Your NuWave oven’s fan is spinning but there’s no heat, and you’re seeing that dreaded E1 error code on the display. This typically means your heating element has failed or there’s a problem with the temperature sensor, preventing your oven from generating the infrared heat it needs to cook your food.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Perform a Hard Reset
Unplug your NuWave oven from the wall outlet and wait exactly 60 seconds. This clears the internal memory and resets all electronic components. While it’s unplugged, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to discharge any remaining electricity. Plug it back in and test with a simple 5-minute heating cycle at 350°F.
Step 2: Check Your Power Source
Your NuWave oven needs a dedicated 15-amp circuit to function properly. Move the oven to a different outlet in another room, ideally one you know works with high-wattage appliances like a microwave or toaster oven. If the E1 error disappears in the new location, your original outlet likely has voltage issues that need an electrician’s attention.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Dome
Remove the cooking dome and look for any visible cracks, chips, or cloudiness in the glass. Even hairline cracks can trigger the E1 error. Clean both sides of the dome with a soft cloth and glass cleaner, paying special attention to the area directly above the heating element. Built-up grease or food residue can interfere with heat distribution sensors.
Step 4: Test the Temperature Probe
If your model includes a temperature probe, remove it completely and try running the oven without it. A faulty probe sending incorrect readings can trigger the E1 error even when the heating element works fine. Run a test cycle at 300°F for 10 minutes without any food inside.
Step 5: Examine the Heating Element
With the unit unplugged and completely cool, look up through the bottom vents with a flashlight. The heating element should appear as a thick coiled wire without any breaks, dark spots, or areas that look melted. Any visible damage means the element needs replacement.
Step 6: Reset Using Service Mode
For 2024 and 2025 NuWave models, access the service reset by pressing and holding both the “Temp” and “Time” buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds while the unit is plugged in but turned off. You’ll hear three beeps, then press “Start” to initiate a full diagnostic cycle that takes about 2 minutes.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Failed Heating Element
The infrared heating element in your NuWave oven has a typical lifespan of 3-5 years with regular use. When it fails, the fan continues running because it operates on a separate circuit, but no heat is generated. You can check for element failure by looking for visible breaks in the coil or testing for continuity with a multimeter set to the resistance setting. If the element shows infinite resistance or visible damage, replacement is necessary. This repair is best handled by professionals since it involves working with high-voltage components.
Cause #2: Defective Temperature Sensor
Your NuWave oven uses a precision temperature sensor to monitor heat levels and adjust power to the heating element. When this sensor fails or gets contaminated with cooking residue, it sends incorrect readings to the control board, triggering the E1 safety shutoff. The sensor is located near the top of the cooking chamber and looks like a small metal probe. Check for bent pins, corrosion, or loose connections where it plugs into the control board. Cleaning the sensor with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab sometimes resolves intermittent E1 errors.
Cause #3: Control Board Malfunction
The electronic control board acts as your oven’s brain, coordinating all functions including heat generation, fan speed, and safety protocols. Power surges, age, or manufacturing defects can cause specific circuits on the board to fail while others continue working normally. This explains why the fan runs but heat generation stops. Control board issues often present with multiple symptoms like erratic timer behavior, buttons that don’t respond, or random error codes. Unfortunately, control board replacement typically costs 60-80% of a new unit’s price.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact NuWave customer service at 1-877-689-2838 when the E1 error persists after trying all troubleshooting steps, especially if your unit is under warranty. Professional repair becomes necessary when you notice burning smells, see sparks, hear unusual buzzing sounds, or if the error appears immediately after plugging in the unit. Certified technicians have specialized tools to test internal components safely and can determine whether repair is economically viable compared to replacement. For units over 5 years old experiencing E1 errors, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My NuWave oven model [insert your model number] shows error code E1. The fan runs normally but there’s no heat. I’ve tried unplugging it for 60 seconds and cleaning the dome. The unit is [age] old and was working fine until [when problem started]. What specific troubleshooting steps should I try for this heating element error? Please provide detailed instructions for safely checking the heating element and temperature sensor.”