Commercial Oven Thermostat Issues: a Guide to How to Troubleshoot

Posted: February 27, 2025

A commercial oven thermostat that is functioning properly is essential to the quality and consistency of cooking in a professional kitchen. The oven thermostat is a very important part of keeping the temperature of the food cooked evenly and according to the specifications. Commercial oven thermostat malfunction can result in cooking temperatures that vary, hurting food quality and safety. Keeping the integrity of the thermostat on the oven ensures optimal cooking results, as well as increases efficiency and reduces energy consumption. To prevent problems that can be caused by temperature inaccuracies, regular checks and calibration of the commercial oven thermostat are necessary. A working commercial oven thermostat is essential to allow chefs to serve deliciously cooked dishes, and therefore a critical part of a commercial kitchen.

Table of Contents: 
Role of the Thermostat in Commercial Ovens
Types of Thermostats Commonly Used in Commercial Ovens
Symptoms of Commercial Oven Thermostat Malfunctions
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide: Commercial Oven Thermostat
Cost Considerations for Replacing an Oven Thermostat
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Ovens

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Role of the Thermostat in Commercial Ovens

In commercial ovens, the oven thermostat is a vital part of controlling the temperature inside the oven for consistent cooking and baking results. The reason this device is important in a commercial kitchen environment is for controlling the heating elements, which makes this device ensure that the correct temperature is maintained.

How thermostats regulate oven temperature

The commercial oven thermostat works by measuring the internal temperature of the oven through the oven thermostat sensor. The thermostat detects that the temperature has reached the set point when the oven is preheated. At this point, it turns the heating elements on and off to keep the temperature constant, thus preventing overheating or underheating.

Types of Thermostats Commonly Used in Commercial Ovens

Commercial ovens use several types of thermostats which have their own advantages:

  • Mechanical thermostats: These traditional oven thermostats use a bi-metallic strip to sense temperature changes. When the strip bends due to heat, it opens or closes a circuit, thus turning the heating elements on and off.

  • Digital thermostats: Electric oven thermostats often feature digital displays and advanced sensors for more accurate temperature readings. These thermostats can provide better control and programmability, making them ideal for complex cooking tasks in a commercial setting.

  • Smart Thermostats: The most recent commercial oven thermostats are smart thermostats, which can connect to Wi-Fi and be controlled remotely through applications. Chefs can check and control the cooking temperature from a certain distance, which improves convenience and operational efficiency.

  • Thermocouple Thermostats: Thermocouples are used to provide rapid temperature readings. Thermocouple sensors respond to heat faster than traditional thermostats with a quicker response time resulting in more responsive and accurate temperature regulation.

How to Replace an Oven Heating Element: A DIY Guide

Symptoms of Commercial Oven Thermostat Malfunctions

A commercial oven's thermostat malfunction can create several cooking challenges and affect food quality.

 

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide: Commercial Oven Thermostat

If you have problems with your commercial oven, especially with temperature control, the oven thermostat may be the problem. This step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot your commercial oven thermostat to see if it needs to be tested or replaced.

  • Initial inspection: Inspect the oven thermostat visually. Check for any damage or wear. An oven thermostat replacement may be in order if you notice visible issues.

  • Inspect the wiring: Check the wiring connected to the thermostat by opening the oven. Check frayed or damaged wires that may affect its performance.

  • Examine the thermostat bulb: The thermostat bulb, which is normally in the oven cavity, should not be obstructed or damaged. Make sure it is not touching any oven walls or surfaces.

  • Verify the temperature: Check with an independent oven thermometer that the temperature inside the oven is the same as the set temperature. If the discrepancy is large, the oven thermostat may be defective.

  • Test the oven thermostat: To test the oven thermostat, you will need to access it. Safely disconnect the oven from power and turn it off. Depending on the design of your commercial oven, you will need to remove any necessary panels to get to the thermostat.

How to change oven thermostat

If the test indicates that you need a new thermostat, replace it according to these steps:

  • Power off: The oven should be completely powered off before proceeding.

  • unplug the wire which came to the ISO thermostat, as well as remove any screws you see keeping it in position.

  • New thermostat: It will require reversing the removal process. Put the new thermostat in place and reconnect the wires as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Reassemble the oven: After you’ve installed the new thermostat, all the panels or anything else that you removed to access the thermostat will need to be put back on. Be sure to secure everything before closing and going off to another area.

  • Test Your oven: Once you replace the thermostat, reconnect your oven to power and turn it on. Use your independent thermometer to monitor the temperature to make sure the oven thermostat is working properly.

  • Monitor performance: Pay attention over the next few uses as to how your commercial oven performs. If your commercial oven thermostat is working correctly, it will maintain the correct temperatures.

By following this troubleshooting guide, you will be able to handle problems with your commercial oven thermostat and have your oven running efficiently. 

Cost Considerations for Replacing an Oven Thermostat

The cost of replacing an oven thermostat is determined by several factors.

Factors affecting cost: The total cost of replacing an oven thermostat depends on the type of thermostat and whether professional installation is required.

Parts and labor costs

  • Thermostat price: £20 - £100 (Original manufacturer’s part or aftermarket alternative)

  • Labor cost: £50 - £100 (If installed by a professional)

  • Total estimated cost: £70 - £200

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Ovens

The oven thermostat should be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate cooking temperatures. This is especially important for a commercial oven thermostat, as temperature control is very important for consistent cooking results. 

  • A clean oven thermostat is important for the best performance. To avoid the accumulation of grease or other mess as food particles, among other things, which can interfere with temperature readings and result in inconsistent cooking, clean the interior of the oven regularly.

  • Inspect the door seals of your oven to make sure they fit tightly. Heat loss can be caused by damaged or worn seals, which also can affect the oven thermostat’s ability to maintain accurate temperatures.

  • Periodically check your oven thermostat’s performance to see how well it is working. 

  • Be sure you use the right cookware that fits in properly in your oven. Proper air circulation is necessary for the commercial oven thermostat to work properly, and this helps the thermostat to work effectively.

Troubleshooting oven thermostat issues ensures optimal performance and consistency in cooking temperatures. To diagnose problems, you need to understand how the thermostat on the oven works and what the signs of malfunction are. If the oven thermostat change is needed, then you need to make sure to get the right tools and follow the steps carefully to make sure that you can successfully replace the oven thermostat. Regular maintenance and inspections, also ensure that you can extend the lifespan of your commercial oven thermostat, thereby reducing downtime costs and repair costs. PartsFe UK offers a one-stop solution for all types of commercial oven parts from renowned manufacturers at competitive prices.

FAQs

Where the thermostat is in my oven?

An oven thermostat is usually located behind the control panel or inside the oven cavity near the top.

How to Fit an Oven Thermostat Correctly to Avoid Future Issues?

Make sure the sensor bulb is in place and the wires are connected well and test for proper temperature control.