An oven is a versatile appliance, cooking everything from roasts to baked goods. When items don’t bake evenly, half of a meal might be undercooked while the other portion is overdone. If you notice this issue, review some of the possible causes in this guide.

Why Your Food Isn't Baking Evenly

1. Miscalibration

A properly calibrated oven produces temperatures that match the settings you input. Over time, the appliance can become miscalibrated, leading to internal temperatures that differ considerably from set values. This issue tends to cause dishes to have burned edges and raw centers.

The next time you bake, test the calibration with an oven thermometer. Check the thermometer several times throughout the cook cycle. If the average temperature is different from the dial reading, have the oven recalibrated by a professional.

2. Malfunctioning Heating Element

Most ovens utilize two heating elements to cook food evenly from all sides. The broiler is mounted at the top of the appliance, while the baking element sits at the bottom.

If the bottom component doesn’t function, heat won't circulate properly. When this happens, you may notice that the bottoms of pies, casseroles, and baked food aren’t fully cooked even when the tops are crisp. You might have to get the heating element replaced.

3. Faulty Convection Motor

Hot air rises, so heat tends to gather at the top of the enclosure where no food is cooking. To avoid wasted energy, convection ovens circulate hot air to spread the heat around evenly. When the convection motor fails, you may notice uneven cooking due to poor heat circulation.

During operation, the oven’s fan should spin and make humming noises. If the oven is unusually quiet, the convection motor likely needs replacement. If you hear humming, check the fan for corrosion or blockages that prevent it from turning.

If you need reliable appliance repair, turn to Honest & Fair Appliance Repair in Monroe, NY. They are family-owned and -operated, having served the Hudson Valley since 1979. Their technicians undergo ongoing training to stay informed on the newest makes and models. Learn more about their work on their website, or call (845) 782-0460 to schedule service.