How to Remove the Light Bulb in a Kenmore Oven

The light in your oven is a useful tool for checking out how far along your cookies, cake or roast is in the baking and cooking process. Without an oven light, it's difficult to tell if you should keep baking or broiling your food. The light prevents you from having to open your oven to check on food. If the light bulb in your Kenmore oven isn't working, it's a good idea (and rather simple) to change it.

The light bulb in your Kenmore oven, like any other light bulb, cannot last forever. At some point, the bulb will burn out. You may not notice for a while that this has occurred if you don't often use the oven light function.

Though the light's failure to turn on won't directly impact the function of the oven, you may wish to be able to check out the food in your oven without opening the door. Fortunately, replacing the bulb is a painless process.

Note that you can't use just any light bulb in your Kenmore oven. Not only does it need to be of the correct wattage for safety's sake, it also must be small enough that it won't get in the way of your baking sheets or pans. Additionally, the bulb must be rated for appliances, according to American Home Shield. Imagine if you used a bulb for a lamp in your oven — it is not created to deal with the sort of heat an oven can emit.

Some light bulbs can be used in several appliances. In addition, your oven and range hood might be able to use the same light bulb type. Many ovens need a 15-watt tubular halogen light bulb, while others require a 40-watt special appliance bulb. Consult your owner's manual before purchasing a bulb.

To replace the light bulb in your Kenmore oven, turn off the power to the oven and be sure the power is also turned off at the breaker. This is an important safety consideration that you should not overlook.

Next, open the oven door. Locate the light bulb at the back of the oven and push aside the wires to locate the edge of the bulb cover. Move the bulb cover. Then, turn the bulb gently to the left to release it, avoiding too much pressure.

Place your new light bulb in the socket and begin to screw it in by turning it to the right. Use caution when inserting the new bulb and don't squeeze too hard or push on the glass of the bulb. Appliance bulbs can be very delicate and may break. When you're all set, replace the bulb cover and push the wires back into place.

To test your new oven light, restore power to the appliance. Then, press the oven light button on the stove if one exists. If not, simply open the oven door. For most appliances, this will cause the light to turn on automatically.

If the light is working, you're all set. If not, it's possible that the bulb is faulty or not screwed in tightly enough. Be sure you have turned the bulb all of the way in its socket and that you have properly turned it all the way to the right. Then, your Kenmore oven light replacement is done.