Oven overheats, burning food even at low temperature settings.

Safety first: Switch off the oven immediately if overheating occurs. Allow it to cool and disconnect from mains.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Inspect sensor position: Ensure the temperature sensor probe is firmly fixed in its bracket and not touching an element or wall directly.
• 2. Test sensor resistance: Measure NTC resistance at room temperature. A very low resistance suggests a shorted sensor; replace with a genuine Hotpoint-Ariston oven sensor.
• 3. Check control relay: Listen for the relay clicking on and off during heating. If the element remains on continuously, the relay may be welded closed; replace the main control board.
• 4. Analogue thermostat models: Test the thermostat contacts with a multimeter while turning the knob. Replace the oven thermostat if it does not open at higher settings.