Oven
E11
The E11 error code on a Samsung oven points to a fault with the oven’s temperature sensor — specifically, it’s telling you the sensor is reading an open circuit, meaning the appliance can’t reliably measure the internal temperature. It’s one of the more common Samsung oven faults and, while it will stop your oven working safely, it’s not a cause for panic. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what triggers the E11 code, the most likely culprits, what you can safely try yourself, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
What does this error mean?
The E11 error code on Samsung electric ovens (including models in the NV, BF, and Dual Cook ranges) indicates that the oven’s temperature sensor — also called a thermistor or NTC sensor — has been detected as open circuit. In plain English: the control board is sending a signal to the temperature sensor and getting no response back. Without a working temperature sensor, the oven has no way of knowing how hot it actually is inside the cavity. Rather than risk burning your food or overheating dangerously, the oven shuts itself down and displays E11 as a warning. This is a protective fault, not a catastrophic failure — the oven is doing exactly what it should. The sensor itself is a small probe, usually located on the back wall inside the oven cavity, connected by a wire harness to the main control board.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 for a DIY sensor replacement; £90–£160 for a professional sensor repair; £140–£250+ if the control board (PCB) needs replacing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Power cycle the oven (reset): Switch the oven off at the wall socket or flip the circuit breaker for the oven in your consumer unit. Wait a full 5 minutes, then restore power and switch the oven back on. This clears any temporary software faults. If E11 reappears immediately or after a short test cycle, move on to the next steps.
Step 2 — Check your oven manual: Locate your Samsung oven’s model number (usually on a label inside the door frame or on the back of the appliance) and cross-reference the E11 code in your manual or on Samsung’s UK support site. Some model variants use slightly different diagnostic codes, and your manual may include model-specific reset instructions.
Step 3 — Visually inspect the temperature sensor probe: Open the oven door and look at the back wall of the oven cavity. You’ll see a small metal probe (roughly pencil-sized) protruding from the back wall — this is your temperature sensor. Check that it is not visibly bent, cracked, coated in burnt-on residue, or physically damaged. Do not use abrasive cleaners directly on the probe.
Step 4 — Clean around the sensor probe: If the probe is coated in grease or baked-on residue, gently clean around it (not the wiring) using a damp cloth and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Burnt-on deposits can sometimes interfere with the sensor’s contact. Allow the area to dry fully before testing.
Step 5 — Check the sensor mounting screws: The sensor is usually held in place by one or two small Torx or Phillips screws on the back wall inside the cavity. Using the appropriate screwdriver, check these are firmly tightened. A loose sensor can cause intermittent contact faults. Do not overtighten.
Step 6 — Gently check the sensor connector at the back of the oven (accessible models only): On some Samsung models, you can carefully pull the oven slightly away from the wall (switch off at the mains first) and locate the sensor wire connector at the rear of the appliance without opening any sealed electrical panels. If you can see a clip-in connector that has visibly come loose, you may carefully reseat it. IMPORTANT: Only do this if the connector is clearly visible and accessible without removing any covers or panels. Do not attempt to access internal wiring if it requires removing screws from the back panel.
Step 7 — Test the temperature sensor resistance with a multimeter (confident DIYers only): If you own a multimeter, switch the oven off and unplug it. Remove the sensor probe from the back wall (usually two screws) and disconnect its wiring plug. Set your multimeter to resistance (Ω). A healthy Samsung NTC oven sensor should read approximately 1,080–1,100 ohms at room temperature (around 20°C). A reading of infinite resistance (OL or open loop) confirms the sensor has failed and needs replacing. No multimeter? Skip to Step 8.
Step 8 — Replace the temperature sensor (DIY-suitable): If the sensor has failed, replacement sensors for Samsung ovens are widely available from UK appliance parts suppliers (such as eSpares, 4ourhouse, or ApplianceSpares247) for around £15–£35. Search using your full model number. To fit: switch off and unplug the oven, remove the two mounting screws inside the cavity, withdraw the probe, unplug the connector, plug in the new sensor, refit the screws, and restore power. This repair does not require opening any electrical panels and is safe for a competent DIYer.
Step 9 — If E11 persists after sensor replacement, stop and call a professional: If you have replaced the sensor with a confirmed compatible part and E11 still appears, the fault has moved beyond the sensor itself — most likely to the wiring harness or the main control board (PCB). These repairs involve accessing internal electrical components and should only be carried out by a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance repair engineer if: the E11 error returns immediately after a power reset with no obvious physical cause; the sensor tests as healthy on a multimeter but the error persists; you have replaced the sensor and the fault is still present; or you notice any burning smell, scorch marks, or signs of damaged wiring inside the cavity. When you call, give the engineer your Samsung oven’s full model number, tell them the fault code is E11 (open circuit temperature sensor), and let them know which steps you’ve already tried (reset, sensor inspection, sensor replacement if applicable). This saves diagnostic time and money. Samsung-authorised service engineers can be found via Samsung’s UK support website, or you can use a reputable independent appliance engineer — check for Which? Trusted Traders or Checkatrade reviews. This is an electric oven fault, so you do not need a Gas Safe engineer unless your range cooker also has gas hobs and the engineer needs to work near the gas components.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
For most UK homeowners, repairing an E11 fault is the right call — provided the oven isn’t already ancient. If the fix is a straightforward sensor replacement (the most common cause), you’re looking at a £15–£35 part and about 20 minutes of work. Even if you pay an engineer to do it, the total bill is unlikely to exceed £120–£160, which is excellent value. The calculation changes if the fault lies with the main control board (PCB). PCB replacements on Samsung ovens typically cost £80–£150 for the part alone, plus £60–£100 labour, putting the total at £140–£250 or more. At that point, consider the oven’s age: if it’s under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it — Samsung UK ovens generally carry a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and parts are well-supported. If the oven is 8–10 years old and the PCB has failed, replacement starts to make financial sense, particularly as a new mid-range Samsung electric oven costs £400–£700. A good rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of the replacement value of an equivalent new oven, replace it.