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Is my oven working correctly?

I have a standard under counter 2.6kw electric fan assisted oven, I usually use the option that shows top and bottom element with fan assistance, however with having solar, I want to try and not draw from the grid, therefore I've been selecting the option of the bottom element (1.1kw) and fan assistance.

With this mode selected, the oven takes AGES to heat up and doesn't maintain its temperature when you put food in to cook.

I've checked the bottom element and it's showing the correct resistance (48 ohms), so what is going on, is the oven not intended to work this way? In which case what is the point of the bottom element only setting? 
4.29kWp Solar system, 45/55 South/West split in cloudy rainy Cumbria. 

Comments

  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I think this depends on what your are cooking (and possibly on the oven).
    My preferred option is simple fan (hot air) with temperature control.
  • BUFF
    BUFF Posts: 2,185 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Spies said:
    I have a standard under counter 2.6kw electric fan assisted oven, I usually use the option that shows top and bottom element with fan assistance, however with having solar, I want to try and not draw from the grid, therefore I've been selecting the option of the bottom element (1.1kw) and fan assistance.

    With this mode selected, the oven takes AGES to heat up and doesn't maintain its temperature when you put food in to cook.

    I've checked the bottom element and it's showing the correct resistance (48 ohms), so what is going on, is the oven not intended to work this way? In which case what is the point of the bottom element only setting? 
    It's a 2.6kW oven but you are only using 1.1kW, what did you expect? You surely did not expect it to be as fast?

    Most ovens come with a manual/cooking guide which explains how to use the various functions.
  • shiraz99
    shiraz99 Posts: 1,997 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 14 April 2022 at 12:29AM
    Make/model of oven please?

    The manual for my oven states that using the fan with just the bottom element is suitable for light heating for things like sterilising or jam making, the program with both elements and the fan is for baking, whereas the program with just the fan on it's own, and the one I only ever use, is for general cooking.
  • bengalknights
    bengalknights Posts: 5,022 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    On the oven i have it mirros Shiraz where fan assist is used for general cooking and double elements for baking

    Bottom only is pretty useless for anything that needs more than light heat.
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,597 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    What does the handbook say? My oven has an element around the fan for fan use and another element at the base for non-fan use.
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
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