Commercial Gas Oven Troubleshooting
Gas ovens are the lifeblood of many commercial kitchens. From braising and baking to steaming and poaching, you can do all types of cooking in these units. That's why an issue can stop a kitchen in its tracks. The commercial gas oven troubleshooting tips below helps you find common problems on most popular units.
This guide outlines general diagnostic tips for most industrial gas ranges and ovens. You should always consult the manufacturer's operation manual for troubleshooting help specific to your unit.
Pilot Not Lighting or Going Out
If the pilot isn't lighting or staying lit on a commercial gas oven, look for following causes:
- Thermocouple needs to be adjusted – The thermocouple might not be in the right position in the flame. Have an authorized technician adjust it correctly.
- Thermocouple is broken – Contact an authorized technician to replace the thermocouple.
- Igniter is broken – If the gas doesn't ignite, have an authorized technician repair or replace the igniter.
- Gas valve is closed or not completely open – Turn the valve until it's open all the way.
- Gas hose is disconnected – Turn off the gas supply, and reconnect the gas hose correctly to the unit.
Oven Not Hot Enough
- Thermostat is broken – Have an authorized technician replace the thermostat.
- Thermostat is out of calibration – Use the operation's manual to follow the manufacturer's calibration procedures.
- Capillary tube bulb out of adjustment – The bulb on the end of the capillary tube needs to be on correctly to ensure temperature doesn't fluctuate. This should be corrected by an authorized technician.
Oven Too Hot
- Thermostat is broken – Have an authorized technician replace the thermostat.
- Thermostat is out of calibration – Use the operation's manual to follow the manufacturer's calibration procedures.
- Temperature setting is too high – Choose a lower temperature setting.
Uneven Cooking
If you notice uneven cooking, the causes below could be the problem:
- Temperature setting is too high – Choose a lower temperature setting.
- Oven is crammed – An overloaded oven can cause the product to cook poorly. Make sure to reload it with less food while cooking.
- Door is broken – If the oven door has a cracked gasket, broken hinges or microswitch, it might be letting in air. Have this checked and repaired by an authorized technician.
Oven Not Starting or Has No Power
If the unit has no power, check for the following issues:
- Power switch is off or broken – Make sure the switch is turned on. If it's switched on but not running, contact an authorized technician to replace the switch or check for additional issues.
- Power cord is unplugged or broken – Plug in the power cord. If there is damage to the cord, have it repaired by an authorized technician.
- Door is cracked open – Select units don't start if the oven door is open. Make sure it's sealed shut. If it won't close, contact an authorized technician to check for and repair a damaged gasket or microswitch.
- Circuit breaker is tripped – Reset the circuit breaker.