Oven heats but does not reach set temperature or takes excessively long to preheat.

Safety first: Disconnect power before removing panels or elements.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Verify with an oven thermometer: Place an accurate oven thermometer in the centre of the cavity and compare actual temperature to the set temperature.
• 2. Inspect elements: Look for cold spots or uneven glow on visible elements. Test resistance and replace any suspect Hotpoint-Ariston heating elements.
• 3. Check door seal: Inspect the gasket around the door for gaps, tears, or compression. Replace the oven door gasket if it does not seal evenly.
• 4. Test temperature sensor: Measure NTC resistance at room temperature and at a known elevated temperature (e.g. 100°C using boiling water if accessible). Replace the temperature sensor if readings are out of specification.
• 5. Calibration: Some models allow temperature offset adjustment in the settings. Refer to the user manual to fine-tune if hardware is OK.