Tandoori Oven: How they work, common issues that we repair

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A tandoori oven is a powerful, high‑heat cooking appliance used in many Indian and Pakistani restaurants to grill meats, bake naan, and roast vegetables with a distinctive smoky taste. At Cooker Repair, our team in Nairobi understands how crucial reliable tandoori‑oven performance is for your kitchen, and we specialize in fixing the faults that shut down service or slow down orders.

How a tandoori oven works

Modern restaurant tandoori ovens are usually gas‑fired cylindrical units made of thick clay or ceramic‑lined steel. A gas burner at the bottom creates a flame that heats the inner walls, which then absorb and radiate intense heat throughout the chamber, often reaching 300–500°C while circulating hot air and smoke. Skewers of marinated meat hang vertically inside, while breads like naan are slapped onto the hot inner walls so they cook quickly and evenly.​

To maintain consistent heat, the oven must have a stable gas supply, a functioning burner assembly, a working flame‑failure or thermocouple safety device, and good airflow through the chimney or vent. Any blockage or component failure in this chain can cause uneven cooking, failed ignitions, or even safety hazards such as gas leaks and uncontrolled flames.

Common tandoori‑oven problems we fix

Over time, heavy use, soot buildup, and poor maintenance turn a high‑performance tandoori into a source of frustration and downtime. Below are the issues we see most often in restaurant kitchens and how we address them.

Problem Common symptoms How we fix it
Ignition failure or pilot light out No flame, repeated clicking, oven won’t start Clean/replace thermocouple, check gas pressure, inspect burner and safety valve.
Uneven heating or hot spots Parts of food burnt, others undercooked Clean burner ports, remove ash build‑up, check gas distribution and airflow. ​
Poor heat retention or low heat Oven takes too long to preheat, loses heat fast Inspect and repair insulation or clay lining; seal cracks or gaps in the chamber. ​
Gas smell or suspected leak Odour of gas, hissing sound, safety alarms Shut down gas supply, pressure‑test lines, replace faulty seals, valves, or hoses. ​
Blocked chimney or vent Smoke backs into kitchen, slow cooking Clear soot and residue from chimney, repair or replace flue sections.
Cracked or spalling inner lining White cracks, flaking clay, visible damage Patch or re‑line clay lining and advise on controlled firing to avoid thermal shock. ​
Burner or flame spread issues Yellow/orange flame, flame hitting walls Clean clogged burner ports, adjust air‑shutter settings, realign burner assembly.

Why regular servicing matters

Because tandoori ovens run at very high temperatures for long periods, small faults quickly escalate into fire risks or catastrophic failures. Regular cleaning of the burner, chimney, and interior walls, plus periodic checks of gas fittings and safety devices, keep your oven efficient and safe. Beyond repairs, we offer maintenance plans that help you avoid unexpected breakdowns during peak hours.

If your tandoori oven is not heating properly, leaking gas, or producing inconsistent results, call Cooker Repair today at 0101763173. Visit our workshop at Kangari House, Luthuli Avenue, Nairobi, or go to cookerepair.com to book a service or ask about our tandoori‑oven inspection and repair packages. We keep your kitchen running so your naan stays crisp and your tandoori stays hot.

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