Fixing Air Fryer Toaster Ovens: What You Can Do

Air fryer toaster ovens are a convenient appliance for cooking and reheating food. However, like all appliances, they can sometimes develop faults. Common issues include problems with the main switch, thermal fuse, heating element, and solenoid. These can often be fixed by cleaning or replacing the affected parts. In addition, air fryer toaster ovens should be cleaned after every use to prevent a build-up of food residue.

Servicing the main switch

The toaster oven's main switch is an important operating part, one that gets extensive use and is a frequent culprit when things go wrong. In many cases, all that's required is cleaning the switch. To clean the switch, you can use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris. You can also clean the contact points with emery paper. If cleaning the switch does not work, you may need to replace it. To access and replace the main switch:

• Remove the side panel and, if necessary, the power cord.
• Inspect the thermal cutout for any debris, distortion, or discoloration.
• Clean or replace the thermal cutout as needed.

Servicing the thermal fuse

Toaster ovens can be repaired by servicing the main switch, the thermal fuse, the heating element, and the solenoid. Here is some information on servicing the thermal fuse:

The thermal fuse is an important safety feature in a toaster oven. It is designed to prevent the appliance from overheating and causing a fire. If the toaster oven gets too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off the power to the heating element. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as a faulty heating element, a blocked vent, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

If the thermal fuse has blown, it will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple task that can be done by following these steps:

• Unplug the toaster oven and allow it to cool down completely.
• Locate the thermal fuse. It is usually located near the heating element or the main switch.
• Disconnect the wires connected to the thermal fuse.
• Remove the old thermal fuse by unscrewing or unclipping it from its mounting bracket.
• Install the new thermal fuse by screwing or clipping it into place.
• Reconnect the wires to the new thermal fuse.
• Plug the toaster oven back in and test it to make sure it is working properly.

It is important to note that the thermal fuse should only be replaced with an identical model. Using a different type of thermal fuse could affect the performance of the toaster oven and may even be dangerous.

In some cases, the thermal fuse may blow due to a problem with the heating element or the thermostat. If this is the case, those components will also need to be serviced or replaced. It is always a good idea to consult a professional repair person if you are unsure about how to proceed.

Servicing the heating element

The heating element is a vital part of your toaster oven. It's a high-resistance wire that glows as electricity flows through it. To service the heating element, you'll need to clean or replace it. If your toaster oven is not heating up, the heating element may need to be replaced.

To access the heating element, you will need to remove the side panel and, if necessary, the power cord. Once you have accessed the heating element, inspect it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it is simply dirty, you can clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.

It's important to note that the heating element may be on for just a few minutes to toast bread, or it may be on for an hour or more if you're using the baking/broiling function. So, depending on your usage, you may need to service the heating element more or less frequently.

If you're uncomfortable or unsure about servicing the heating element yourself, it's always best to consult a professional appliance repair technician. They will have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively repair your toaster oven.

Servicing the solenoid

Toaster ovens can be repaired by servicing the main switch, the thermal fuse, the heating element, and the solenoid. The solenoid is located near the latch at one end of the toaster oven. To access it, remove the end cover or shell. To test and replace a solenoid:

• Look at the unit for visible damage and smell the area around the solenoid for obvious damage to components.
• Use a continuity tester or multitester to verify your findings.
• If the solenoid is defective, it may be causing the heating elements to stay on longer than they should and burn your food.
• If the heating elements are turning off when you open the appliance door, the solenoid may be defective.
• If the solenoid is installed with rivets rather than screws, consider replacing the entire chassis or the toaster oven itself.

Cleaning the crumb tray

Air fryer toaster ovens have crumb trays, making them similar to traditional toaster ovens. The crumb tray should be cleaned after every use. Wash the crumb tray in warm, soapy water, as well as any racks or trays that sit underneath the basket.

To keep cooking messes to a minimum, spray the fry basket lightly with oil before adding food to minimise sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper before adding food. Just be sure to use parchment made specifically for air fryer use. It’s sized to fit most air fryer baskets and is perforated, so air can adequately flow around the food.

Frequently asked questions