Uneven baking, with burnt bottoms, pale tops or one side darker than the other, is usually caused by a weak heating element or igniter, a convection fan that has stopped, or a temperature sensor that reads wrong. An inexpensive oven thermometer tells you a lot before you call.
Safe first checks
Start here before scheduling service.
- 01Confirm the correct cooking mode is selected; bake, convection bake and roast heat differently.
- 02Place an oven thermometer in the center, preheat to 350°F and take a few readings over 20–30 minutes. If the average is off by more than about 25°F, a sensor or calibration issue is likely.
- 03Use the recommended rack position and leave space between pans and the oven walls so air can circulate.
- 04On a convection oven, check whether the rear fan spins when convection is selected.
- 05Note whether one side always cooks faster or whether the temperature swings widely.
Safety note
If you smell gas, turn the oven off, don't operate switches nearby, open windows and call your gas utility from outside. Let the oven cool fully before checking racks or cleaning, and never open the back or control panels yourself.