Oven Heating Element Replacement – What You Need to Know

If your oven is taking forever to heat up or baking unevenly, the heating element is probably the culprit. Most homeowners notice it when the broiler stays cool while the bake function works, or when the oven clicks but never reaches temperature. Replacing the element can bring your oven back to life without a full replacement, saving you both time and money.

How to Tell Your Oven Needs a New Heating Element

First, look for obvious signs: a burnt or broken coil, discoloration, or a faint smell of ozone when you turn the oven on. If the oven lights up but the temperature stays low, run a quick oven thermometer test – set it to 350°F and compare the reading after 15 minutes. A difference of more than 50°F usually means the element isn’t delivering enough heat.

Second, listen for a buzzing or clicking sound that stops shortly after you start the oven. That’s the thermostat trying to tell the element to heat, but the element isn’t responding. In many cases, the element will show visible cracks or a broken connection at the terminal.

DIY Replacement: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Gather these tools: a screwdriver set, slip‑on gloves, a multimeter (optional but handy), and the correct replacement element for your oven model. Most elements are listed by part number in the user manual or can be found online by searching your oven’s make and model.

1. Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker. Safety first – you don’t want a surprise shock. 2. Remove the oven racks and locate the element. It sits behind a protective metal cover; unscrew the cover to expose the coil. 3. Disconnect the wiring harness. Press the release tab and pull the connector off the element terminals. 4. Take out the old element by loosening the mounting screws. Note how it sits so you can place the new one the same way. 5. Install the new element, tighten the screws, and reconnect the wiring harness. 6. Replace the metal cover, screw it back in, and restore power. 7. Run a quick heat test – set the oven to 350°F and check if it reaches the set temperature within 15‑20 minutes.

If the new element heats up correctly, you’re done. If not, double‑check the wiring and make sure the element is fully seated. A multimeter can confirm the element’s continuity before you install it.

Cost-wise, a standard bake element runs between £30 and £70, while premium or convection models can hit £100. Labour from a professional adds about £80‑£120, but many homeowners skip it and save the labour cost.

Common mistakes include overtightening the screws, which can crack the element, and forgetting to reconnect the safety thermostat. Both issues can cause the oven to trip a fuse or refuse to heat.

When should you call a pro? If the element is hard‑to‑reach, your oven has multiple elements (bake and broil) that share a control board, or you notice repeated tripping of the circuit breaker after replacement. A qualified technician can also test the oven’s thermostat and control board, ensuring the whole heating system works together.

To keep the new element healthy, avoid slamming heavy pots onto the oven floor and clean any spills promptly. A light coat of oven cleaner on the interior walls helps prevent buildup that can overheat the element.

Replacing an oven heating element isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of patience and the right tools. Follow the steps, watch for safety cues, and you’ll have a fully functioning oven without the expense of a brand‑new appliance.