LRE3085ST range. Why does it take a long time to preheat oven to 350 deg.?

There are several potential causes for a gas range being slow to preheat. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check the igniter: While the igniter may be coming on, it may not be getting hot enough to ignite the gas. Make sure the igniter is clean and free from any debris or corrosion. If it is dirty, gently clean it with a soft cloth. If the igniter is damaged or not getting hot enough, it may need to be replaced.
2. Check the gas supply: Make sure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas pressure is sufficient. If the gas pressure is too low, the oven may take longer to preheat.
3. Check the oven temperature sensor: A faulty temperature sensor can cause the oven to take longer to preheat. Use a multimeter to test the sensor for continuity. If it is not working properly, it may need to be replaced.
4. Check the oven door seal: A faulty oven door seal can cause heat to escape, making it difficult for the oven to reach the desired temperature. Inspect the seal for any cracks or gaps, and replace it if necessary.
5. Check the oven igniter safety valve: The igniter safety valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gas to the oven. If it is faulty, it may be restricting the flow of gas, causing the oven to take longer to preheat.

If you are uncomfortable performing any of these troubleshooting steps yourself, it is best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

One must preheat the oven to the desired baking temperature. If the oven is turned on and the food immediately put in to bake, it will take longer to bake the first batch than the second and subsequent batches, because the oven need a few minutes to heat up.

In other words, the oven isn't at 350 degrees the instant you turn it on. It takes about 15 minutes for the oven to reach 350 degrees. I hope this helps.

You have burned out element(s). Lowering the wattage, therefore increasing the time it takes to reach set temp,

Always preheat your oven and let it cycle at least 2 times. Your unit may show 350 but the manufactures know that it is not 350. When it registers preheated, it really means that it is at an acceptable temperature to start cooking. If you think that it may not be calibrated correctly, your owner's manual will have instructions on how to recalibrate your oven. You will be able to raise or lower the temperature by + 25 degrees or - 25 degrees. As far as the gas smell, you will from time to time smell a gas smell with a gas oven especially if you are right at it when it ignites. If you are smelling gas when it is not in use then you should be extremely concerned.

the ignitor is prolly bad (not pulling enough amps)

GE use and care manuals

Once you put the desired temperature, select a cook time and it should solve the heating issue. Atleast that what worked on mine.

The follow suggestions apply if you are at sea level, or a bit above. If you are in the mountains, you'll have to compensate for altitude issues. You need an accurate thermometer to be spot on. One way is to use an electronic thermometer. Another is to set the oven to 217 degrees, insert a small pan of water into the oven, with a metal tray or pie tin on a lower rack to catch spills and see if it eventually boils. If the water didn't boil, you can adjust the temperature upward in  5 degree steps (see your owner's manual for details). If you've lost your manual, you may be able to go on-line and get a pdf copy of your manual.If the water does boil, you know your oven is accurate within 5 degrees. You can then proceed to re-do the experiment at 212 degrees, if you wish. Then you may use the data to adjust the oven temperature.

Chances are the oven ignitor will need to be replaced.  Look and see if it glows.  If it does then it is weak and not opening the gas valve to lite.  Let me know what you find.
Comment by fridgetech, posted on Oct 20, 2007

Should be able to remove the bottom drawer and unplug the ignitor from below.  Or you can cut the wires on the old ignitor and splice the new one in using ceramic

I have the exact problem. We had the ignitor replaced 2 already and it works for 18 months and stops. Occasionally, it the oven won't even start to heat. I am ready to throw it out.