test it with a multimeter.
3. Testing the igniter requires removing it from your oven and then testing it with a multimeter. Before doing this, turn the gas and power off.
4. If the test shows no continuity, replace the igniter. If the igniter passes the test you can reinstall it and move on to step 3.
5. Once the new igniter has been installed, test if your Samsung oven is working. If it still doesn’t work, move on to step 3.

Icebox Butterhorns

These beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana

Beer and Pretzel Caramels

Beer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Thumbprint Butter Cookies

These buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Bananas

Fix your cookie craving with a mashed banana. Your cookies will be a bit dense and, of course, offer a slight banana flavor, but this is a smart, healthy option when you’re out of butter. Bananas are also great butter substitutes for cakes, cupcakes, muffins and quick breads. In general, one banana is equal to a stick of butter so replace the butter in equal amounts of mashed banana.

Whether salted or unsalted, butter can’t be beat when it comes to baking cookies and other treats. But the next time you have a snack attack and don’t have any butter around the house, grab a glass of milk and bake up a batch of yumminess with a no-fuss butter substitute.

Our Favorite Recipes with Butter

Bake-Sale Lemon Bars

The recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois

Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey Bread

You can do all the prep work for this monkey bread the night before. I prepare the dough pieces and put all the sauce ingredients in the pan so it’s ready for the morning. You can sprinkle chopped nuts in with the dough pieces before pouring the sauce on and baking. — Diana Kunselman, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania

Leave it Out

Depending on your baked good, your best option may be to leave it out. If it’s the only leavening agent in your recipe, you might want to find an alternative. In recipes that use baking soda as a secondary leaving agent, you can simply leave it out. However, I do not recommend leaving it out or not replacing it with something else for fluffy bread like banana bread.

How to use it:

Omit the amount of baking soda required in the recipes from your batter. Some recipes like cookies may still get a small rise from other ingredients or become crunchy.

What can I substitute for baking soda? 

There are lots of excellent options when looking to substitute baking soda. Baking powder, whipped egg whites, self raising flour, and baker’s ammonia are all excellent options.

Can I make banana bread without baking soda?

Absolutely! Baking powder is the best substitute for baking soda in banana bread and you will have to use 3x the amount of the baking soda. Check my moist and fluffy banana bread without baking soda recipe!

Can baking powder substitute baking soda?

Baking powder and baking soda can perform many of the same functions but make sure to use 3x more baking powder than the baking soda you are substituting. You might be wondering can baking powder substitute for baking soda too? Yes! You can substitute baking powder with baking soda by using a third of the amount. 

How can I tell if my baking soda is still active?

You can tell if baking soda is still active by doing a quick spoon test. Scoop a little baking soda onto a spoon and place a drop of something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice, onto the spoon. If it fizzes quickly, then it’s still active.

How do you tell if baking soda is fresh?

Baking soda can be active but lose its freshness. It may still fizz during the spoon test but may have a slow or weakened reaction. If your baking soda is hard or starting to clump, that usually means moisture is in the box. It’s still safe to consume but may not give your baked goods the same rise.

How do you store baking soda?

The best way to store baking soda is in an airtight container at room temperature. Baking soda absorbs odors, so leaving it in the cardboard box in the cabinet will cause it to absorb smells and potentially collect moisture if it’s not entirely sealed.

Why do recipes call for both baking soda and baking powder?

You may notice that some recipes direct you to add both baking soda and baking powder. Sometimes you need the baking soda to neutralize the acid in the recipe and the baking powder to give the batter its rise.

Can you freeze baking soda?

Absolutely! You can freeze baking soda in an airtight container in the freezer. Freezing your baking soda is a great option because it’s less likely to absorb odors or come into contact with excessive moisture that causes clumping. Just be sure to change it out every three months so that when it comes time to use it, it’s fresh and ready for baking. 

Can baking soda substitute yeast?

It’s not usually a good idea to use baking soda as a substitute for yeast. Recipes that call for yeast often have a different type of dough than those that use baking soda. In addition, the types of ingredients in yeasted recipes are less likely to have an acid that the baking soda can directly interact with for activation. 

Can baking soda substitute cornstarch?

Baking soda cannot substitute cornstarch. Baking soda is a leavening agent whereas cornstarch is a thickener. These two ingredients may look similar, but they have very different purposes in cooking and cannot be used interchangeably.

Icebox Rolls

I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they’d be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they’re really not all that difficult to make. And there’s nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota

Stilton, Bacon & Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Bold, savory flavor from bacon, Stilton cheese and fresh garlic take mashed potatoes to a whole new level. This side dish is so rich and satisfying, it could be eaten as an entree! —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California

Applesauce

Applesauce is a longtime healthy butter substitute for anyone looking to lighten up cookies, quick breads and other baked goods. Whether you’re watching your weight or not, grab a jar of applesauce the next time you’ve got a craving. Start by replacing half of a recipe’s butter with the applesauce, and you should be enjoying chewy, sweet cookies and other treats in no time.

Big & Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our version of the classic cookie is based on a recipe from a California bakery called Hungry Bear. The chocolate chip cookie is big, thick and chewy—perfect for dunking. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin

Self Rising Flour

Self rising flour is the perfect baking soda substitute for cake and takes the guesswork out of measuring your leavener. If you have no baking soda or baking powder, self-rising flour is your next best option. This is an excellent baking soda substitute for cookies.

Self rising flour contains baking powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. When considering this swap, it’s helpful to know that each cup of self rising flour (120g) contains 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. 

How to use it:

You can often use it in any recipe that calls for a leavening agent without worrying about having too much or too little leavener. Self rising flour works as a baking soda and baking powder alternative by replacing the all purpose flour in recipes at a 1:1 ratio.

Cost to Repair an Oven Yourself

Outside of deep cleans and replacing decorative elements like the glass on your oven door, you shouldn’t attempt oven repair yourself. Whether gas or electric, ovens are dangerous and only suitably qualified professionals should work on them. Even the simplest repair can be dangerous if not done correctly. If your oven needs any type of repair, hire a local appliance repair professional.

DIY Oven Repair Costs vs. Hiring a Pro

You could save between $50 and $200 on the cost of an oven repair expert to come out to your home if the fix is doable on its own. In that case, you will only pay for the price of the part, which will range from $10 and $50 at the least. However, as we mentioned above, fixing an oven yourself is often not a safe bet and you should always consult a professional before attempting them on your own. 

Demo mode is on

Many newer models of ovens have a demo mode feature that’s typically used by retailers when displaying appliances in their stores. This feature prevents the oven from heating so that potential customers can see all the features without worrying about things getting too hot. If your oven has a demo mode feature, make sure it’s turned off before using your appliance.

• tESt
• tE 5t
• DEMO

Consult your manual for specific instructions on how to disable demo mode on your oven. If you do not have your manual, you can contact the manufacturer with your model number and they can help you.

Pecan Pie Cobbler

I couldn’t find a recipe, so I took it upon myself to devise this amazing dessert that combines the ease of a cobbler and the rich flavor of pecan pie. It tastes even better with ice cream or whipped topping. —Willa Kelley, Edmond, Oklahoma

Butter Pecan Layer Cake

Pecans and butter give this cake the same irresistible flavor as the popular butter pecan ice cream flavor. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida

Got a craving but out of butter? Try a substitute for butter in cookies and beyond!

When it comes to baking cookies, cakes and even pastries, the creamy goodness of butter provides a rich flavor that’s tough to beat. (That’s precisely why the team at the Taste of Home Test Kitchen uses butter to test most recipes.) But when the munchies come calling, and the butter dish is empty, consider these common butter substitutes.

Baker’s Ammonia

Baker’s ammonia, also known as ammonium bicarbonate, was the go-to leavening agent used before the widespread use of baking soda and baking powder began. Its strong scent makes it a better option for low-moisture, crispy baked goods because the ammonia smell tends to linger in moist treats.

How to use it:

This isn’t a good option for cakes and quick breads but it works well as a sub for baking soda in crispy cookies and crackers. You can use it with a 1:1 ratio as an alternative to baking soda.

Cranberry Cake with Almond-Butter Sauce

Make room for this recipe in your collection. Tart cranberries and sweet almond glaze turn this potluck cake into something truly special. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Buttery Cornbread

A friend gave me this homemade cornbread recipe several years ago, and it’s my favorite of all I’ve tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your-mouth side hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California

Buttery Ganache Cookie Cups

Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole

Whenever we get together as a family for major holidays, my kids, nieces and nephews literally beg me to make this sweet potato casserole. It goes together in minutes with canned sweet potatoes, which is ideal for the busy holiday season. —Sue Miller, Mars, Pennsylvania

Frosted Cashew Cookies

We savor these cookies at Christmas, but they’re special year-round with coffee or tucked into a lunchbox. I won a ribbon with these cookies at my county fair. —Sheila Wyum, Rutland, North Dakota

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It’s so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top after 30 minutes of baking. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio

Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri

The Oven Won’t Self-Clean

Keeping your oven clean is important to ensure that the oven doesn’t start smoking from leftover food particles that burn. Here’s what to do if your self-cleaning cycle stops working:

1. Make sure you’re starting the cycle correctly per the manufacturer’s directions. Set timers and knobs correctly.

3. If you’re still having trouble with the self-cleaning cycle, you’ll probably need to call in a repair professional to replace the door lock motor and switch, control board, thermostat, or some other component that is keeping your oven from running the self-cleaning cycle.

Keeping up on repairs and maintenance are great ways to extend your oven’s life. If you find your oven not working, now you know how to diagnose and fix the issue yourself—and when it’s a good idea to call in a professional.

If you’re an American Home Shield® member, utilize your home to submit a service request when you need oven repair. Our covers all parts and components of your appliance, including gas burners, cooktop elements, the ignition system, and the temperature sensor.

Do you need help with your Oven? AHS ProConnect offers Oven repair near you.
AHS also offers Appliance Warranties and protection plans.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

The Oven Door Won’t Shut

1. Unplug the oven (and turn off the gas, if it’s a gas model).

2. Pull straight up and out on the door to remove it from the oven. If it doesn’t pull up, unscrew any screws holding the hinges in place inside the oven.

3. Check the hinges. Replace them if necessary.

4. Check for broken door springs. Slide out the bottom drawer and look under the oven to see the door springs.

5. Remove any broken springs with pliers. The ends should be wrapped around two bolts. Replace them, rewrapping the ends of the new springs around the bolts.

6. Replace the oven door gasket.

7. If the oven door still doesn’t shut, the door sensor may need to be replaced.

Classic Chocolate Cake

If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey’s cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I’ve been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

Double Delights

You get the best of both worlds with these chocolate and vanilla cookies. They’re an appealing addition to any cookie tray. I usually serve them at the holidays, when they’re often the first cookies to disappear, but you can have them any time of year. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

Classic Butter Pie Pastry

This all-butter pie crust makes a flavorful, flaky pie. It is easy to handle and bakes to be golden brown and beautiful—just like Mom’s! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Yellow Cake with Buttercream Frosting

This is a classic scratch cake. The homemade buttery frosting and crisp, sugared edges really make it stand out. —Aria Thornton, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies

These butter sugar cookies are one of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, so you can use it for other holidays, too. Children like to help with the cookie decorating. —Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota

Baking Powder

Baking powder is one of the best baking soda substitutes for cookies and other sweet baked goods. You can almost always replace baking soda with baking powder. It’s easy to find and you likely already have it in your pantry. It works well in just about any recipe that calls for baking soda and won’t change the taste or texture. 

How to use it:

When using baking powder as a substitute for baking soda, you must use a 3:1 ratio. So you would need three teaspoons of baking powder to substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking soda to get the same effect. You can substitute baking powder for baking soda with great results in moist recipes like cakes and muffins. Baking powder is the best baking soda substitute for banana bread.

Favorite Chicken Potpie

This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

What can I use instead of baking soda?

You might be wondering what is a good alternative of baking soda. Whether you’re looking to avoid the bitter taste that baking soda can sometimes leave behind, or you simply don’t have any baking soda left in your pantry, finding an acceptable replacement for baking soda might just save you a trip to the grocery store.

There are several excellent substitutes for baking soda, but you can’t just jump into one and expect it to work exactly the same. When deciding which to use, it’s important to consider the specifics of the recipe. 

Not every alternative for baking soda on this list is a suitable replacement for every type of recipe, so it’s important to carefully consider the amount of baking soda that will need to be replaced and how that may affect your baking. Below you’ll learn about all the great options and what can be used as a substitute for baking soda.

Club Soda

Club soda contains a small amount of sodium bicarbonate, which makes it a good baking soda substitute for some recipes. This isn’t a good option for cookies, recipes sensitive to excess moisture, or those that typically have a significant rise. Club soda is also a great baking soda substitute for cleaning.

How to use it:

Club soda works best for recipes that use a lot of liquid and already have an acidic component. To swap the baking soda for club soda, start by adding ¼ cup of club soda as a replacement.

Remember to subtract the amount of liquid from the recipe that you’re adding to it. For example, if you add ¼ cup of club soda to your batter, omit ¼ cup of another liquid in the recipe.

Chocolate-Tipped Butter Cookies

These wonderfully moist morsels are too tempting to resist. They melt right in your mouth. Rather than sprinkling the chocolate tips with nuts, you can roll them in red and green jimmies or leave them plain. —Charolette Westfall, Houston, Texas

The function of baking soda in baking

This fast-acting leavening agent is great for quick bread like pumpkin bread. The power of the baking soda is visible almost immediately in the batter, and you usually only need a little (one teaspoon baking soda or less) to make the magic happen. Buttermilk, chocolate, and even brown sugar can cause acidity in a batter, but it’s baking soda’s job to neutralize the acid.

Baking soda can also accelerate the Maillard reaction, a reaction between amino acids and sugars, which in baking gives biscuits and quick breads their coloring.

Carrots Lyonnaise

This recipe from a junior high home economics class was brought home by my sister Laurie. My family liked it so much that it became a part of our Christmas dinner tradition. — Elizabeth Plants, Kirkwood, Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, yes, it’s worth fixing an oven. But it depends. If the repair will give you more years of reliable service from the oven and the repair costs less than buying a comparable new model, then yes, get it repaired. If, on the other hand, the oven is reaching the end of its life and needs a costly repair, you’re likely better off buying a new oven.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, most ovens last 15 to 20 years. When it comes to longevity, ovens are one of the more enduring appliances. That’s because ovens don’t have as many moving parts as other popular large appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, so they don’t wear out as quickly. 

Usually, it’s more affordable to repair an oven than replace it. However, when deciding whether to repair or replace your oven, consider this: if you end up needing repeated repairs every few months, the cost quickly adds up, and it becomes more economical to buy a new oven.

Keep detailed records about the amount of money spent each year on oven repairs. If they begin to exceed the value of a new oven, it’s time to replace it. Some common signs that it’s time to let your oven go are:

• A buildup of rust in or around the frame of your oven.

• Major parts—such as the door, heating element, or control board—need repairs on a regular basis.

• You’re frequently fighting to keep the temperature of your oven hot enough, even after initial repairs.

• It is over 15 years old and showing signs of decline.

• You are concerned about safely using your oven.  

Swiss Cheese Bread

This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Oven Repair Cost Factors

There are many ways to crisp up your pizza crust and roast your Thanksgiving turkey. The type of oven, the extent of the repair, and the standard cost of labor in your area all play a large role in oven repair costs. Like all appliance repair prices, costs will fluctuate depending on its brand, age, and special features as well.

Type of Oven

The type of oven you have in your home will dictate the cost of the replacement part and the expertise required to get it up and running again. And whether the oven uses gas, electricity, wood fire, or steam to perfectly cook your food—it’s always best to call a professional familiar with the model to walk you through repairs or come out to take a look.

Electric Oven

Coming in between $100 and $250 on average, why do electric oven repairs cost a bit less than the other varieties? For one, when eclectic ovens do have issues, you may be able to diagnose and fix the problem while chatting with a local technician on the phone. Without the presence of gas, partially DIY-able repairs are doable with professional guidance.

Gas Oven

It is often necessary to call a repair team if you have an issue with your gas oven, bringing the average cost of oven repairs up to $100 to $600. There are also several more crucial features of a gas oven that must be replaced for both function and safety purposes, such as the gas valve and the igniter.

Steam Oven

The recent phenomenon of steam ovens heats food with the power of, well, steam. These ovens require a water line and a water tank to create the steam necessary to heat food evenly, pushing oven repair prices to $200 to $600 for the specialty parts. You will also need a technician familiar with the unique installation, so this is rarely a DIY project. 

Pizza Oven

Pizza ovens come in many varieties, from small indoor models to large brick pizza ovens for backyard kitchens. Repair prices will range from $150 to $600 depending on whether it runs on gas, electricity, or wood fire. When it comes to outdoor pizza ovens, consider the extra cost of mortar repair, which ranges between $10 and $20 per square foot. 

Type of Repair 

Oven repairs can range from a sticky door that doesn’t open correctly to the oven never heating up at all. The type of repair will affect how many hours it takes your technician to find and fix the issue as well as how many parts they need to order. Here are some common repair types based on the issue with the oven.

• Control board malfunction: $150–$300

• Odd noises: $100–$300

• Clicking sounds on a gas oven: $200–$350

• Door repair or replacement: $100–$400

• Poor or slow heating: $100–$600

• Self-cleaning issues: $100–$600

Labor

On average, oven repair specialists will charge between $50 and $200 an hour. Expect that some professionals will charge a flat fee to make the trip out to your house and a bit less if they can talk you through the issue on the phone. If your oven specifically has electrical issues, an electrician will charge between $50 and $100 an hour, whereas a gas line specialist will cost $45 and $150 an hour.

The igniter is broken (gas ovens)

If none of the above troubleshooting tips have worked, there’s a chance that your igniter, the part of the stove that lights the gas, is broken and will need to be replaced by a professional serviceman.

To test the igniter, the first thing you’ll need to do is locate it. The igniter can usually be found near the oven burner. Once you’ve found it, you’ll need to test it to see if it’s working properly. The best way to do this is with a multimeter, set to ohms. Simply attach the leads of the meter to the igniter terminals and see if the needle moves. If it doesn’t, then the igniter is most likely defective and will need to be replaced. Be sure to unplug the oven before performing any repairs.

Buttery Whiskey-Glazed Pearl Onions

I always have pearl onions on hand to add to stews and vegetable dishes—they’re great pickled, too. Every Thanksgiving, I make this glazed onion dish. It can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Grilled Cabbage

The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio

Baking soda vs. Baking powder

Baking soda and baking powder are both chemical leaveners famous for their use in baked goods. Baking powder, also known as sodium carbonate, can almost always replace baking soda in recipes without changing the texture or taste of the recipe. But what really makes them different?

Baking powder itself contains both the alkaline and acidic elements needed to generate a reaction (rise). Simply put, baking powder is a combination of non-acidic baking soda and a dry acid, eg. cream of tartar. The liquid in the batter activates this reaction, whereas baking soda activates fully when paired with an external acidic element.

However, if you included baking soda in a recipe with little to no acid, it would cause a bitter or metallic taste and only give the recipe a slight rise. And, most importantly, baking soda is about three times as potent as baking powder, meaning you need much less to get the same reaction.

You can view baking soda and baking powder as excellent choices for most baked goods. Using baking powder instead of baking soda can give you similar results. Sometimes they are even used together for even more leavening action, eg. in this pumpkin banana muffins.

Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy

Both my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn’t be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one’s the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Buttery Bubble Bread

Homemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I’m serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas

Butter Pecan Fudge

Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California

More baking guides

Have you tried this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment as well! I would love to hear about how your dessert turned out and your feedback also helps other Readers!

Best subsitute for baking soda in baking

• to replace 1 teaspoon baking soda

US customary cup measurement is an indicative figure only. Measure the ingredients with a digital scale by weight (gram). Baking is art but also science which requires precision and accuracy.

• replace 1 teaspoon baking soda with 3 teaspoons baking powder

Whipped Egg Whites

You might be surprised that whipped egg whites can be used as a substitute for baking soda. Whipping 2-3 egg whites until stiff peaks form can give your baked goods rise and get that fluffy texture you’re trying to achieve. This works best in recipes that mix baking soda and powder rather than only baking soda.

How to use it:

If the recipe calls for eggs, simply separate the whites from the yolks and whip the whites to stiff peaks before adding them to your batter. Always fold the whipped egg whites in last to avoid breaking any air bubbles, you’ll want those in your batter. Whipped egg whites are a good baking soda substitute for pancakes and other airy cakes.

Browned Butter Spice Cookies

If you like spice cake, you’ll love this recipe! Browned butter, dark chocolate and a splash of rum produce an unconventional spice cookie that’s guaranteed to please. —Kristin Kenney, Newport Beach, California