Oven problem. What could this be?

[heliocentric]

We have a gas range. Several months ago we noticed our oven wasn't heating correctly. It was an old, very cheap model so we assumed it was broken and got rid of it. Since we are planning a total reno this year that includes a new professional range, we bought a very gently used range from a friend to use in the meantime. (He had never even used the oven, it's that new.) This one doesn't seem to heat correctly either. I always wait for the beep to alert me that it's preheated, but stuff still doesn't seem to cook correctly. I know the thermostats could be off, but it seems weird it would be so off in both ranges.

We don't have an oven thermometer yet (we plan to get one), so I can't tell you how off it is, but I know things are taking too long to cook and breads aren't browning. Since both ovens had the same problem could there be an issue with our gas line? Is that even possible? If so, who do I contact? A plumber or the gas company?

[mrs.jacinthe]

It's possible that the line to the oven is undersized, so the oven isn't getting enough oomph to make a good flame. I'd call a plumber (gas lines are a plumbing thing, but make sure you get one that indicates they're willing to work on gas lines - some aren't).

That said, I've never had a good experience with a gas oven. When you do your reno, can you purchase a duel-fuel? Electric ovens (especially one with a convection feature) are SUBSTANTIALLY more reliable, IMO.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Dec 24, 2013 12:28:45 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

It's possible that the line to the oven is undersized, so the oven isn't getting enough oomph to make a good flame. I'd call a plumber (gas lines are a plumbing thing, but make sure you get one that indicates they're willing to work on gas lines - some aren't).

That said, I've never had a good experience with a gas oven. When you do your reno, can you purchase a duel-fuel? Electric ovens (especially one with a convection feature) are SUBSTANTIALLY more reliable, IMO.

All this.
The gas oven in our rental is very unpredictable. I love a gas cooktop though.

[whattheheck]

Check to make sure the oven is level. And check to make sure it isn't set to "broil."

[TBM]

The oven was off on our gas range at our old house, but it turned out to be easy to adjust. The controls were electronic with digital display and it could be adjusted the right number of degrees that it was off. I am sure that the information was somewhere in the zillion page manual that came with the oven, but DH found the easy instructions online.

I thought our new electric oven was off here, but a $5 oven thermometer disagrees with me. Maybe I am just not used to cooking with an electric oven. ;p

[heliocentric]

Thanks for the feedback.
Dual fuel isn't available in the brand we want (Capital). Brides DH thinks electronics and heat don't belong together. The range ad want doesn't even have a timer of clock.
What's weird is the old range worked for years and the hes one works sometimes. I 'he only ever used gas and never had issues until last year. So frustrating.

[downtoearth]

I wonder if it's the gas line also? Clogged or something - not sure how that happens.

However, I cooked with a gas over/stove for 7+ years and loved it. It was the best oven I've ever used and very reliable/consistent. I baked bread a lot and it was perfect. I think you can get good gas ovens; however, I didn't buy the last one, so I'm not sure which are the best.

FYI: The one we have is a GE brand - slide-in oven like this one.
   

[bunnymendelbaum]

Dec 25, 2013 0:35:01 GMT -5 whattheheck said:

Check to make sure the oven is level. And check to make sure it isn't set to "broil."

Now you have me wondering if ours just isn't level.