Commercial Oven Repair: DC • Maryland • Virginia

1. Oven Won't Heat or Reach Temperature

Gas Oven Symptoms: Pilot won't stay lit, ignitor glows but burner won't ignite, no ignitor glow, burner lights but flame goes out, or flame is yellow/orange instead of blue.

Electric Oven Symptoms: No heating at all, partial heating (one element working), heating inconsistent, or breaker trips when oven turns on.

What Contractor Will Do (Gas): Test gas pressure, inspect ignition system (ignitor, gas valve, flame sensor), check safety valve operation, verify proper combustion and air/fuel mixture. Common repairs: ignitor replacement ($150-$300), gas valve replacement ($250-$500), thermocouple replacement ($100-$200). Service time: 1-3 hours.

What Contractor Will Do (Electric): Test heating elements with multimeter, check power supply voltage, inspect control board and relays, verify thermostat calibration. Common repairs: heating element replacement ($200-$400), control board replacement ($300-$700), thermostat replacement ($150-$300). Service time: 1-3 hours.

2. Oven Temperature Inaccurate or Fluctuating

Symptoms: Food consistently overcooks or undercooks, oven display shows 350°F but actual temp is 320°F or 380°F, temperature swings ±30°F or more, different results from different rack positions.

Common Causes: Thermostat or temperature probe out of calibration (most common), failing heating element or burner providing inconsistent heat, control board malfunction, convection fan not operating properly, or door gasket worn allowing heat loss.

What Contractor Will Do: Place calibrated oven thermometer at multiple rack positions, compare actual temperature to display at multiple setpoints, test thermostat and temperature probe response, inspect door seal condition, check convection fan operation. Typical repairs: thermostat recalibration ($100-$150), probe replacement ($150-$250), door gasket replacement ($100-$200), control board replacement ($300-$700). Service time: 1-2 hours.

3. Convection Oven Fan Not Working

Symptoms: Oven heats but air doesn't circulate, uneven cooking (front vs. back, top vs. bottom), fan makes noise but doesn't spin, or burning smell from motor area.

Common Causes: Fan motor failure (bearing wear, electrical burnout), fan blade damaged or obstruction blocking rotation, capacitor failure (motor hums but won't start), belt broken (belt-driven systems), or control board not sending power to fan.

What Contractor Will Do: Inspect fan motor and blade assembly, test capacitor and electrical connections, check for obstructions or bearing failure, verify control board is sending power signal. Typical repairs: fan motor replacement ($300-$600), capacitor replacement ($100-$200), fan blade replacement ($150-$300). Service time: 1-2 hours.

4. Gas Oven Ignition Problems

Symptoms: Pilot light won't stay lit, ignitor glows but burner doesn't light, delayed ignition (long delay before burner lights), burner lights but flame goes out during cooking, or safety lockout (control won't attempt ignition).

Common Causes: Weak or failed ignitor (not generating enough heat to open gas valve), thermocouple out of position or failed (safety device thinks pilot is out), gas valve stuck or failed, gas pressure too low or regulator malfunction, or flame sensor dirty or failed.

What Contractor Will Do: Test ignitor amperage draw (should be 3.2-3.6 amps for most models), verify gas pressure at inlet (typically 5-7" water column for natural gas), test thermocouple millivolt output, inspect flame sensor for carbon buildup, check all electrical connections. Typical repairs: ignitor replacement ($150-$300), thermocouple replacement ($100-$200), gas valve replacement ($250-$500), flame sensor cleaning ($75-$150). Service time: 1-2 hours.

5. Oven Door Won't Close or Seal Properly

Symptoms: Door won't stay closed, visible gap between door and frame, heat escaping around door edges (you can feel it), longer cooking times than normal, or door hard to open or close.

Common Causes: Door gasket worn, torn, or compressed from daily use, door hinges loose or damaged, door spring broken or weakened, door catch/latch misaligned, or frame warped from heat stress over time.

What Contractor Will Do: Inspect gasket condition and compression, test door alignment and hinge operation, check door spring tension, adjust or replace catch/latch mechanism, measure door-to-frame gap. Typical repairs: door gasket replacement ($100-$250), hinge replacement ($150-$300), spring replacement ($100-$200), latch adjustment ($75-$150). Service time: 1-2 hours.

Step 1: Call Emergency Dispatch

Call (202) 858-0333 with your location and problem description. Our system alerts contractors in your area (Arlington, Bethesda, Rockville, Alexandria, Silver Spring, etc.) who hold appropriate gas and electrical licenses. You receive confirmation with contractor name, credentials, and estimated arrival time.

Step 2: Contractor Arrives for Diagnostics

Contractor arrives with oven diagnostic equipment and common parts. For gas ovens: test gas pressure, inspect ignition system, check safety valve operation, verify combustion. For electric ovens: test heating elements, check power supply, inspect control boards. You receive upfront pricing before any repair work begins. Diagnostic time: 30-60 minutes.

Step 3: Repair Execution

After you approve pricing, contractor completes repair using OEM or commercial-grade parts. Many contractors stock common components (ignitors, thermostats, heating elements, thermocouples) for same-visit repair. Specialized parts (control boards, gas valves, large motors) may require ordering. You receive written service documentation and temperature verification when complete.

Important: Contractors set their own pricing. Cost estimates on this page reflect typical DC/MD/VA market rates for planning purposes only. Your contractor provides final pricing after on-site diagnosis.

Convection Ovens: Blodgett, Vulcan, Southbend, Garland, Hobart, Lincoln, TurboChef, Rational (full-size, half-size, countertop, gas and electric)

Deck Ovens: Bakers Pride, Blodgett, Vulcan, Southbend, Marsal, Middleby Marshall (pizza and baking, gas and electric)

Combi Ovens: Rational SelfCookingCenter and iCombi, Alto-Shaam, Convotherm, Henny Penny (combination steam/convection)

Pizza Ovens: Lincoln Impinger, Middleby Marshall, Bakers Pride, Wood Stone (conveyor, deck, wood-fired)

Ranges & Range Ovens: Vulcan, Southbend, Garland, Imperial, US Range, Wolf (commercial gas and electric)

Specialty Ovens: Rotisserie ovens, cook-and-hold ovens, smoker ovens, high-power commercial microwaves

Weekly (Kitchen Staff)

• Wipe down interior surfaces and clean spills after each service
• Clean door gasket and frame contact area
• Remove food debris from burner areas (gas ovens)
• Verify temperature accuracy with oven thermometer
• Check door operation and alignment

Quarterly (Professional Service Recommended)

• Deep clean interior and heating elements/burners
• Calibrate thermostat and temperature probes
• Inspect and clean burners and ignition system (gas ovens)
• Test ignition system and safety controls (gas ovens)
• Lubricate door hinges and springs
• Inspect electrical connections and wiring
• Clean or replace air filters (forced-air models)

Typical contractor cost: $150-$300 for quarterly service

Annually (Comprehensive Service)

• Complete combustion analysis (gas ovens)
• Gas pressure testing and adjustment
• Complete electrical system inspection
• Door gasket replacement if worn
• Control board diagnostics and testing
• Fan motor bearing lubrication or replacement
• Complete safety system testing
• Full performance testing and calibration

Typical contractor cost: $300-$500 for annual service

What's the difference between gas and electric oven repair?

Gas ovens require contractors with gas licensing and combustion analysis equipment. Common gas oven issues: ignition failures, burner problems, gas valve issues, thermocouple failures, and safety lockouts. Electric ovens require high-voltage electrical certification (208V-480V commercial power). Common electric issues: heating element burnout, control board failures, relay problems, and thermostat drift. Gas ovens typically cost less to operate but require more specialized repair expertise. Our contractors hold appropriate certifications for both gas and electric commercial ovens.

How long does a commercial oven typically last?

Commercial ovens typically last 12-20 years depending on type and usage. Deck ovens (simpler design, fewer components) often last 15-20 years. Convection ovens average 12-15 years. Combi ovens (more complex, water system) average 10-15 years. Lifespan depends heavily on maintenance frequency, usage intensity (hours per day), and proper cleaning. Bakeries and pizza restaurants with 12+ hour daily use see shorter lifespans than casual dining restaurants. Quarterly professional maintenance can extend oven lifespan 40-50%.

Can contractors repair ovens during restaurant service hours?

Yes, when possible. Many oven repairs can be completed during slower periods or while working around kitchen operations. Emergency repairs during peak service hours (lunch, dinner rush) are coordinated with kitchen management to minimize disruption. Some repairs require oven shutdown—contractors work quickly to restore service. For non-emergency repairs (preventive maintenance, minor issues), service is preferably scheduled during off-hours (early morning, late night, or closed days).

Why is my oven temperature inaccurate even though it's heating?

Temperature inaccuracy stems from: thermostat calibration drift over time (most common), temperature probe placement or failure, control board sending incorrect signals, heating elements/burners weakening with age, door gasket leaks allowing heat loss, or convection fan not circulating air properly. Simple thermostat recalibration often solves the problem ($100-$150 typical contractor cost). If recalibration doesn't work, probe or control board replacement is needed. Ovens should be professionally calibrated every 6-12 months in high-volume environments.

Do contractors service conveyor pizza ovens (Lincoln Impinger, Middleby Marshall)?

Yes. Conveyor pizza ovens require specialized knowledge of belt systems, burner tubes, and airflow dynamics. Our contractors service Lincoln Impinger, Middleby Marshall, Blodgett, and other conveyor models. Common repairs: belt replacement, motor and gearbox service, burner tube cleaning, airflow adjustment, and control system diagnostics. Conveyor ovens benefit from monthly belt inspection and quarterly professional cleaning to maintain consistent cook times.

How much does commercial oven repair typically cost?

Important: Contractors set their own pricing. Typical DC/MD/VA market rates: diagnostic fee $75-$150 (usually applied to repair), thermostat replacement $150-$300, heating element replacement (electric) $200-$400, ignitor replacement (gas) $150-$300, gas valve replacement $250-$500, fan motor replacement $300-$600, control board replacement $300-$700. Emergency after-hours calls may include surcharge. Your assigned contractor provides firm quotes before starting work.