Info Hub: Kitchen

5 EASY STEPS TO CHANGE AN OVEN LIGHT

A properly lit oven helps you monitor and track the progress of whatever you’re cooking. Unfortunately, oven lights can go out from time to time. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry as most oven lights are easily replaceable. 

Replacing an oven light bulb can typically be done quickly and on your own. This article will introduce you to which light you need, where to find it and how to replace it so that your oven is brightly lit for your cooking.

Inside a Maytag Oven with items on each rack. On the top rack is a baking dish with potatoes. On the middle rack is a roast, red onions and root vegetables. On the bottom rack is a baking dish with vegetables like peppers and zucchini.

CONFIRM THAT THE BULB IS THE ISSUE

If your oven light isn’t working, the light bulb might not be the problem. It could be an electrical issue. Start by making sure the power cord is fully plugged into an outlet with electricity. The next step is to confirm that the other parts of the oven that require electricity, like the clock, are in working order. It’s a good idea to also inspect the circuit breaker.

HOW TO REPLACE AN OVEN LIGH

After determining that the light bulb is the issue, you should take the necessary steps to replace it. This is a relatively simple task that you can accomplish on your own in only a few steps.

SUPPLIES

  • The correct bulb for your oven
  • Tissue or cotton gloves
  • Dish soap

STEP 1: FIGURE OUT WHICH OVEN LIGHT BULB YOU NEED

A light bulb

Most ovens require a standard 40-watt incandescent appliance bulb (A15) whereas other ovens need a halogen bulb up to 50 watts. To confirm which is right for your oven, consult your appliance’s Use and Care Guide. 

Another option is to remove the current bulb and inspect it for identifying numbers, usually printed on the top of the bulb or the metal. 

You can find new bulbs at your local hardware store or online retailers.

STEP 2: SHUT OFF THE POWER AND REMOVE THE OVEN RACKS

The control panel of a Maytag Oven

Start by ensuring that the control knobs are in the off position and then unplug the oven or disconnect the power at the circuit breaker. Then, let the oven and cooktop cool before removing the racks and setting them aside somewhere safe.

It’s always a good idea to review your oven's Use and Care Guide as it should contain specific instructions for your model.

STEP 3: FIND THE LOCATION OF THE OVEN LIGHT BULB

The top corner in the inside of a Maytag Oven

You can often find the light bulb at the back of the oven on either the upper left or right side. Use a flashlight to locate it as the oven cavity might be dark. 

You should be able to spot a clear cover that will need to be removed to change the bulb. Covers may differ based on the bulb being used. An incandescent bulb cover is larger and often bulbous whereas a halogen cover is smaller. 

Do not put weight on the oven door as you search for the bulb as this may cause the door to break. 

For additional help in finding your oven light, read this guide to oven parts.

STEP 4: TAKE OFF THE COVER AND REMOVE THE LIGHT BULB

The top corner in a Maytag Oven with the light on. On the top rack is a baking dish with potatoes. On the bottom rack is a baking dish with green beans.

For halogen bulbs, be careful of oils on your skin, which can be damaging. Use cotton gloves or a tissue to install a new bulb. Once the new bulb is securely in place, you need to snap the cover back into the wall.

For incandescentbulbs, screw in the new light bulb by turning it clockwise and then do the same to secure the cover.

The last step is to restore power and test that the new light works. If the light won’t turn on, the problem may be the bulb housing or with another component like the electrical supply. 

Review your Use and Care Guide to learn more troubleshooting tips.

Maytag tip icon

HOW TO REMOVE A STUCK OVEN BULB COVER

A light bulb cover can sometimes be tough to remove, especially if the oven is dirty. Attempt to loosen any build-up with a few drops of dish soap between the bulb cover and its housing. 

You can also opt to clean your oven before removing the bulb. To do so, we recommend using this comprehensive oven cleaning guide.

STEP 5: INSTALL A NEW OVEN LIGHT BULB AND RESTORE POWER

Inside a Maytag Oven. On the rack is a baking dish with six rolls.

For halogen bulbs, be careful of oils on your skin, which can be damaging. Use cotton gloves or a tissue to install a new bulb. Once the new bulb is securely in place, you need to snap the cover back into the wall.

For incandescentbulbs, screw in the new light bulb by turning it clockwise and then do the same to secure the cover.

The last step is to restore power and test that the new light works. If the light won’t turn on, the problem may be the bulb housing or with another component like the electrical supply. 

Review your Use and Care Guide to learn more troubleshooting tips.

CAN I STILL USE MY OVEN WITHOUT A BULB?

Your oven should still be operational even if the light bulb is not working. The only exception is if the light cover is broken or shattered.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO REPLACE AN OVEN LIGHT BULB?

Oven light bulbs usually last about 900 hours. Please note that how long an oven light lasts can vary based on your oven, the type of bulb and other factors.

On a kitchen island are a bell pepper and a red onion and a cutting board with an uncooked pizza with sauce and vegetables. Behind it is a cooktop. In the background is a Maytag Wall Oven with the light on and counters with potted plants.

DOES YOUR OVEN LIGHT KEEP BURNING OUT?

If you find that the oven light bulb keeps burning out, you may be using an incorrect light bulb. In this case, consult your Use and Care Guide to learn which light bulb is appropriate for your oven. 

Additionally, light bulbs that quickly and often burn out could be a sign of a larger electrical issue. If you suspect that this is the case, you should schedule an inspection with a certified repair person.

Luckily, you can conveniently schedule service for your Maytag® oven online. 

SHOP MAYTAG® WALL OVENS

If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with a new oven, you can enjoy dependability and power with a model from Maytag brand. Select Maytag® Ovens offer features including Precision Cooking™ system, EvenAir™ True Convection and Power Preheat so you can do dinner right.