Viking oven repair question.

by Sandy
(Bloomfield, MI, USA)

Sandy's Question: We have a double oven Viking range (a 6-burner top with a grill over one large and one small oven).

The small, left-side oven was not heating up to the dialed temp. The repairman came and I suggested that he begin with the thermostat. He poked around for a while -- I did not see him remove the dial -- then said he had to replace the igniter. This was in the right oven. Then he concluded he had to replace another igniter. Then, he tested it and said he had to replace the third one as well. Keep in mind that the large, right oven was working perfectly.

This repair cost $500. When I next used the two ovens simultaneously for the same item in each, the left oven did not cook. It was just like before. It was heating to about 50 degrees below the requested temp.

The repairman came back out and in 10 minutes, he adjusted the thermostat and said everything was fine now. No charge for that (warrantied) call. Then my oven worked.

Does this sound like the correct way in which to approach this problem? Is it reasonable to expect replacement of three ignitors for one non-performing oven? Could the thermostat have been the problem all along?

Thank you so much for your attention.

Dave's Answer: Hi Sandy,

If both ovens were operating correctly but the small left side oven was not getting to the correct temperature, the igniters were working okay. I agree with your assessment that the thermostat was the problem the whole time. I would call the maintenance company back and talk to a manager.

Discuss the problem with them and ask for a refund. The Viking products have a three year warranty and five year on the burners. Are you within the warranty period?