If your GE oven broiler isn’t working, don’t panic! A few common problems can cause this, and they are relatively easy to troubleshoot. This article will review the three most common causes of a GE oven broiler not working and provide you with some tips on diagnosing and fixing the problem.
GE Oven Broiler Not Working? This May Be Why…
The most common causes of a GE oven broiler not working are dependent on whether you have a gas or electric oven. Once you’ve determined the source of a GE oven broiler not heating, a simple repair can get your broiler back in action. What exactly is broiling, and how does it cook food? When something goes wrong, understanding how this oven performs may assist you in determining a solution. Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot GE oven broiler not working.
What is Broiling and How Does It Work?
Broiling is a cooking method that uses direct radiant heat. This type of cooking is similar to grilling, as both methods use high heat for cooking food quickly. The main difference between broiling and grilling is that the heat source is above the food when you broil food, whereas with grilling, the heat source is below the food.
In a gas oven, the flame for broiling is located at the top of the oven cavity. There are two heating elements in an electric oven: one at the top and one at the bottom of the oven cavity. When you turn on the broil setting, only the top element will turn on in an electric oven.
The heat from the broiler element (or elements) will cook the food quickly on the top side, so it’s important to watch your food carefully when broiling. When the top of your food is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven.
Now that we’ve reviewed how GE ovens broil, let’s look at some common problems that can cause a GE oven broiler not working…
GE Oven Broil Element is Burned Out
If you have an electric oven, your GE oven broiler is not working because the broil element has burned out. The broil element is located at the top of the oven cavity and functions as the heat source for broiling. Over time, with repeated use, the broil element can burn out, causing the problem of a broiler not heating up correctly. Another tell-tale sign of a broil element being burned out is the oven not baking evenly.
First, make sure that the oven is turned off and cooled completely to check if the broil element is burned out. Then, remove the racks from the oven cavity. Next, locate the broil element at the top of the oven (it will look like a coil of wire). Once you’ve located the element, visually inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
If you see any signs of damage to the element, it will need to be replaced by a professional. We do not recommend replacing a broil element yourself, as this is a complex repair that should only be performed by a qualified individual.
GE Gas Oven Igniter is Weak
If you have a gas oven, the igniter is responsible for lighting the flame when turning on the broil setting. The igniter is located near the bottom of the oven cavity and glows red when it’s working properly. Over time, the igniter can become weak with repeated use and will no longer glow as brightly as it once did. Consequently, the GE broiler won’t ignite.
A weak igniter will not be able to generate enough heat to light the gas flame. As a result, your GE oven broiler not working. If you suspect that the igniter is weak, we recommend calling a professional for repair or replacement.
Faulty Spark Electrode
If you have a gas oven, it uses a spark electrode to create a spark that ignites the gas when you turn on the broil setting. The spark electrode is located near the bottom of the oven cavity, next to the igniter.
The spark electrode can wear down with time, unable to generate a spark. Consequently, your GE oven broiler doesn’t work correctly or will fail to ignite. If you believe the spark electrode is broken, we recommend getting it fixed or replaced by a professional.
Troubleshooting a GE oven broiler not working can be tricky, but understanding the basics of how GE ovens broil can help. If you think the problem is with the broil element or igniter, we recommend calling a professional for oven repair. Give Tiger Mechanical a call today to have one of our fast, professional, and expert technicians diagnose and repair your oven!
