Most modern ovens are built with a locking mechanism to prevent incidents in the kitchen. Although the user of the oven can control this process, the oven will automatically lock during the self-cleaning process. There are several ways to open a locked oven without even having to read the manual. However, it is important to know that each brand has a slightly different procedure.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Opening the Oven Control Panel
Step 1. Locate the oven control panel
The control panel is usually at the top of the oven. Press the “Panel Lock”, “Lock” or “Control Lock” button. Press the button for 3 seconds.
Step 2. Wait until you hear a sound indicating that the panel is unlocked
Usually there will be the words "Locked" (locked) if the panel is still locked.
Step 3. Press any other key combination if there is no dedicated lock key
A common combination is to press the “Cancel” and “Hold” buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
Step 4. Repeat the procedure to lock or unlock the locked control panel
Method 2 of 3: Opening a Locked Oven After Self Cleaning
Step 1. Wait for the cleaning process to complete
Wait another hour or two for the oven to cool. Most self-cleaning ovens don't open until they are completely cold.
Step 2. Look at the screen
If it still says “Lock” and “Cool,” then the oven is still in the cooling process. We recommend that you wait until this process is complete.
Step 3. Try pressing the “Cancel” button to stop the cleaning process
However, keep in mind that this process will also require time to cool down before the oven can be opened.
Method 3 of 3: Opening the Oven Manually
Step 1. Unplug the oven from the wall outlet
If the oven cannot be opened after the self-cleaning process, the temperature sensor may be faulty. By unplugging the oven from the power outlet for a few minutes and plugging it back in, the settings may return to their original state.
Step 2. Check that the top of the oven can be opened by removing the screws from the outside
Some older oven models are equipped with screws on the front and sides. Unscrew the screws and open the top of the oven to gain access to the key in the oven.
- Wear gloves if the oven has just been turned on before.
- If there are no screws near the top of the oven, the connection is inside the oven. You have to use the hook wire to unlock it from the inside.
- Make sure the oven is not connected to electricity.
Step 3. Use a hanger made of wire
Unravel and make the ends form a hook. Try to fit the flat side of the latch into the oven door and around the lock in the oven.
- Twist and pull the latch to unlock it.
- Make sure the oven is not connected to electricity.
