What Are the Most Common Oven and Stove Problems?
A failed baking element is the most common oven repair, at $130 to $300 installed, followed by a weak gas igniter at $150 to $275 and a failed temperature sensor at $25 to $110 in parts. Oven and stove problems follow recognizable patterns that help narrow the diagnosis before a technician arrives.
Electric Oven Not Heating (Baking)
Most commonly a failed baking element (bottom element in the oven cavity). Inspect the baking element visually a burned-out element typically shows a visible crack, blister, or burn mark. If the element looks intact, the temperature sensor or control board may be the cause. A baking element replacement costs $130 to $300 installed and is the most common single-visit oven repair. Most companies charge an $80 to $150 diagnostic fee on the day of service, typically credited toward the repair if you proceed, so even an inexpensive part carries a service-visit minimum.
Gas Oven Does Not Light
The igniter glows but the oven does not light after 60 to 90 seconds: the igniter is weak (it must reach a specific temperature to open the safety valve). Igniter replacement costs $150 to $275 installed. The igniter does not glow at all: wiring connection, igniter switch, or control board issue. The oven ignites but the flame goes out: thermocouple or safety valve issue requiring professional diagnosis. (For more on this, see Oven Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide.)
Oven Temperature Is Inaccurate
Oven temperature that is consistently off from the set temperature is most often caused by a failed oven temperature sensor (a probe inside the oven cavity). Sensors cost $25 to $110 in parts and are the first component to test. If the sensor tests correctly, the oven temperature can sometimes be recalibrated in the control settings without a part replacement. A failed control board can also cause temperature inaccuracy.
Gas Stovetop Burner Does Not Ignite
The most common causes: the burner cap is wet or misaligned after cleaning (the spark will not reach the gas), the igniter is clogged with food debris (clean with a straight pin), or the igniter itself has failed. Dry the burner cap thoroughly, confirm it is centered correctly, clean the igniter port, and test before calling a technician. If the igniter clicks but the burner does not light after these steps, the burner igniter module may need replacement.
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.
Making a Confident Decision
The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask an Oven and Stove Repair Technician.)
Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.
When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget.
Oven and Stove Repair Cost at a Glance
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic/service call | $80 to $150 | , typically credited toward the repair |
| Minor repair (element, igniter, thermostat) | $130 to $300 including parts and labor | |
| Major component repair (control board, gas valve) | $300 to $600 or more | |
| Overall range | $130 to $600, averaging $300 |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on September 1, 2026. How we source cost data.