Oven door does not close fully, heat escapes around edges, front of cabinet gets very hot

Safety first: Ensure the oven is cool before working on the door.

• Check hinge play: Open the door halfway and lift gently. Excessive movement indicates worn hinges that should be replaced.
• Inspect hinge mounting: Tighten the screws securing the hinges to the oven body and door. Replace stripped screws if necessary.
• Examine door seal: Look for flattened, torn, or missing sections of the rubber gasket. Replace the seal if it does not contact the frame evenly all around.
• Replace hinges if needed: Remove the door (usually by opening fully and lifting off the hinge arms) and fit new Essentials hinge assemblies. Refit the door and check alignment.
• Test closure: Close the door on a strip of paper at several points; you should feel firm resistance when pulling the paper out.