Your recipe says 375 degrees. Your food comes out burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. This is an oven that is not reaching its set temperature, and it is one of the most frustrating kitchen problems in Colorado Springs homes.

How to Test Your Oven Temperature

Buy an oven thermometer at any hardware store, including Home Depot on Powers or Lowe’s on Nevada. They cost under ten dollars. Place it in the center of the oven, set the oven to 350 degrees, and wait 20 minutes. Read the thermometer.

If the oven is off by 25 degrees or less, you may be able to recalibrate the thermostat yourself using the control panel. Check your owner’s manual for the calibration steps. If the oven is off by more than 25 degrees, or if it runs wildly inconsistent, something has failed.

The Most Likely Causes

Temperature Sensor Failure

The temperature sensor is a probe inside the oven cavity near the top back wall. When it fails, the oven either runs too hot, too cold, or fluctuates unpredictably. This is the most common cause and one of the cheaper repairs.

Bake or Broil Element Failure (Electric Ovens)

On electric ranges, the bake element is at the bottom of the oven cavity. When it fails partially, it heats unevenly. Read more about oven not heating diagnosis in Colorado Springs.

Gas Igniter Weakness (Gas Ovens)

In a gas oven, a weak igniter glows but does not get hot enough to open the gas valve. See our guide on gas stove and oven repair in Colorado Springs.

What About Altitude?

Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet. If your oven cannot reach 350 degrees, that is a mechanical failure, not an altitude issue. Altitude affects how food cooks, not how hot your oven gets. Wondering whether the repair is worth it? Our honest breakdown of when to repair vs replace your stove can help you decide. Book a same-day appointment at (719) 467-3100.