Maytag Oven: slow to heat

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag oven slow to heat? If it takes longer than the normal 12-15 minutes to preheat or fails to reach the desired temperature, you're not alone. Common causes include a faulty heating element, control board issues, or power supply problems. This guide will help you identify the issue and offer DIY solutions to get your oven back to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag suggests checking sensor position and oven calibration if heating issues persist.

Possible Causes

Faulty or weak heating element (electric ovens)

How to Identify: Element does not glow/red as expected during preheat, visible blisters/cracks, long preheat times. May also be identified with multimeter continuity test.

Part: Bake or broil heating element

Control board or calibration issues

How to Identify: Oven displays erratic temperature behavior or fails to regulate heating consistently; calibration settings off.

Part: Control board/oven calibration

Power supply or voltage problems

How to Identify: Oven preheating slow along with other electrical irregularities, breaker trips, or insufficient voltage supply.

Part: Power supply/circuit

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace faulty heating element

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker
  2. Remove oven racks and access the heating element
  3. Visually inspect for damage and test for continuity with multimeter
  4. If faulty, remove and replace with matching rated part
  5. Reconnect and test oven for improved heating
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working inside oven

Check and adjust calibrate temperature sensor

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Oven thermometer
  1. Disconnect power to oven
  2. Locate the temperature sensor inside oven cavity
  3. Test resistance with multimeter and compare to specs
  4. If reading is incorrect, replace sensor
  5. Reassemble and test oven heating performance
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid touching internal wiring

Inspect door gasket for seal integrity

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Open oven door and inspect gasket for gaps, tears, or deformation
  2. Clean gasket with mild detergent if dirty
  3. If damaged, order correct replacement gasket
  4. Install gasket ensuring snug fit around oven cavity

Test and replace igniter (gas ovens)

Advanced 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Turn off gas and power supply
  2. Remove oven access panel and locate igniter
  3. Test igniter with multimeter for continuity
  4. Replace igniter if weak/failed
  5. Reassemble and test oven heating
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off gas supply properly

Professional Repairs

Control board diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

Electric power or gas supply inspection

Estimated Cost: $100–$250

When to Call a Professional

Persistent slow heating after DIY checks
Ignoring gas safety concerns (gas smell or suspected leak)
Electronic control board errors or display codes
Repeated breaker trips or electrical hazards

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean oven interior and heating elements: Heat build-up inefficiency due to residue and element shielding
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect door seal condition: Heat loss leading to slow preheat times
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Oven slow to heat?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, control board issues, or power supply problems.
How do I fix Maytag Oven slow to heat myself?
Inspect and replace the heating element, calibrate the temperature sensor, or check the door gasket.
How much does it cost to fix slow to heat?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $350 for control board replacement and $100 to $250 for power inspections.
When should I call a technician for slow to heat?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect complex electrical problems, it's time to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty bake heating element
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Insulation issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the bake heating element if it appears damaged or not glowing red when on. Disconnect power, remove the old element, and install the new one following the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. Test the thermostat with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning correctly. If it is faulty, replace it by disconnecting power, removing the old thermostat, and installing the new one according to the manual.

  3. Check the oven's insulation for any signs of damage or wear. If insulation is compromised, it may need to be replaced to improve heat retention.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Electric oven very very slow to heat

Community Discussions

very very slow to heat

Replaced the bake heating element, which improved heating time significantly.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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