Oven heats, but cannot reach or maintain set temperature; food undercooked or overcooked compared to setting.

Safety first: Turn off power before removing panels or testing components.

Steps to check:

• Verify with thermometer: Place an accurate oven thermometer in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Compare actual temperature to setpoint over 20–30 minutes.
• Door gasket: Inspect the oven door gasket for gaps, tears, or flattening. Replace if not sealing properly.
• Sensor test: Test the oven temperature sensor resistance at room temperature (~1050–1100 Ω). Replace if out of spec.
• Control calibration: Many Hotpoint models allow temperature adjustment (e.g., ±35°F) in the user settings. Follow the manual to adjust calibration based on your thermometer readings.
• Convection fan (if present): Ensure the convection fan runs during convection modes; a failed fan can cause uneven heating.

Tip: Recheck with the thermometer after any calibration or part replacement.