Heating Element Replacement Cost – Quick Guide to Prices & Savings

If your electric oven or hob suddenly stops heating, the first thing you’ll wonder about is the price tag on a new heating element. The truth is, the cost can vary a lot depending on the appliance type, brand, and whether you do the swap yourself or call a technician. In this guide we’ll break down the numbers, point out hidden fees, and help you decide if a DIY fix will save you cash.

How Much Does a Heating Element Usually Cost?

For a standard electric oven, a replacement element typically runs between £30 and £80. High‑end models or those with a dual‑element design can push the price up to £120. Hob elements are a bit cheaper, often £20‑£50, because they’re smaller and simpler. You’ll also need a few extras: a basic screwdriver set (£10‑£20) and, if you don’t have a multimeter, a cheap tester (£5‑£15). Those add‑ons are one‑time investments that can be reused for future fixes.

Labour is where the bill can jump. A qualified appliance repair tech charges roughly £50‑£80 per hour, and most jobs take 30‑45 minutes. That means you’re looking at £30‑£60 for labour on top of the part price. Some companies bundle the part and labour into a flat fee, usually £80‑£150 for a full oven element replacement.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro – Which Saves More?

Doing it yourself can cut the labour cost entirely, leaving you with just the part and tools. If you’re comfortable pulling the oven off the wall, unscrewing a few bolts, and handling basic wiring, the DIY route can save you £40‑£100. The key steps are: unplug the appliance, remove the back panel, disconnect the old element, plug in the new one, and reassemble. Most manufacturers include a short wiring diagram in the user manual, and you can find a quick video tutorial on YouTube.

However, there are risks. Mistaking the wiring polarity, over‑tightening screws, or breaking a fragile glass panel can end up costing more in repairs. If you’re not sure about the wiring, it’s safer to call a professional. Also, if your oven is still under warranty, doing a DIY fix could void the coverage, meaning you lose out on a free replacement.

In practice, many homeowners choose a hybrid approach: they order the part online, try the simple steps themselves, and call a pro only if something feels off. This way you keep the labour fee low and still have a safety net.

Bottom line: expect to pay £30‑£120 for the element, £30‑£60 for labour, and a few pounds for tools if you need them. DIY can reduce the total to around £40‑£80, while a professional service will land you in the £80‑£150 range. Compare the cost against the age of your appliance – if it’s older than ten years, a new oven might be a smarter long‑term investment.

At Wells Appliance Repairs we charge a flat £90 for a standard oven element swap, part and labour included. We also offer a free pre‑check so you know exactly what you’ll pay before we start. Give us a call if you need a quick quote or want advice on whether DIY is worth the effort.