How the Heating Element Works

Your oven’s heating element converts electricity into radiant heat, allowing your appliance to bake or broil evenly. Most electric ovens use two elements – a bake element (bottom) and a broil element (top). When one burns out, your oven might still power on, but your food will never cook properly.

Signs of a Bad Oven Element

• Oven turns on but doesn’t heat.
• Uneven cooking or cold spots.
• Visible cracks, blisters, or dark burn marks on the element.
• Element sparks or trips the breaker.
• Broil works, but bake doesn’t – or vice versa.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to inspect the element closely.

Tools & Parts You’ll Need

• Replacement heating element (OEM preferred for exact fit)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Work gloves
• Multimeter (for continuity testing)

Safety First

Before working on your oven:

• Unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker.
• Ensure the oven is completely cool.
• Remove racks and trays for easy access.

Warning: Never attempt to remove an element while power is connected – even residual voltage can shock you.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace an Oven Heating Element

1. Access the Element

Remove the oven racks. Locate the heating element at the bottom (bake) or top (broil) of the oven cavity. You’ll see two screws or mounting brackets holding it in place.

2. Remove Mounting Screws

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws securing the element to the oven wall. Keep them safe for reinstallation.

3. Disconnect the Wires

Gently pull the element toward you to expose the electrical connectors. Carefully disconnect the wires using pliers – don’t let them slip back through the insulation holes.

4. Install the New Element

Connect the new element’s terminals to the same wires. Push the new element back into position and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

5. Test Your Work

Restore power and run the oven for 5 minutes on bake mode. The new element should glow evenly without flickering or sparks.

How to Test the Old Element (Optional)

To confirm the element was bad, perform a quick continuity test:

1. Unplug the oven and remove the element completely.
2. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohm setting.
3. Touch the probes to each terminal – a good element reads 10–30 ohms.
4. If there’s no reading, the element is open (burnt out).

OEM vs Aftermarket Elements

OEM parts are best for precision and longevity, while aftermarket elements work well for budget-friendly or older appliances.

Common Causes of Element Failure

• Prolonged overheating or high-temperature self-clean cycles.
• Loose or corroded wiring connections.
• Moisture exposure or steam buildup during baking.
• Metal fatigue from frequent use.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Element Life

• Wipe up spills immediately – baked-on grease can damage elements.
• Inspect wiring annually for discoloration or fraying.
• Avoid slamming oven doors (can weaken mounting brackets).
• Don’t run the self-clean cycle too often – it’s hard on components.

FAQs

Can I replace an oven element myself?

Yes – it’s one of the easiest appliance repairs. Most replacements take 30–45 minutes.

Do both bake and broil elements need to work?

Yes. If either fails, cooking performance suffers. Replace any element that shows cracks or dead spots.

Can I use a universal heating element?

Only if it’s listed as compatible with your specific model number.

Why did my new element burn out quickly?

Check for shorted wiring or a failing thermostat. Faulty temperature sensors can overheat the element.

Conclusion

A burnt-out oven element can ruin dinner plans – but replacing it is quick, safe, and affordable. With the right part, a screwdriver, and a few minutes, you can restore your oven to full heat without a costly service call.

Shop Oven Heating Elements at RepairPartsZone for guaranteed fit, OEM quality, and fast U.S. shipping. Need help choosing the right part? Contact our experts for assistance.