Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

Imagine the anticipation of a delicious home-cooked meal, carefully prepared and placed in the oven, only to discover that your dish is unevenly cooked or still cold in the centre! It’s a frustrating experience that can turn a promising meal into a culinary disappointment. If your oven is cooking unevenly, there may be several reasons why this may be happening. We troubleshoot common problems and share simple fixes so that your oven can once again function at its best. Reasons why your oven is cooking unevenly: Blocked or obstructed airflow Ovens rely on proper airflow to distribute heat evenly. If the airflow is obstructed, some areas might get hotter than others, resulting in uneven cooking results. Make sure there’s enough space around your dishes. Overcrowding can block airflow, so try to leave adequate space between pans and the walls of the oven. Ensure that the vents inside your oven are not obstructed. Lining your racks with alfoil may be great for cleanup but it can sometimes restrict airflow. Hot spots in the oven Ovens can have natural hot spots that can cause your food to cook unevenly. To combat hot spots, try rotating your dishes halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that all parts of the dish are exposed to similar temperatures. Handy hint! An easy way to check for hotspots is to test it with bread. Preheat your oven and place a few slices of bread on the rack. Monitor to see if some pieces are more cooked than others. Faulty heating element If your element isn’t glowing bright orange when fully heated, or your oven is cooking unevenly and your food is taking longer to cook, it could be a sign that you have a damaged heating element that needs to replaced. Check the heating element for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blistering or breaks. If it’s not glowing evenly or at all, it might be faulty. A simple way to identify which of your oven elements is not working, is use the oven function selector to select each heating function in turn. You can often replace a faulty heating element relatively easily. Consult your manual for guidance, or check out our video with easy step by step instructions. Poor oven insulation The oven door seal (or gasket) ensures that heat stays inside the oven. A damaged or worn-out seal can cause heat to escape, leading to uneven cooking temperatures and poor energy efficiency. You will need to replace a worn or damaged oven door seal. Inspect the oven door seal for any signs of wear and tear. The door seal needs to be intact and must form a tight seal when the door is closed. Replace your seal easily with our handy guide. Handy hint! A simple way to test the seal is to close a piece of paper in the oven door; if it pulls out easily, the seal may need replacement. Opening the door too often Opening the door frequently while baking can cause hot air to escape and significant drops in temperature which can lead to uneven cooking. Instead of opening the door frequently, keep your oven light on and check the progress of your food through the window. Incorrect rack placement The position of the racks can affect how evenly your food cooks. For even heat distribution, leave enough space between the racks to allow hot air to circulate freely. Recipes often suggest placing dishes on specific racks for optimal results: Place the racks in the middle positions for most standard baking and roasting recipes. For dishes that require more browning on the top, such as casseroles or gratins, position the rack closer to the upper third of the oven. Use the lower rack position for items that need more bottom heat, like pizza or bread. Consider rotating the position of the baking sheets or pans halfway through cooking for even browning. If you’re getting uneven results, try adjusting the rack position. Moving your dish higher or lower can sometimes help achieve more even cooking. Thermostat issues If the oven’s thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not maintain a consistent temperature. Calibration or replacement may be necessary. Like the overall temperature, the thermostat can sometimes be recalibrated if it’s not accurate.  To test, set the oven to a specific temperature than place an oven-safe thermometer insider. Check the thermometer’s temperature to see if it is the same as your oven settings. Check your manual for specific instructions on recalibrating, as the process can vary by model and brand. If recalibration doesn’t help, the thermostat might need to be replaced. Not preheating your oven Skipping the preheat step or not allowing the oven to preheat fully can result in uneven cooking, as the temperature won’t be consistent throughout the cooking process. Make it a habit to preheat your oven to the required temperature before placing your dishes inside. By addressing these common problems, you can enjoy more reliable cooking and baking results. If you’ve tried these fixes and your oven is still cooking unevenly, you may need to consult a qualified service technician. Need spare parts for your oven? At Statewide Appliance Spares, we offer a wide range of replacement parts and accessories to keep your oven operating at its best. From heating elements and globes to seals and doors, we’ve got you covered. All the latest tips on the Statewide blog Visit the Statewide blog where you can find our complete guide to oven care and maintenance. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Tags: #oven, #ovencooking, #ovenmaintenance, #ovenspareparts, #ovenspares

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a casual cook, taking proper care of your oven is essential for its longevity and performance.  Keep your oven in peak condition and cook your favourite dishes to perfection with our complete guide to oven care and maintenance. We'll walk you through a series of practical oven care tips, from cleaning techniques to easy DIY oven repairs.  Let's dive in! Daily oven care Over time, food spills, grease, and grime accumulate in your oven, affecting its performance and even posing safety risks. By making oven cleaning a routine task, you'll maintain a hygienic cooking environment and prevent unpleasant odours. Here are some essential tips to get started: Wipe down spills immediately When spills occur during cooking, wipe them up promptly with a damp cloth or sponge. This prevents the spills from hardening and becoming difficult to clean later on.  Utilise oven liners Consider using oven liners to catch any potential spills or drips. These liners are easily removable and can be cleaned separately, reducing the need for deep oven cleaning. Clean grease build-up If you notice grease or oil splatters on the oven surfaces, wipe them off using a mild dish soap and warm water solution. Gently scrub the affected areas with a soft cloth or sponge. Clean oven window Regularly clean the oven window using a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe it down with a microfibre cloth to remove any smudges or fingerprints. We recommend: Aktivo Glass & Window Cleaner for a fast drying and streak free finish.   Give your oven door a wipe down Keep the oven door clean by wiping it down regularly with a damp cloth. This helps remove any splatters or stains that may accumulate on the door during cooking. Keep your oven odour free If you notice any lingering odours in the oven, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom surface and leave it overnight. The baking soda will help absorb any unwanted smells. Care for your oven with a deep clean every 3 months While regular wipe-downs are necessary, deep cleaning your oven is equally important. Deep cleaning eliminates stubborn grease, stains, and burnt residue, ensuring your oven stays in prime condition. Give your oven a deep a thorough clean every 3 months or so. If you frequently cook or bake with ingredients that tend to create more residue, such as greasy foods or dishes that have a tendency to splatter, you may need to clean your oven more frequently. If you use your oven sparingly or primarily for reheating, you can extend the time between deep cleanings. How to deep clean your oven To get started you will need: Gloves Scrub brush or sponge Plastic spatula or scraper Baking soda & vinegar or oven cleaning solution Dish soap Damp cloth Step 1: Remove your oven racks Take out the oven racks and set them aside. These will be cleaned separately. Step 2: Prepare you oven If your oven has a self-cleaning function, follow the manufacturer's instructions to initiate the self-clean cycle. This process will heat the oven to high temperatures, effectively burning off residue and reducing it to ash. If your oven doesn't have a self-cleaning function, continue with the following steps. Step 3: Apply your cleaning solution You can make an effective, non-toxic oven cleaner using pantry staples. You will need baking soda and water. The baking soda acts as an abrasive and the water softens baked-on grime and loosens food particles. Mix together a cup of baking soda and a small amount of water until it forms a paste. Then, generously apply the natural cleaning paste inside your oven. Make sure you include the rails, back corners of your oven and glass oven door. You can use a paint brush or an old toothbrush to reach tough spots. Avoid the heating elements.  Leave overnight. For stubborn build up, you may want to use a commercial oven cleaner. We recommend Aktivo Easy Off Oven/BBQ cleaner. Its powerful, non-caustic and low fuming formulation lifts away grease, oil and carbon build-up. Step 4: Clean the oven racks Soak your oven racks in a deep sink or laundry tub with hot water and dish soap. Scrub them with a brush to remove residue and grease. If your oven racks have seriously tough stains, you can add 1 cup of laundry powder to the water.  L eave the oven racks to soak overnight. Then use a soft sponge to lift away caked on grease. Any tough spots can be tackled with a toothbrush. Rinse and let dry. Step 5: Wipe down surfaces Once your cleaner has had time to work on all interior surfaces, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away residue.  Use a plastic spatula or scraper for stubborn, stuck on residue. Step 6: Remove any remnants with vinegar spray Place some white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly spray the oven interior. If there are any left-over bits of baking soda, you will notice that it will start to bubble (this is normal). Then take your damp cloth and do a final wipe down to remove all remaining remnants of baking soda or cleaner. Step 7: Replace the oven racks Once the oven is completely dry, place the clean oven racks back inside. Step 8: Give the exterior a clean Using a damp sponge, give the exterior of your oven a clean. If you have a stainless-steel oven, you can lightly spray with Aktivo Stainless Steel Polish. The polish repels dirt and dust and removes finger marks for a long-lasting shine.  Your oven is now perfectly clean and ready for use Simple oven repairs and maintenance care you can tackle yourself Safety first! Before you start any oven repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. If your appliance is hard wired, turn off the oven’s circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety when working with electrical elements. Experiencing issues with your oven can be frustrating, but before calling a professional, it's worth considering some simple repairs you can do yourself. Not only can these repairs save you time and money, but they also empower you to take control of your kitchen appliances. Oven not heating properly If your oven is not heating up or is taking longer than usual to reach the desired temperature, a faulty heating element may be the culprit. Begin by checking the power supply and thermostat settings to ensure they are functioning correctly. Check the condition of the heating elements and promptly replace any that show signs of damage or malfunction. https://youtu.be/dM8OINw4VDw Note: In some Australian states, it may be a regulated requirement that the task is performed by a qualified electrician. These regulations aim to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards. Check the regulations in your state first. Uneven cooking or hot spots If your oven consistently produces unevenly cooked dishes or has noticeable hot spots, the oven rack supports may be misaligned or damaged. Remove the oven racks and examine the rack supports for any signs of misalignment or damage. If the supports are misaligned, adjust them to ensure the racks sit level. If they are damaged, consider replacing them. Control panel malfunctions If the control panel on your oven is unresponsive, buttons are not functioning, or error codes are being displayed, it may require a reset or component replacement. Start by turning off the oven and unplugging it from the power source. Leave it disconnected for a few minutes to allow for a complete reset. Reconnect the power and check if the control panel is now functioning properly. If the reset doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to replace specific control panel components.  Consult your oven's user manual to see if this is a task you are confident with tackling or reach out to a qualified service technician. Loose or damaged hinges If your oven door is loose or doesn't close properly, it could be due to loose or damaged hinges. Inspect the hinges for any visible damage or signs of wear. Tighten loose screws or consider replacing the hinges if necessary. https://youtu.be/gYJI43ywXJs Check seals and gaskets A worn or damaged oven door gasket can cause heat loss and affect cooking efficiency. If you notice gaps or tears in the gasket, it's time to replace it. Replace your oven door seal in 4 easy steps with our easy guide. Replace your globe A well-lit oven means less time opening the door to check if your food is cooked (which also lets the heat out and amps up your energy costs!). If your oven globe burns out, simply install a new one. Make sure to use a  globe that is designed specifically for ovens and ensure the wattage and cap fitting are the same as your existing globe. Take the guesswork out of changing your oven globe with our step by step guide. Follow manufacturer's instructions Always refer to your oven's user manual for specific maintenance guidelines and recommendations from the manufacturer. Different oven models may have unique requirements, so following the instructions will help you maintain your oven properly. By following these care and maintenance tips, you can maximise your oven's efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning, proper usage, and proactive care will help ensure enjoyable and hassle-free cooking experiences for years to come. Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares Statewide Appliance Spares is your go-to destination for all your oven and cooktop spares. The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping.  Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog to find a guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions plus our essential guide to oven parts. Check out our YouTube channel Visit our blog for to find a guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions plus our essential guide to oven parts.

The oven is an essential household appliance, found in almost every kitchen. Regular maintenance and care will ensure it functions at its best and provide you with the optimum cooking results.  Over time, your oven door is subject to wear and tear. Excessive force when opening and closing the door or a damaged seal can prevent your door from operating properly. When this happens, the oven will not retain and distribute heat evenly. Our troubleshooting guide shows you how to fix an oven door that won’t close properly. An oven door that fails to close properly can cause: Reduced energy efficiency – your oven has to work harder to retain heat Unevenly heated food Undercooked food Loss of heat Troubleshooting guide Check for obstructions First things first, let’s check for an obstruction. Sometimes a simple obstruction could be preventing your door from closing properly. Inspect your racks and rack guides Start by checking your oven racks. These are designed to fit inside your oven and can slide out as required.  During cooking, you may have swapped an oven rack, which is causing the issue.  Carefully and firmly push your oven racks into place. Take a close look at your oven door seal Every oven has a heat resistant strip, known as a door seal or gasket the helps seal the oven door. This is usually located on the outer edge of the oven or the inner edge of the door.  Over time, seals can weaken, causing hot air to escape and preventing the door from closing properly. Inspect your door seal for any signs of wear or tear, defects or warping.  If you see any damage, you will need to replace your seal. Replacing your seal is quick and easy. Check out our guide: Replace your oven door seal in 4 easy steps Give your oven seal a thorough clean If your seal is intact and secured correctly, give it a good clean with warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush or microfibre cloth. Grime and crumbs can get trapped in the seal and prevent your door from opening. Check the oven door hinges and springs Broken hinge springs or faulty hinges may also prevent your door from closing properly. Some ovens will not work at all if the door is not shut properly.   Dirt, grease and food scraps can get stuck in the hinge components and prevent your oven door from closing properly. Clean the hinges properly using soapy water and a toothbrush to get to all the hard-to-reach spots. Using a soft cloth, wipe clean. If your hinges have any signs of rust, you can try removing with a ball of steel wool to clean. Loose or improperly aligned hinges can keep your door from closing all the way. Loosen the screws and then re-tighten them. Then check to see if that makes a difference. Constant use and general wear and tear can damage to your hinges over time. If the hinges are damaged or bent, it will prevent the door from opening and closing properly. If either hinge is faulty, we recommend that both hinges are replaced. You can buy replacement oven door hinges here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYJI43ywXJs Inspect your door latch If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, it will also have a safety door latch. During a cleaning cycle, the oven latch will prevent the door from opening. Sometimes the door latch will remain in the locked position and will need to be disengaged. If the door latch is damaged or broken, you will need to replace it. Check that your door has not warped In some instances, the door may become warped. When this happens, the door will not line up correctly and will not form an effective seal. The best fix is to replace your oven door. Removing and installing a new oven door can be done safely and easily. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfVdB8Rtig8 Find your oven and cooktop spare parts at Statewide To find the correct part for your oven, you will need your oven model number. If unsure where to find your model number, check out our guide. Most manufacturers will place their details on the inside door frame. Then search on our website to find the correct oven part. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for to find out how to replace your oven door seal and a guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMAyKLwtSY Shop for oven spares from Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of oven and cooktop spare parts at competitive prices, backed by our lowest price guarantee.

Your oven is one of your key home appliances. Knowing how to fix the most common oven problems is a handy skill when something goes wrong.  Here we share our troubleshooting guide and provide some handy maintenance and repair oven fixes for a well-functioning oven. Safety first! Before you get started on any oven repairs, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. If your oven is hard wired, turn off the oven’s circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety when working with electrical elements. Your oven won't turn on If your oven won't turn on, do a quick check of the basics: Check to see if there is a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker If your oven plugs into a wall socket, try plugging another appliance in to see if that is working Use a multimeter to test the incoming power in the wall socket If your oven has an isolator switch, check to make sure it is in the on position Check the clock A simple but often forgotten oven fix! If the LED display clock is not set, some ovens will fail to operate. If the clock is flashing, you may not be able to operate any of the oven functions. Set the time and test the oven again. Inspect your oven elements Faulty and burnt-out oven elements can cause your oven to stop heating. Perform a visual inspection and look for signs of damage. If the elements fail to glow or produce heat, they will likely need replacement. If one element is working eg top or grill element, but another is not, it is a sure sign that you have a burnt out element. You can follow our guide to changing an oven elements here. Faulty wires and electrical issues can also cause your oven to stop working. Gas ovens might not turn on due to worn and damaged ignitors. If the troubleshooting tips above do not apply, contact a qualified service technician so that they can correctly diagnose and fix any major issues. The oven door is not closing tightly Have you noticed that your oven is taking a long time to heat up or that your food is cooking unevenly? The culprit could be your oven door seal or hinges. Try these oven fixes! First inspect your oven to ensure there is no food or debris stuck in the crevices of your seal or hinges. Give them a good clean with warm soapy water and a sponge. Take a close look at your door seal. If it looks worn, cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To remove your door seal, you will need to gently peel it off. Some seals have small hooks or screws holding them in place. Once the seal is removed, you can then give the area a good clean. Simply use warm soapy water and a sponge. Next install your new door seal. You will need to position the seal by lining up one of the corners, then work your way around and press firmly to secure into place. Reattach any clips or screws. Check out our guide to replacing your oven door seal in 4 easy steps Broken hinge springs or faulty hinges may also prevent your oven door from closing properly. Many ovens will not work at all if the door is not shut properly. This is an easy way to distinguish between a single blown element and a door issue. Inspect carefully and replace them if necessary. Refer to your operating manual for step-by-step instructions or watch our YouTube video. https://youtu.be/gYJI43ywXJs The oven temperature is inconsistent If your food is not heating to the correct temperature you will need to diagnose the problem. The cause is usually the temperature sensor, heating element or in the case of gas ovens, the igniter. Try these oven fixes: Temperature Sensor Your oven is equipped with a temperature sensor.  This is a thin tube that is located in back of your oven and reads your oven temperature. The sensor can be bumped, or can even touch the sides of the oven. This can lead to incorrect temperature settings. If you notice that the sensor is bent or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. Heating element Electric ovens typically have a baking element (located at the bottom of the oven compartment) and a grill element (located at the top of the oven compartment). Both are needed to evenly heat your oven. Fan forced ovens have an additional element located at the rear, circling the fan. You will need to replace your oven element if: You notice your element isn't glowing bright orange when heated, The temperature is inconsistent when cooking, There are signs of wear and tear on your elements. To identify which of your oven elements are not working, use the oven function selector to select each heating function in turn. To fix and change your oven element, refer to our step by step guide. Igniters (Gas ovens) If you have a gas oven, your igniter could the be cause of inaccurate oven temperature. Poorly functioning igniters may be slower to ignite or may not work at all. If you inspect your igniters and notice they are dirty, they can be fixed with a simple cleaning. Replacing a faulty igniter requires some more advanced skills. It is best to contact a qualified service technician to do the job. The interior light is not working Just like your light globes at home, your oven globe light will need to be replaced periodically. Oven globes need to withstand high temperatures. This is why you will need to use a globe that is specifically designed for ovens. You can find new oven globes at Statewide. Replace your oven globe This is an easy oven fix that you can tackle. To replace your oven globe, you will need to turn off your oven from the power source and make sure your oven is cold. Locate the oven globe cover and remove the burnt out globe. If you are fitting a halogen globes, it will need to be handled carefully with the use of gloves or a lint free cloth. Follow our guide for simple oven globe installation or check out our YouTube video. https://youtu.be/eELykDtHSR8 Regular cleaning for a well functioning oven We recommend regular cleaning to keep your oven performing at its best.  A spotless oven doesn’t have to be a heavy chore. We have the best tips to clean your oven easily and naturally on our blog guide. Looking for easy care solutions? Check out the Aktivo Easy Off oven/BBQ Cleaner. Its non-caustic and low fuming formulation is effective for removing grease, oil and carbon build up. Do inspect your oven regularly for signs of wear and tear and apply simple oven fixes for any small issues as they arise. This can help eliminate the issue of costly repairs down the track. Lastly, check out the range of oven and cooktop spares at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have a huge range including  oven elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats, knobs and more. Everything you could possibly need at competitive prices, with fast Australia wide delivery.

Ovens offer a variety of settings and functions to get the best cooking and baking results. Different brands may use slight variations, however many oven symbols are universal and designed to help you identify the different functions of your oven. If you tend to gravitate toward the functions you are most familiar and comfortable with, you are not alone! We take the guesswork out of deciphering those little pictures on your oven with our guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions. Conventional heating oven symbol The symbol for conventional heating is two lines – one at the top and one at the bottom. This means that both the top and bottom heating elements will radiate heat. The bottom heating element provides the primary source of heat, while the upper element delivers intense top-down heat to brown and grill your food. Ideal for: Roasting meat and vegetables or single shelf cooking. Lower heating element The lower heating element oven symbol is represented by a single line at the bottom. This indicates that the lower heating element is in use. Ideal for: Slow cooking, casserole baking or for food that requires a crispy base such as pizza or a pastry case. Upper heating element The upper heating element symbol is represented by a single line at the top. This indicates that the upper heating element is in use. Ideal for: Baking pies with a pie crust. Fan forced Fan forced symbols feature a fan inside a circle. A fan forced oven has a heating element around the fan to circulate and distribute heat evenly. This allows for a faster cooking time, even temperature and a decrease in energy consumption. This will likely be your most used setting. Ideal for: Batch cooking, cakes, cookies. Fan forced grill This symbol features a fan with a zig zag line above it. When this is switched on, the grill and fan will operate at the same time. The fan’s function is to spread the grill’s heat. Unlike the standalone grill, your oven door should be closed when using this function. Ideal for: Cooking through thicker meats or fish. Grill The grill icon features a zig zag line on the top. It is also sometimes represented with a double zig zag line. This grill setting uses the entire grill of the oven. Ideal for: Vegetables, crisping and browning food. Partial grill Some ovens offer a partial grill setting, represented by a smaller zig zag line. This indicates that only part of the grill is in use. You will need to place your food in the right spot (usually in the centre of your oven). Ideal for: Grilling smaller portions/amounts. Defrost The defrost function can reduce your defrosting time. The oven does not use heat on this function, instead it circulates room temperature air (30°C) around the food to give it an even and fast defrosting result. Ideal for: Defrosting food when you are in a hurry. Plate warming The plate warming symbol shows three lines stacked on top of each other. This keeps your dinner plates safely warm. Ideal for: Keeping your dinner guests happy. Warmer Often depicted as a dish with rising steam, this function keeps your food warm, without cooking it. Ideal for: Warming food or plates so they do not cool too quickly. Oven light Your oven cooks with the light on so you can view your cooking progress. Also handy when cleaning your oven so you can take a better look. Child lock A small key symbol indicates that the child lock feature is activated. Ideal for: Keeping children safe when the appliance is on or when the self-clean function is in operation. Alarm The alarm symbol will enable you to manually set your alarm. Ideal for: Setting a reminder to check your cooking when your oven is in use. Self cleaning or Pyrolytic cleaning oven symbols The self cleaning function shows a series of black dots or diamonds decreasing size from top to bottom. It can also be represented by the letter P.  High temperature pyrolytic cleaning heats your oven to approx. 500°C. The intense heat will incinerate any built up grime and then the remaining ash can be wiped away. Now that you are familiar with your oven symbols and functions, why not get familiar with the different parts of your oven and how they operate? Check out our essential guide to oven parts. Shop for oven & cooktop spares at Statewide Appliance Spares. Our most popular oven and cooktop spare parts are always in stock, including oven elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats, knobs and more. We have everything you could possibly need at competitive prices, with fast Australia wide delivery. Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Tags: oven, oven controls, oven functions, oven settings, oven symbols

If we had to list our least favourite kitchen chores, surely cleaning our ovens would top the list! Cleaning a dirty oven with grease splatters, spills and food particles seems like a daunting task, however tackling this appliance doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. With a little bit of know-how and some pantry staples, we show you the best way to clean your oven naturally. Achieve a spotless oven in no time! Overview Cleaning your oven – step by step Natural cleaners for stubborn stains Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar How often you should clean your oven What you will need: Dishwashing soap Vinegar Baking soda Cloth Scrub pad or brush (non-abrasive) Safety first! Before you get started, make sure your oven is switched off and cool. Step 1: Remove racks and accessories stored in your oven Take out any racks, steel plates or accessories from your oven. These will be cleaned separately. Step 2: Wipe away food scraps or spills from the oven Using a damp sponge remove any excess spills or food scraps from the interior of your oven. Step 3: Make your natural cleaning solution You can make an effective, non-toxic oven cleaner using pantry staples. You will need baking soda and water. The baking soda acts as an abrasive and the water softens baked-on grime and loosens food particles. Mix together a cup of baking soda and a small amount of water until it forms a paste. Step 4: Apply cleaning solution to the interior of your oven Put on some rubber gloves and start generously applying the natural cleaning paste inside your oven. Make sure you include the rails, back corners of your oven and glass oven door. You can use a paint brush or an old toothbrush to reach tough spots. Avoid the heating elements.  Leave overnight. Step 5: Tackle the oven racks You may need to use a laundry tub for this process. Alternatively you can lay an old towel in the bottom of a bathtub and place the oven racks on top.  Fill the tub with hot water and 1 cup of laundry powder (or you can even use a liquid detergent). We recommend Aktivo Super Concentrate Laundry Powder. Leave the oven racks to soak overnight. Then use a soft sponge to lift away caked on grease. Any tough spots can be tackled with a toothbrush. Rinse and let dry. Step 6: Wipe your oven clean Using a damp cloth, wipe the interior of your oven to remove the excess baking soda paste. Use a spatula gently for hard-to-reach places. Step 7: Vinegar spray rinse for extra sparkle Place some white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly spray the oven interior. If there are any left-over bits of baking soda, you will notice that it will start to bubble (this is normal). Then take your damp cloth and do a final wipe down to remove all remaining remnants of baking soda. Step 8: Replace the oven racks Replace your clean and thoroughly dried oven racks. Step 9: Give the exterior of your oven a clean Using a damp sponge, give the exterior of your oven a clean. If you have a stainless-steel oven, you can lightly spray with Aktivo Stainless Steel Polish. The polish repels dirt and dust and removes finger marks for a long-lasting shine.  Your oven is now perfectly clean and ready for use How often should you clean your oven? We recommend daily maintenance to keep your oven hygienically clean. Wipe away spills and splatters after cooking. You can use an eco-friendly, natural cleaner such as Aktivo All Purpose Cleaner . This cleaner is gentle and non-toxic on surfaces whilst being tough on stains.   For best results, give your oven a thorough clean following our easy steps every 3 months. If you have extremely stubborn stains and don’t have the time for overnight natural solutions, try our range of oven cleaners at Statewide Appliance Spares. We recommend Aktivo Easy Off oven/BBQ Cleaner. Its non-caustic and low fuming formulation is effective for removing grease, oil and carbon build up. Handy tip! You’ve cleaned your oven, why not inspect your oven door seals to see if there is any sign of wear or tear? A damaged seal means your oven uses more energy and your food won’t cook correctly. Check out our guide to replacing your oven door seal in 4 easy steps. Looking for oven & cooktop spares? Statewide Appliance Spares have got you covered! Our most popular oven and cooktop spare parts are always in stock, including oven elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats, knobs and more. We have everything you could possibly need at competitive prices, with fast Australia wide delivery.

How well do you know your electric oven parts? Get familiar with the different parts of your electric oven and how they operate. From elements, baking trays and seals to racks and thermostats, we give you the low down on all the essentials! Electric oven Let’s start with how ovens work. Electric ovens use a heating element to generate heat. The heating element applies resistance to the flow of electrical current and generates thermal energy. Electric ovens: Are often easier to clean and use Need pre-heating, although newer models pre-heat fast Tend to stay at a more accurate temperature than gas Offer a variety of cooking modes Cheaper to buy and install than their gas counterparts Do not require any special gas fitting or energy source Conventional: Once heated, the heat spreads around the oven unevenly, which means food needs to be rotated to ensure even cooking. Most electric styles are convection ovens (fan assisted). A fan at the back of the oven distributes heat evenly. This results in better browning and faster cooking. Understanding your oven parts 1. Grill element Situated at the top of your oven, the grill element provides heat when grilling. Grill element also known as: Broil element 2. Racks Racks are easily removable and can transition to other rack positions in your oven. Some are mounted on ball bearing slides that enable them to easily glide in and out. Racks also known as: Full extension racks, telescopic racks, roller racks 3. Rack guides Rack guides are secured on the inside of your appliance, on both sides. These enable racks to transition to different positions in your oven. 4. Element A heating element creates heat for cooking. They heat up as an electric current passes through them.  They typically have: A bottom element Located at the bottom of the compartment. Also known as a baking element. A top grill element Located at the top of the compartment. Also known as a broil element. Fan forced element Fan forced ovens have an additional element (also known as fan forced element) located at the rear, circling the fan. When your appliance is switched on, the element heats up and the fan blows hot air into the oven and circulates it all around. 5. Thermostat A thermostat regulates the temperature.  The thermostat controls the power to the heating element by turning it off and on to maintain the designated temperature inside the oven. Thermostats also known as: temperature regulator, control switches, simmerstat, control 6. Fan A fan circulates air throughout the oven to help evenly distribute heated air. Fans also known as: cooling fan, convection fan 7. Fan cover A fan cover protects your fan. Fan cover also known as: Baffle 8. Control panel A control panel is situated on the outside of your oven. The buttons are used to control the temperature and functionality. For newer models, display screens can also feature diagnostic codes (also knowns as fault codes) to help indicate any problems or malfunction. Control panel also knowns as: Control board, digital display 9. Knobs Knobs are used to select different functions and to adjust temperature. 10. Door seal A door seal prevents heat from escaping from your appliance. A seal is attached to either the door or the oven itself. Also knowns as: gasket 11. Door hinge Oven doors generally have two door hinges that allow you to easily open and close your door. These are often removable to help with cleaning and installation. 12. Globe A globe ensures your oven is well lit. This prevents you having to constantly open and close the door (which lets the heat out) to check if your food is cooked. Globes also known as: Light bulbs, halogen globes 13. Door handle A door handle enables you to safely open and close your oven door. Now that you have the essentials down pat, why not inspect yours and replace any faulty or damaged parts?  You can shop oven spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance parts such as elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats and knobs with fast, Australia wide delivery. Need some help replacing your oven parts? Check out our handy guides: Change your element in just 9 easy steps. We show you how! Blown globe? No worries! Get your replacement globe and follow our easy instructions. Damaged seals can easily be replaced so that your oven is working like new again. Have a question? We love to help. Our team of experts have been helping customers for over 35 years. Order online, with fast shipping, Australia wide. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Tags: oven, oven guide, oven parts

A well-lit oven means you don’t have to constantly open your oven door (which lets the heat out) to check if your food is cooked. If your globe is blown, don’t worry, changing your globe is a quick and easy task. Follow our simple step by step guide to change your oven globe. Safety first! Before you replace your oven globe, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. If your appliance is hard wired, turn off the oven’s circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety when working with electrical elements. What you will need Replacement oven globeIdentify the oven model number or part number of the globe. You can buy your replacement globe from our oven parts page. If selecting a universal oven globe, ensure the wattage and cap fitting are the same as your existing globe. Gloves or dry cloth Step 1 Disconnect your appliance from the power source and/or turn off the power to the oven at the circuit breaker box. Step 2 To start, ensure your oven is cold. Open the oven door. Remove and set aside your oven racks and trays. Step 3 Locate the oven globe cover. This is usually located in the back of the oven. On some oven models, it may be on the upper right or left side.  The globe cover is usually secured by clips. Sometimes these will be attached with screws. If this is the case, remove the screws holding the cover in place. Some manufacturers have a globe cover tool. This assists in removing the cover and reduces the risk of damage. You can now remove the faulty globe. This usually pulls out gently or by turning counter clockwise. You may want to wear gloves for this. Step 4 Now you can fit your globe. Tackle this task gently, as the oven globes can be delicate. Place the globe in the socket and turn clockwise to secure.  Reattach the oven globe cover. Step 5 Final step is to test your globe and make sure it works. Re-connect power to your oven. Switch the oven on and check to see your oven light is working.   Handy tips Always use globes that are classified as oven globes as standard globes are not designed to withstand high oven temperatures. You can find your oven globe here. Ensure the oven globe is the right size and wattage for your oven. Refer to your operating manual for information. Alternatively search here with your oven brand and model number. Do not touch the halogen bulb surface or inside reflectors with your bare hands. Oils from skin can lead to breakage or shorten the life of the globe. Use clean gloves or lint free cloth for installation and removal. Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! https://youtu.be/eELykDtHSR8 Now that you have replaced your globe, it may be time to give your appliance a good clean. Try a a non-caustic, low fume cleaner - highly effective in removing grease, oil and build up. You've tackled changing your globe, why not check your oven door seal and see if that needs changing too? Changing an oven door seal is as easy as 1-2-3-4 with our easy guide. When working with home appliances, always follow correct safety precautions and consult your owner’s manual for more information. Shop for oven globes from Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia's biggest range of appliance parts with fast, Australia wide delivery.

Quite often, our ovens are one of the hardest working appliances in our home. So, if you are noticing that your food is taking a little longer to cook or that it is cooking unevenly, it could be a sign that some heating elements in your oven may need to be replaced. Knowing how to change an oven element is easy and can be completed in a few simple steps. Overview: What is a heating element? Signs your oven element isn’t working How to change oven elements What is a heating element? An oven element creates heat for baking and grilling. Electric ovens typically have a baking element (located at the bottom of the oven compartment) and a grill element (located at the top of the oven compartment). Both are needed to evenly heat your oven. Fan forced ovens have an additional element located at the rear, circling the fan. When the oven is switched on, the element heats up and the fan blows hot air into the oven and circulates it around the oven. Signs your oven element isn't working The element isn’t glowing bright orange (or only partially glowing) when fully heated There are signs of wear and tear such as burns or cracks Your food is taking longer to cook or is cooking unevenly The oven doesn’t reach a set temperature or takes longer to reach a set temperature To identify which of your oven elements is not working, use the oven function selector to select each heating function in turn. Safety first! Before you start your repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. If your appliance is hard wired, turn off the oven’s circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety when working with electrical elements. How to change an oven element What you will need: Replacement oven element. Identify the model number or part number of the element. You can buy your replacement element here at Statewide in our range of cooktop spare parts. Screwdriver Pliers Now, lets change your oven elements in 9 easy steps: Step 1 Disconnect your appliance from the power source and/or turn off the power to the oven at the circuit breaker box. Step 2 Ensure your oven is cold before you start. Open the oven door - you may need to remove the door for easier access. Remove and set aside your oven racks and trays. Step 3 Locate the oven heating element. For fan oven elements, you may need to remove the back plate that cases the oven element. Step 4 Remove the screws that secure the element to the oven. Firmly hold the element and slide it gently as it is still connected to the wires at this point. Pro tip: You may want to take a photo to ensure you correctly wire your new heating element. Step 5 Using your pliers, slide the small connector clips off the element terminals to release the wires, being careful to prevent the wires retracting back into the wall of the oven. Please note: Some models/brands may have the heating element located in the rear of the oven. In this case, you may need to remove the oven to complete the repair. Step 6 Carefully attach the wires using pliers before installing and securing your new element. Make sure each wire is connected to the correct terminal. Screw and secure any plates or covers that were removed during the process. Step 7 Your heating element is now fully installed. If you removed your oven door, reattach now. Step 8 Plug your oven back in and turn on the oven. Test the oven to ensure it is working correctly. Some new elements have a factory coating so you may notice a little smoke or faint smell as your element heats up. Step 9 Now that you've installed the new element, it may be a good time to give your oven a good clean with our non-caustic, low fume cleaner – highly effective at removing grease, oil and build up. Find it in our range of appliance cleaning products. https://youtu.be/dM8OINw4VDw Now you know how to change oven elements, you can get back to cooking up a storm in your kitchen. With a few tools and the right kitchen appliance part, replacing the heating element in your oven is a simple and easy process. Always follow correct safety precautions and consult your owner’s manual for more information. Shop for oven elements from Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance parts with fast, Australia wide delivery.

Home cooks, food enthusiasts and chefs often prefer cooking with gas. Gas cooktops offer ease and convenience, allowing for greater temperature control and precision. As with all appliances, keeping your cooktop clean is essential – especially wiping up spills and cleaning as you go. Sometimes you need to tackle a deeper clean to rid your oven parts of unsightly burnt food, baked on mess, greasy gas burner grates and clogged gas ports. A dirty cooktop can negatively impact your cooking and present a fire hazard. Luckily, cleaning your gas stove burner is a simple task – all you need is a little elbow grease and some natural cleaning products to get your cooktop looking as good as new. Overview Cleaning gas stove burners: step by step Natural cleaners for stubborn stains Cleaning with baking soda Cleaning with vinegar How often you should clean your stove Cleaning gas stove burners: What you will need Dishwashing soap Vinegar Baking soda Cloth Scrub pad or brush (non-abrasive) 1. Gather your cleaning supplies and start by removing the grates and burners from your cooktop. Wipe away any dry debris. 2. Soak the burner heads, burner caps and gas stove grates in dishwashing soap and warm water. This will help loosen any debris. Let soak for 20 minutes. 3. Gently scrub your burner heads and caps with a non-abrasive scrub pad or brush. Check the gas ports of the burners to see if they are clogged. Use a brush or straightened paper clip to gently remove any clogged debris. 4. Rinse all parts under running water. Shake to get rid of excess water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Allow to air dry completely. 5. Give your gas stovetop a thorough clean. Scrub using a non-abrasive scrub or brush pad with a few drops of dishwashing detergent. Work in circular motions on enamel surfaces and with the grain on stainless steel surfaces. Then wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. 6. Don’t forget your drip pans! Remove the pans from the stove and rinse thoroughly. Wash with warm soapy water. For stubborn stains, create a paste with one-part baking soda and one-part dishwashing detergent. Apply this mixture generously over the drip pans and place in zip lock bags.Allow to soak for approximately 30 minutes to one hour and rinse thoroughly. 7. Once you have finished cleaning your gas stove burners, make sure all your parts are completely dry before reassembling your burners and grates. 3 additional tips for cleaning gas stove burners Natural cleaners for stubborn stains If your gas stove burner and cooktop need a more thorough clean, try using these natural solutions such as baking soda and vinegar. Not only are these items inexpensive, they are extremely effective for cleaning gas stove burners! The acid in vinegar helps break down the grease and the baking soda works as a general scrubbing agent. his method is also great for rangehood parts too. Cleaning with baking soda After step 2 above - rinse your grates in warm water. Make a thick paste using one-part baking soda with one-part water. Coat all burners and grates generously and let stand for approximately 20 minutes (for really stubborn stains, let stand for 1-2 hours). Using a sponge, scrub and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning with vinegar When it comes to cleaning gas stove bueners, a vinegar solution is ideal for daily maintenance or for light grease stains. Make the spray mixture one-part vinegar with one-part water. Spray the top of the stove and wipe clean. How often should you clean your stove? Our best tip – save time (and elbow grease!) with daily maintenance. Wipe away spills and splatters straight after cooking, before they become a hardened food stain. A daily wipe down with a natural vinegar spray and damp cloth will keep your stove top hygienic and clean. We recommend a weekly deep clean, using the simple steps above.Need a non-caustic, powerful cleaner with active ingredients that lift away grease, grime and burnt food? Find what you need in our range of appliance cleaning products. Want to know more about the different parts of your electric oven and how they operate? We give you the lowdown on all your oven essentials in our handy guide. Cleaning gas stove burners is easy, but buying kitchen appliance spare parts is easier! Shop for oven, cooktop and stove burner spare parts from Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance parts with fast, Australia wide delivery.