Why Your Stove Doesn’t Get as Hot as You Expect — A Safety Feature Explained

If you've recently moved into one of our units and are finding that the electric stove doesn't get (or stay) as hot as you're used to, you're not alone—and there's a good reason for it.

Most of the electric stoves in our buildings are equipped with a safety feature called Sensi-Temp technology, which became standard on coil-top stoves starting in 2018. While this feature can take some getting used to—especially for those who cook traditional meals that require high heat—it’s an important part of modern fire safety.

What is Sensi-Temp?

Sensi-Temp coils are designed to automatically limit the temperature of the burner surface. When the burner reaches a certain high temperature (usually around 450°F), the coil cycles off and on to prevent overheating. This reduces the risk of cooking oil or grease catching fire—one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in residential buildings.

Why Is It Required?

This feature is in response to the UL 858 safety standard, a widely recognized certification that appliance manufacturers follow in order to sell their products in North America. While not a law in Canada, this certification is essentially required by manufacturers to ensure their appliances meet modern safety expectations. Because of this, Sensi-Temp coils have become the industry standard and are built into most new electric coil stoves.

Can It Be Disabled?

Unfortunately, this feature cannot be disabled or removed—it’s part of the burner’s internal design. We understand this may not suit all cooking styles, but it is in place to help keep you and your home safe.

Looking for Alternatives?

If your cooking requires consistent high heat, you may want to consider using small countertop appliances such as:

• An electric pressure cooker or multi-cooker

• A convection toaster oven or air fryer

These can often achieve higher and more stable cooking temperatures without compromising fire safety.

Your safety is our top priority. If you have questions about your stove or what’s permitted in your unit, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re happy to help.