Atlas oven problem

[fudosan]

Received following complaint from tenant:

The timer mechanism has a mind of it's own, or maybe we don't understand it. But I hadn't touched it since I moved in and yet the oven was on - the fan wasn't on, which is why I hand't noticed, but it was definitely on, albeit at a very low temperature.

This is partly I think because the thermostatic controller for the oven doesn't appear to be able to easily reach a fully "off" position.

By a process of experimentation we think we have got to a point where we at least know it is on or off at any given time, but can't really be sure when it is likely to turn itself on again!

A lot of it I think will be understanding how the timer is supposed to work, but the temperature dial may need looking at in any event. The timer dials have lost their knobs which also makes it quite difficult to change them.

My wife is also concerned at the noise it makes when first switched on - it does seem noisy, although whether it is noisier than should be expected given the age of the oven I don't know.

Any suggestion? Also, can you recommend any Atlas oven repair company in Auckland?

[Hound]

Sounds like a perfectly reasonable complaint.
I used to employ a small appliance repair company for outcalls. They could fix any oven or heater. Certainly worth getting it fixed, for safety reasons & keeping the tenants happy. Get them to replace the knobs too.

Also, getting a copy of the manual for the stove can help resolve timer issues. Not an easy task for older models.

[artemis]

Also, getting a copy of the manual for the stove can help resolve timer issues. Not an easy task for older models.

You can post a wanted ad for the manual on the Oneway site - will have to sign up but the ad is free and will stay there as long as you want it to without renewing. See my sig for link. Send me a PM if you get stuck.

[tamara]

Hi Fudosan

Sorry I cant resolve your current problem but we have given advice to disengage the timers. This was due to the fact that this is the most common callout problem for landlords/ tenants was lack of knowledge on how to use this function on stoves

Tamara

[Roger_2004]

Hi Fudosan,

Maybe replacing the stove is your best option?


Cheers

[fudosan]

Thanks folks. I have arranged for an electrician to look at it tomorrow and then decide what to do next.

[xris]

Hello Fudosan,

I hope your stove problem is now sorted out. I thought I would just add my thoughts to the subject.

Having spent a lot of time and money on old second-hand ovens, fixing this bit here, replacing that bit there, about three years ago I changed my approach.

Now whenever there is a fault on an old oven, unless it is obvious what the fault is and is quick and easy to put right, I simply buy a new one. I have never regretted this new approach and only wish I had seen the light earlier.

There are many advantages in replacing old with new. You can pick up a basic new oven fully installed with the old one taken away, for around $750-$800. This should be compared to the cost of a new second-hand oven and the cost of replacing a couple of faulty parts in an existing oven.

If anyone’s interested, one or two hints I have picked up with ovens are…

If you throw away an old oven, keep the rings which can easily be removed. They always come in handy elsewhere: (within reason of course – you may not want to have your garage cluttered up with junk).

NEVER buy an oven with a timer. If you have an existing oven with a timer, next time an electrician is at your rental (with the tenant’s permission, or at the end of the tenancy before a new one starts) have him disconnect it. Tenants never use it and will never know how to fix it when it stops the oven/stove from working, which it often will. Your time and money will then have to be spent to fix it. The only exception I would make to this is in an up-market property which demands a higher standard of oven.

Put silver foil beneath the rings at the start of the tenancy. Even though keeping it clean is down to the tenant, I have found that this can be a useful example of prevention is better than cure. Similarly, this can be done for the inside of the oven.

Be careful if you have a new oven installed in an older property. The people connecting up the oven are usually not qualified electricians and if there is a sign of old wiring or a worn connection they will not legally be able to sort it out. They are only authorised to connect the new oven to the existing wiring – if it is in a useable condition. If they cannot do it they will simply leave the new oven there unconnected. You will then have to get an electrician out quickly.

xris

[tamara]

Hi Xris

Thanks for the great hints

Tamara

[fudosan]

Thanks xris for the tips. I plan to get a new, basic model if it breaks down again.

Fudosan
Tokyo

[SEIBU]

Hi Fudosan,

I recommend checking the following company as well:

Remade Appliances
22 Selwyn St
Onehunga
Ph: 636 7265

As their name suggests, they sell refurbished ovens, refrigerators and other appliances. I just bought a Shacklock 4-ring oven with a 6-month warranty, delivered, installed (including wiring if necessary) and the old one taken away for $465.

SEIBU