Cooker
F01
The F01 error code on a Stoves cooker points to a fault with the oven’s temperature sensor (also known as a thermistor or NTC probe) — the component responsible for telling your oven how hot it actually is. While it can sound alarming, in many cases it is caused by a faulty or disconnected sensor rather than a catastrophic breakdown. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the F01 code means, the most common causes on Stoves appliances, the safe steps you can take at home, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
What does this error mean?
On Stoves electric and dual-fuel cookers and range cookers — including popular ranges such as the Stoves Richmond, Sterling, and Precision series — the F01 error code is generated by the electronic control board (PCB) when it detects that the oven temperature sensor is either open-circuit, short-circuit, or reading a temperature that falls completely outside the expected range. In plain English: the oven’s ‘thermometer’ is either broken, disconnected, or sending back data that makes no sense to the control board. Because the cooker cannot safely regulate the oven temperature without this information, it shuts down the oven cavity and displays the F01 fault to protect you and your appliance. The hob burners (on dual-fuel models) may still work, but the oven will be unusable until the fault is resolved.
Est. repair cost
£15–£40 for a DIY temperature sensor replacement; £80–£160 for a professional repair including parts and labour; £150–£280+ if the control board (PCB) needs replacing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Power off and reset: Switch the cooker off at the wall socket or isolate it at the fuse spur or consumer unit. Leave it completely without power for at least 5 minutes. Then restore power and see if the F01 code clears. Power surges and software glitches can cause false fault codes, and a hard reset costs nothing and takes no tools.
Step 2 — Check your user manual: Locate your Stoves cooker manual (available free on the Stoves website at stoves.co.uk using your model number). Confirm that F01 is listed as a temperature sensor fault for your specific model. Some model variants use slightly different fault code definitions, and this step ensures you are diagnosing the right problem.
Step 3 — Inspect the sensor probe inside the oven cavity: Open the oven door and look at the back wall of the oven cavity. The temperature sensor is a small metal probe, usually about 5–8 cm long, mounted with one or two screws. Check that it is physically intact — not cracked, bent, or visibly burnt. No tools are needed for this visual check.
Step 4 — Check the sensor is firmly mounted: Using a Philips screwdriver, gently check that the screws holding the sensor probe to the oven cavity back wall are tight and that the sensor sits flush. A loosely mounted sensor can give erratic readings in some cases.
Step 5 — Do NOT attempt to open the back panel or access the wiring at this stage: Tracing the wiring behind the oven back panel or disconnecting the sensor from the control board involves accessing live electrical components and terminals. This is not safe DIY territory for most homeowners and should be left to a qualified appliance engineer. Stop here if the reset in Step 1 did not resolve the fault.
Step 6 — If you are confident with basic appliance electrics (and the cooker is isolated at the mains): You may carefully pull the cooker out from the housing to look at the rear panel. Do not remove any panels. Simply check whether any visible wiring near the back of the appliance looks obviously damaged, burnt, or trapped. If you see any damage, do not proceed — call an engineer.
Step 7 — Order a replacement temperature sensor if a visual fault is obvious: If the sensor probe itself is visibly damaged (cracked ceramic, burnt element), a replacement Stoves oven temperature sensor (NTC probe) can be sourced from spares suppliers such as eSpares, 4ourhouse, or Stoves’ own spares service. Search using your full model number. Genuine or compatible sensors typically cost £15–£40. Fitting requires removing the two fixing screws and unplugging the connector — only attempt this if you are comfortable and the appliance is fully isolated.
Step 8 — After fitting a new sensor, restore power and run a test cycle: Set the oven to 180°C and allow it to run for 10 minutes. If the F01 code does not return and the oven heats normally, the repair is complete. If the code returns, the fault lies elsewhere — most likely the wiring harness or PCB — and a professional engineer is now required.
Step 9 — If F01 persists after a new sensor: Call a qualified appliance engineer. At this point the fault is likely in the wiring loom or the control board, both of which require professional diagnosis and safe handling of electrical components inside the appliance.
📞 When to call a professional
You should call a qualified appliance engineer if: the F01 fault code returns immediately after a full power reset; you have fitted a new temperature sensor and the code persists; you can see damaged, burnt, or frayed wiring at any point during your inspection; or you are at all unsure about any step in the process. When you call, tell the engineer: ‘My Stoves [model name and number] is displaying an F01 error code. I believe it is a temperature sensor fault. I have already performed a hard reset [and fitted a new sensor if applicable] and the fault has not cleared.’ This saves diagnostic time and money. For dual-fuel Stoves range cookers where the gas supply or gas components are involved in any way, always use a Gas Safe registered engineer — never attempt to work on any gas components yourself. You can find a Gas Safe engineer at gassaferegister.co.uk.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
If your Stoves cooker is under 7 years old, repair is almost always the right call. The F01 fault is typically caused by an inexpensive temperature sensor (£15–£40 for the part), and even with professional labour the total repair cost is modest compared to the cost of a new appliance. Stoves is a well-established UK brand (part of the Glen Dimplex group) and spare parts are generally well-stocked through approved suppliers, making repairs straightforward for a competent engineer. If the fault turns out to be a failed PCB (control board), the calculation changes: a replacement PCB for a Stoves range cooker can cost £100–£200 for the part alone, and if your cooker is over 8–10 years old, it may be worth comparing this against the cost of a new appliance. Entry-level Stoves freestanding cookers start around £400–£600, while their range cookers start at roughly £900–£1,500+. As a general rule: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of an equivalent new appliance, seriously consider replacing — especially if other components are showing their age.