Why Whirlpool Oven Broiler Comes on When Baking? Solutions and Troubleshooting

Do you ever wonder why your Whirlpool oven’s broiler seems to have a mind of its own, turning on when you’re just trying to bake? It can be perplexing, but fear not; we’re here to shed light on this culinary mystery and offer practical solutions to keep your baking on track.

Sometimes the broiler in your Whirlpool oven comes on during baking because it’s designed to assist with certain cooking techniques.

Now, let’s dive into the details to understand why this happens and what you can do to ensure your oven behaves just the way you want it to. Whether you’re aiming for perfectly roasted meats or scrumptious baked goods, this guide will help demystify the broiler’s role in your culinary adventures with your Whirlpool oven.

Why Does My Whirlpool Oven Broiler Come on When I’m Baking?

An oven’s broiler provides high, direct heat, similar to a grill, and is generally located at the top. Food is cooked, browned, charred, or caramelized quickly when broiling near your oven’s heating element. It can help you achieve certain textures or give your food a more complex flavor.

But during baking, certain ranges’ top elements can come on initially to preheat the oven, but not again during the cooking process. In some ovens, the bake element is the only element that is used. The higher broil element may not be used at all, even while baking takes place. However, several points are mentioned here:

Reasons for Broiler Activation During Baking

⦿You can use the broil element for better cooking results by cycling it on and off. In most models, the broil element has a lower wattage during baking, which means that even when it is turned on, it will not glow orange.

⦿When using the broiler, the oven should not lose power or turn off regardless of whether the door is open or closed. Turn the home circuit breaker for the unit off for 30 seconds then turn it back on again if the oven loses power while broiling, whether the door is open or closed.

⦿Low maintenance is often the cause. The oven can come on its own if it is too dirty or if the thermostat or power switch is faulty. In some cases, the oven turns on automatically when the timer is set.

⦿Your oven’s temperature sensor detects the temperature in its tub and tells the oven when to restart heating especially if the temperature drops below a certain level. When the oven is not turned on, the temperature sensor reads and the oven turns on automatically.

⦿There will be no turning off the oven if the heating element has shorted out. Shorted bake elements are typically visible after they fail. Shorted elements have continuity between terminals and the outer case, which indicates they are shorted. 

⦿In most electric ovens, the bake element delivers 90 percent of the heat during the bake cycle, while the broil element provides the remaining 10 percent. It may take the oven longer to reach the desired temperature without the bake element, and food may often burn on top if the temperature is not reached.

Should Both Oven Elements Come on When Baking?

Broiling is accomplished by heating the broil element at the top of the oven. This element produces a very high temperature. In your oven, a broiler provides high, direct heat, similar to a grill. It’s usually located towards the top. For your food to cook, brown, char, or caramelize, it has to be placed close to the oven’s heating element. Broiling is not uncommon, even with the gas set at 550 degrees, because the gas will cycle on and off. A light will also indicate the oven temperature during the process.

⦿Both broiler elements and baking components are subject to the same principles. Although they are essentially identical, one notable difference is that the broiler element is commonly mounted on brackets above the oven chamber, while the baking element is mounted at the bottom. You can ensure that you are getting the right oven by using its model and serial number.

⦿A two-part response is available. If you are cooking the cake, I recommend you use only the bottom element. Preheating an oven and crisping up the top of a baked dish are common uses for both parts. If you are baking a cake or brownies, perhaps preheat the oven with the top element first. You can then turn off the top element once the baking is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Broiler Come on During Preheat?

Make sure you turn on the broiler and allow it to warm up before placing food in it. While the pan is heating, you can also place it in the oven. When the pan and food are both preheated, slide the food onto it. Keeping your food from sticking is made easier by searing its bottom.

Why Is My Oven Broiler Won’t Turn Off?

It can be difficult to turn off the oven if the broil element is shorted out. In some cases, the damaged element will be visible after it has shorted out. Be sure to look for blisters or holes in the broil element. You can check for continuity by using a multimeter on the broil element to determine if it has been sorted out.

Why Does a Broiler Work but A Baker Doesn’t?

The baking and broiling elements should be intact and working if everything else is working except the oven. An oven control board, a broken/frayed wire, a bad internal fuse, or a heat sensor is most likely to be to blame.

How Are Baking and Broiling Different?

In broiling, delicate food is completely cooked or the top of already-cooked food is crisped and browned with top-down heat. In baking, food is cooked at moderate temperatures. A cook can cook all over the oven using heating elements on the top, bottom, or back

What Should the Broiler’s Temperature Be?

You can often select between low, medium, or high boiling temperatures with some ovens, while others let you set the temperature yourself. Most ovens have just one broil setting, usually 500°F to 550°F. Highs range from 500°F to 550°F. The low ranges from 400°F to 450°F and the medium ranges from 450°F to 450°F.

Summary

In conclusion, the mystery of your Whirlpool oven’s broiler coming on during baking has been demystified. This unexpected occurrence is often part of the design to enhance cooking results. The broiler element may cycle on and off, providing controlled heat. Maintenance, thermostat issues, and temperature sensors can also trigger broiler activation. While both broiler and bake elements have their roles, understanding your oven’s specific model and using them appropriately can help ensure successful cooking. So, don’t be surprised if your broiler lends a hand in achieving those perfect culinary creations.

Feel free to share your experiences, questions, or insights in the comments below. Your feedback and interactions can provide valuable support and information to others facing similar issues with their Whirlpool ovens.