Ever been in the middle of cooking, only to have your stove suddenly dial down the heat or shut off completely? If so, you’ve probably met Sensi-Temp—a safety feature designed to prevent overheating but often a nuisance when you need steady heat.
The good news? You can turn it off—at least on most models. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, troubleshoot common issues, and share workarounds if your stove won’t let you disable it completely.
What Is Sensi-Temp Technology?
Sensi-Temp is a built-in safety feature in many modern stoves (especially electric and glass-top models) that automatically adjusts burner heat if it detects excessive temperatures. Brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire use it to prevent fires, damaged cookware, or melted plastic.
While it’s great for safety, it can be frustrating when you’re simmering sauces, deep-frying, or boiling water—since the stove might lower the heat or shut off unexpectedly. If that’s happening to you, keep reading to learn how to bypass it.
How to Turn Off Sensi-Temp Technology
For Electric Stoves
Most electric stoves with Sensi-Temp have a dedicated button or a hidden setting to disable it. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Look for a button labeled “Sensi-Temp,” “Safety,” or “Control Lock.” It’s usually near the power controls.
- Step 2: Press and hold it for 3–5 seconds until the indicator light turns off.
- Step 3: Test a burner—if it stays on high without auto-adjusting, you’ve successfully turned it off.
Note: Some models require a factory reset—check your manual if this doesn’t work.
For Gas Stoves
Gas stoves with Sensi-Temp are less common, but if yours has it:
- Option 1: Check for a small switch or dial near the knobs—flipping it may disable the feature.
- Option 2: Try holding the “Power” or “Lock” button for 10 seconds to reset the system.
If neither works, your model might not allow full disabling—but we’ve got workarounds below.
Troubleshooting: If Sensi-Temp Won’t Turn Off
Sometimes, the stove just won’t cooperate. Before giving up, try these fixes:
- Reset the stove: Unplug it for 1 minute or flip the circuit breaker to force a reboot.
- Clean the sensors: Food spills and grease can trick the system into false overheating alerts. Wipe down burners and under the glass top (if electric).
- Check for error codes: Some stoves (like Whirlpool) display codes like “F11” when sensors malfunction—look up your model’s manual for solutions.
If all else fails, you might need a technician—but first, let’s explore some workarounds.
Workarounds If You Can’t Fully Disable It
If your stove doesn’t allow turning off Sensi-Temp completely, try these tricks:
- Use heavier pans (cast iron, stainless steel) – They distribute heat better, reducing false triggers.
- Avoid the “Low” setting – Sensi-Temp kicks in more often at low heat. Use medium instead.
- Preheat before cooking – Let the burner reach temp before adding food to minimize sudden shut-offs.
These won’t fully disable the feature, but they’ll help minimize interruptions while cooking.
Safety Reminders
Before you go, a quick reality check: Sensi-Temp exists for a reason. If you disable it:
- Never leave the stove unattended – Without auto-shutoff, overheating risks increase.
- Keep flammable items away – Towels, paper, and plastic should stay clear of burners.
- Re-enable it if needed – If you’re done frying or boiling, turn Sensi-Temp back on for safety.
FAQs
Can you change out Sensi-Temp burners with regular burners?
Nope. The sensors are built into the stove’s wiring, so swapping burners could cause errors or even damage. Stick to workarounds instead.
What is the Sensi-Temp technology on electric stoves?
It’s a heat sensor (usually under the glass top) that detects when a burner gets too hot and reduces power automatically to prevent fires.
How to remove sensor from electric stove?
We don’t recommend it—but if you must, unplug the stove, lift the glass top, and disconnect the sensor wires. Just know this could void your warranty.
How to stop an electric stove from turning off?
Try disabling Sensi-Temp (steps above) or use higher heat settings—low heat triggers shut-off more often.
