Why Is My Oven Clicking? 3 Reasons Why

A few clicks can mean all is well with your oven

A person baking a pie in the oven
The Good Brigade / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A person baking a pie in the oven
The Good Brigade / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Many modern ovens make a clicking sound during normal operation.

  • Sometimes, an oven that clicks may need a new heating element.

  • Call a repair pro to properly diagnose the problem.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

What goes click in the night? It may be your oven. The answer to "why is my oven clicking" is often not something to be worried about. Here's why your oven is so noisy, and what you may need to do about it.

1. Oven Is Heating or Cooling

Many modern ovens make a clicking sound when they are heating up and when they are cooling down after use. Some will also go “click, click, click” as they shift through cycles. For example, the oven will "click" as the upper heating element switches on and the lower heating element switches off. These are all normal sounds and a good sign that your oven is working. 

The Solution

No need to take action if your oven is clicking as part of its normal use. Typically, newer ovens are more likely to make noise compared to older models. 

2. Ignition

A man inspecting an oven
Mikolette / E+ / Getty Images

Got a gas oven? While older models feature a pilot light that never goes out, newer ones use electric ignition, which lights the pilot when you turn the oven on.

As you switch on a newer gas oven, it's common to hear a “click click click” sound, followed by a "whoosh" sound as the pilot takes flame. 

However, if the oven keeps clicking and you never hear that whoosh, that could be a sign of a problem. That's particularly true if the gas oven is not heating and the oven smells like gas.

The Solution

If your gas oven is clicking and clicking and the flame isn't igniting, it's time to call in a gas oven repair professional near you to inspect it and diagnose the problem. The oven repair pro can fix the ignition so that the flame catches or recommend another course of action, perhaps even oven replacement, depending on the extent of the problem.

3. Heating Element Is Wearing Out

While clicking sounds can signal normal oven function, if those sounds suddenly become louder than before, that can be a sign that the heating elements are on their last legs. As they age, the heating elements need to work harder to keep the oven at the right temperature, which can mean they become louder.

Other common signs of an aging heating element include visible damage, such as cracks and blisters, no orange color when the oven is on, and an increase in your electric bills. 

The Solution

If the heating element is on its last legs, it's time to decide whether you should repair or replace your oven. Replacing just the heating elements may be more cost-effective, but if there are other problems with the appliance, getting a new one may help you save money in the long run. 

An oven repair pro can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Signs That Clicking Is a Concern

Since clicking is usually a good sign, it's important to know when it's actually signaling a problem with your oven. Signs that you should be concerned by the clicks include:

  • Smelling gas when you try to turn the oven on.

  • Food comes out undercooked or unevenly cooked.

  • The oven doesn't get hot or doesn't get hot enough.

When to Call a Pro

A professional repairing an oven
bymuratdeniz / E+ / Getty Images

If you suspect that the clicking is due to a problem with the oven's electric ignition or with the heating element, it's time to call in a pro. You want someone to properly diagnose the problem and recommend how to proceed. While you could try to replace the heating elements or ignition yourself, doing so takes some know-how and is not the safest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since clicks are a normal part of a modern oven's functioning, you don't want to prevent them. However, if you think the oven is clicking because of a problem, then your best option is to hire an oven repair professional to inspect it and let you know how to proceed.

It's possible that your oven's gas ignitor will wear out before the rest of the appliance. An ignitor may last about eight years before it needs replacing. In some cases, cleaning the ignitor to remove any built-up food and debris may help to prolong its life. Replacing the ignitor in a gas oven costs an average of $200.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to appliance repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator
Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
If your refrigerator has been damaged, refrigerator door dent repair cost will vary based on the imperfection's size, depth, and location. Use our guide to estimate how much you'll spend on refrigerator dent repair.
A woman doing her laundry at home
Jan 9, 2025
Jan 9, 2025
The cost to relocate washer and dryer hookups varies based on location, as well as whether your moving the appliances and adding new hookups. We’ve compiled a full price breakdown here.
A young woman adding dishes to the dishwasher
Jan 8, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
The average cost of dishwasher installation runs between $150 and $300, plus the price of the dishwasher unit you choose to install. Explore all the cost factors that go into dishwasher installation.
A washing machine in a laundry room
Oct 22, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
Noticed that your washing machine smells like burning rubber? Here are five common causes of a washing machine burning smell (and steps for fixing each one).
Vegetable scraps in kitchen sink
Nov 19, 2024
Nov 19, 2024
Are you wondering, "What size garbage disposal do I need?" Your ideal garbage disposal size depends on your household and how much you cook.
A man loading a front load washing machine
Nov 21, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
Your washing machine can make your laundry routine easier—or more difficult. Consider these key differences between top load versus front load washers.