built-in electric oven

[cooperG]

We've just bought a house with a built in oven, which was absolutely filthy when we moved in a couple of weeks ago. I've just had someone professionally clean it and then tried to turn it on to use it (as I haven't used it since we moved in!) and it's not getting hot at all!

The fan is blowing cold air, but not heating at all, I just had it on for 15 minutes and tried the grill and the oven. The thermostat light isn't coming on on the front either.
I then unscrewed the back of the oven to see what kind of element I need to order because I assumed that was the problem, but there doesn't seem to be one there?! Have the previous owners taken it out and not replaced it, or is it not where I think it should be or...?!

Hmm any chance is was tripping the electrics so they removed it so you wouldn't realise? Bit cynical aren't I? Have you got the make and model? You should be able to find out from that if something is amiss!

no, i only know the make, they've not left the instruction book :|
is there a website i could find out from?

(and I'm cynical too after buying this bloody house!)

but if it was tripping the electrics, wouldn't a replacement solve that problem?!

Could you be using it incorrectly? I'd always assume that the error was on the part of the user rather than the machine (in the first instance anyway).

Please post a picture, someone may have the same controls as you.

show us a photo of the front of your oven OP. I couldn't make mine work when I first moved in either but a neighbour showed me how!

With electric ovens, first step is always to set the clock, and turn the timer to manual.

Might not be your problem, but they will not start otherwise.

Element is likely to be accessed trom inside the oven, and will plug in to its connector. Usually in the back for a fan oven, and under the floor if conventional.

Look for an identifying maker's label on the edge of the doorframe.

This is behind the back cover, lots of cold air! It probably is me, I know nothing about this kind of thing..

My oven has an element at the top and the bottom and a fan at the back. Show us your dials OP.

And this is the front - no timer though. And no blummin thermostat light!

oh, and all the type has been rubbed off the sticker on the inside of the door, helpfully!

instructions

Have a look on page 7.

Hope this helps.

thank you so much, i guess it must be the elements then, apparently there's one underneath the floor of the oven and the grill one. kinda weird that neither of them are working at the same time but hey...
thank you

If everything is set correctly it might not be the elements. It might be the thermostat..hence the lack of light. They vary between £8 and £30 or so.
Before you spend anything though ask one of your neighbours with the same oven in case there's something you haven't spotted.

Ok, thanks. I was going to ask, how would you even replace the bottom element?! There are no screws inside the oven, so I assume the oven would have to be removed?

Yes you need to remove the oven to replace bits.
There will be some visible screws inside the door that you take out and it will just slide out. You'll need to reach in behind to unplug it as it comes forward as the cable isn't usually very long.

Don't spend a fortune on spares: If it's more than £30 or you aren't sure you can do it yourself then replace. Remember you can get a new single fitted oven for not much more than £100 and it will have a warranty. They are very easy to fit yourself.