Hey there! If you’ve found yourself frustrated because your GE electric oven isn’t heating up properly and only seems to get as hot as 100 degrees, you’re not alone. This is a surprisingly common issue that many homeowners face, and it can be downright annoying, especially when you’re trying to cook a big meal or bake your favorite dish. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the reasons why your oven is stuck at that low temperature and, more importantly, how you can fix it. So, let’s dive in and get your oven working like new!

Common Causes for GE Electric Oven Not Heating Past 100 Degrees
When your GE electric oven won’t heat past 100 degrees, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and think that your oven is broken beyond repair. But the truth is, there are several potential causes for this issue, and many of them are easy to troubleshoot without needing to call in a professional. Let’s break down some of the most common reasons why your oven is stuck at a low temperature.
1. Faulty Heating Element
The heating element in your GE electric oven is responsible for producing the heat that cooks your food. If the heating element is broken, the oven won’t be able to heat up past a certain point, like 100 degrees. Sometimes, the element may appear perfectly fine, but there could be an internal malfunction that prevents it from working properly.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your oven’s thermostat regulates the temperature inside the oven. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may send incorrect signals to the heating element, causing the oven to heat unevenly or not heat up past a certain temperature. This is a relatively common problem, and thankfully, thermostats are often easy to replace.
3. Faulty Oven Control Board
The oven control board is the brain of your oven. It communicates with the various components, such as the thermostat and heating element, to ensure your oven functions properly. If the control board is damaged or malfunctioning, it may prevent the oven from heating up correctly, leaving you stuck with an oven that won’t heat past 100 degrees.
4. Worn Out Fuse or Circuit Breaker
Your oven relies on electrical power to operate, and if the fuse or circuit breaker connected to the oven has blown or tripped, the oven may fail to heat past 100 degrees. This is usually a simple fix that involves replacing the fuse or resetting the circuit breaker, but you may need to consult a professional if you’re unsure how to do this.
5. Overheating Issues
Believe it or not, your oven could be overheating, causing it to shut down automatically and prevent it from reaching higher temperatures. This might happen if there is a problem with the oven’s internal components, such as the temperature sensor or thermal fuse. In some cases, the oven will display an error code to let you know that there’s an overheating issue.
6. Electrical Wiring Problems
If there’s an issue with the electrical wiring that connects your oven to the power supply, it can result in inconsistent heating or the oven not reaching higher temperatures. A loose or damaged wire could prevent the oven from drawing enough power to heat up properly, leaving you stuck with an oven that refuses to heat beyond 100 degrees.
7. Incorrect Oven Settings
It might sound silly, but sometimes the issue is as simple as a setting on the oven that’s preventing it from heating up fully. Double-check the oven’s settings to ensure that the temperature is set correctly and that no cooking mode (like “Keep Warm” or “Self-Clean”) is accidentally engaged.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Your GE Electric Oven That Won’t Heat Past 100 Degrees
If your GE electric oven won’t heat past 100 degrees, there’s no need to panic. Many of the issues causing this problem are easy to troubleshoot, and some of them can be fixed without the need for professional help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what’s going wrong and get your oven back to working order.
1. Check the Heating Element
First things first: inspect the heating element. Look for any signs of visible damage, like cracks, burns, or breakage. If the element is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement element online or at a local appliance store. Once you’ve got the replacement, you can typically install it yourself with basic tools like a screwdriver.
2. Test the Thermostat
To test whether the thermostat is the problem, you can use an oven thermometer. Set the oven to a specific temperature and then place the thermometer inside to compare readings. If the thermometer shows a much lower temperature than the oven’s display, the thermostat is likely malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
3. Inspect the Oven Control Board
The oven control board can be tricky to inspect on your own, but if you notice other electrical issues with your oven (like flickering lights or unresponsive buttons), the control board might be the culprit. If you’re comfortable working with electronics, you can attempt to replace the control board yourself, but in most cases, it’s better to call in a professional technician to do this.
4. Check the Fuse and Circuit Breaker
The easiest fix might be to check the fuse or circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker has tripped, simply flip it back on. If the fuse is blown, you can replace it with a new one that matches the specifications of your oven.
5. Look for Overheating Issues
If your oven is overheating and shutting down, try resetting it by turning it off and allowing it to cool down completely. If the oven continues to overheat, there may be a more serious issue with the internal components like the temperature sensor or thermal fuse. In that case, you may need a professional technician to repair or replace the faulty parts.
6. Examine the Wiring
If none of the above fixes work, it could be an issue with the electrical wiring. If you suspect that there’s a problem with the wiring, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair any damaged connections.
7. Reset the Oven
Sometimes, simply resetting the oven can fix a variety of problems. To reset your oven, turn it off, unplug it, and wait for about 5-10 minutes before plugging it back in. This can help reset the internal electronics and resolve any temporary glitches.
8. Check Oven Settings
Before jumping to any drastic conclusions, make sure that you’ve selected the correct cooking mode. If you’ve accidentally set the oven to “Keep Warm” or another low-temperature setting, it can prevent the oven from reaching higher temperatures. Double-check the settings to make sure everything is configured properly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use the oven if it’s not heating past 100 degrees?
If your oven is not heating past 100 degrees, it’s not safe to continue using it, especially for baking or roasting. The oven won’t reach the high temperatures required to cook food properly, which could lead to undercooked or unsafe food. It’s best to address the issue as soon as possible.
Can I fix the heating element on my own?
Yes, you can replace the heating element on your own if you’re comfortable with basic electrical work. Make sure to unplug the oven before attempting any repairs. If you’re unsure or don’t have the necessary tools, it might be best to hire a professional.
Do I need to call a technician for a broken thermostat?
If the thermostat is malfunctioning and you’re not comfortable replacing it yourself, it’s a good idea to call a technician. However, if you’re handy with tools, you might be able to replace it yourself by following an online guide.
Can the oven control board cause the temperature problem?
Yes, the oven control board is one of the potential causes for temperature issues. If the control board is malfunctioning, it may not communicate properly with the heating element, causing the oven to heat up improperly or not heat past a certain point.
Is there a way to reset the oven after a malfunction?
Yes, you can reset your oven by turning it off, unplugging it for about 5-10 minutes, and then plugging it back in. This can help resolve minor glitches or errors.
Can overheating cause permanent damage to the oven?
Overheating can cause long-term damage to your oven’s internal components, like the thermostat or thermal fuse. If you notice signs of overheating, it’s important to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage.
Do I need a professional to check the electrical wiring?
If you’re not experienced with electrical work, it’s always best to hire a licensed electrician to inspect and repair any faulty wiring. Electrical issues can be dangerous, and it’s better to leave them to the professionals.
Can a blown fuse prevent the oven from heating?
Yes, a blown fuse can prevent your oven from heating properly. Replacing the fuse is a relatively simple fix, and you can do it yourself if you have the right replacement part.
I hope this guide has helped you figure out why your GE electric oven isn’t heating past 100 degrees and given you the confidence to tackle the problem on your own. With a bit of troubleshooting and the right tools, most of these issues are easy to fix. Happy cooking!