What you need to know before you start
A heating element is a metal coil or rod that gets hot when electricity flows through it. Most ovens have two: a bake element at the bottom and a broil element at the top. When one burns out, your oven won't heat evenly or at all. Replacing one yourself is straightforward if you follow the steps in order and work safely.
The job takes about 30 minutes once you have the right part. You'll need a screwdriver, possibly a wrench, and a replacement element that matches your oven's make and model. The hardest part is usually finding the correct part number—not the replacement itself.
Before you touch anything, turn off power to the oven at the circuit breaker. This is not optional. Even though the element itself is not powered when the oven is off, you want no electricity running to the appliance while you work.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before you start, and wait a few minutes for any residual heat to dissipate from the element.
- Find your oven's model number on the nameplate inside the door frame or on the back, then order the exact replacement element for that model.
- The bake element (bottom) usually slides out from the front; the broil element (top) typically unscrews from the back of the oven cavity.
- Disconnect the old element by unbolting or unthreading it from the terminal block, then bolt or thread the new one in place using the same fasteners.
- Test the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes before cooking food to confirm the new element heats properly.
Finding the correct replacement element for your oven
The element you need depends entirely on your oven's brand and model. Ordering the wrong one wastes money and time. Open your oven door and look for a nameplate—usually a sticker or metal tag on the inside of the door frame, or sometimes on the back wall of the oven cavity. Write down the full model number.
Call the manufacturer's parts line or visit their website and enter that model number. You can also search the model number plus "replacement heating element" online. You'll see two options: a bake element (lower) and a broil element (upper). Confirm which one has failed—if the bottom of the oven won't heat, you need the bake element; if the broiler won't work, you need the broil element. Order the exact part.
Replacement elements cost between $40 and $150 depending on the brand. Some hardware stores stock common elements, but ordering online is usually faster and guarantees you get the right one.
Accessing the bake element at the bottom of the oven
The bake element sits in a slot at the bottom of the oven cavity. To reach it, open the oven door fully and look at the bottom front edge. You'll see a metal coil or rod with two bolts or screws holding it in place at the front. Some elements slide straight out; others need the bolts removed first.
If your element has bolts, use a wrench or socket to remove them. If it has screws, use a screwdriver. Once the fasteners are out, gently pull the element straight toward you. It should slide out without resistance. If it's stuck, do not force it—check that you've removed all fasteners.
Once the element is out, you'll see two wires or terminals sticking out the back. These connect to a terminal block (a small connector) mounted on the oven wall. You may need to reach behind the element to access this connection, or it may be visible from the front. Note how the wires attach before you disconnect them.
Disconnecting the old element and installing the new one
The wires attach to the terminal block with small bolts or push-on connectors. If they're bolted, use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts—usually 1/4 inch. If they're push-on connectors, pull them straight off. Keep the bolts or connectors; you'll use them again.
Slide the old element out completely and set it aside. Take the new element and insert the wires into the same terminal block. If the old connection used bolts, thread the bolts back through the wire terminals and into the block, then tighten them firmly but not so hard that you strip the threads. If it used push-on connectors, push the connectors back onto the terminals until they click or seat fully.
Now slide the new element into the slot at the bottom of the oven, aligning the front mounting holes with the bolts or screws on the oven frame. Insert and tighten the fasteners. The element should sit flat and not wobble. Do not overtighten—you only need the element snug enough that it won't move.
Accessing and replacing the broil element at the top
The broil element is usually mounted at the top rear of the oven cavity and is accessed from inside the oven. Open the oven door and look up at the top back. You'll see a metal coil or rod with bolts or screws holding it to the oven frame. Some broil elements unscrew from the back; others bolt from the front.
If the element bolts from the front, use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts. If it screws in from the back, you may need to reach behind it or remove a panel on the back of the oven to access the fasteners. Check your oven's manual or search your model number plus "broil element removal" to see which method applies.
Once the fasteners are out, the element should pull straight down or out. The wires attach to a terminal block the same way the bake element does. Disconnect the old wires, connect the new element's wires to the same terminal block using the same fasteners, then reinstall the element and tighten all bolts or screws.
Testing the new element and what to do if it doesn't work
Close the oven door and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Set the oven to 350 degrees and let it run for 15 minutes. You should see the new element glow red or orange. If it doesn't glow, turn off the power when ready and check your wire connections—they may not be seated fully on the terminal block.
If the element glows but the oven doesn't reach temperature, the element may be defective. Turn off the power, remove the element, and contact the manufacturer or the seller to arrange a replacement. If the element glows and the oven reaches temperature normally, the job is complete. You can now cook with the oven as usual.
If you smell burning plastic or see sparks, turn off the power at the breaker when ready and do not use the oven. This usually means a wire is touching the oven frame or the terminal block is damaged. Call a service technician—this is beyond a straightforward replacement.
When to call a professional instead
If you cannot find your oven's model number, call the manufacturer's customer service line with your oven's age and description. They can often identify it over the phone. If you remove the old element and the terminal block is cracked, melted, or corroded, do not attempt to install a new element—the block itself needs replacement, which requires more skill and tools.
If you turn the power back on and the circuit breaker trips when ready, there is a short circuit somewhere in the oven's wiring. Turn off the power and call a service technician. If you are uncomfortable working with electrical connections or reaching into tight spaces, a service call costs $150 to $300 but saves you the risk of injury or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the oven while waiting for the replacement element to arrive?
No. If the element has failed, the oven will not heat properly and you risk damaging food or the oven itself. Wait until the new element is installed and tested before using the oven again.
Do I need to remove the oven from the wall or cabinet to replace an element?
Usually not. The bake element is accessible from the front, and the broil element can be reached from inside the oven cavity. Only if your oven is wedged so tightly that you cannot open the door fully or reach the back should you consider moving it.
What if the new element looks different from the old one?
As long as the model number matches your oven, the shape or coil pattern may differ slightly between manufacturers or production years. The electrical specifications are what matter. If you ordered the correct part number, install it as you would the old one.
How long does a heating element usually last?
Most elements last 5 to 15 years depending on how often you use the oven and how well you maintain it. Elements fail faster if the oven is exposed to moisture or if food spills directly on them regularly.
Is it cheaper to replace the element myself or hire a technician?
Replacing it yourself costs the price of the element—$40 to $150. A service call typically costs $150 to $300 plus the element cost. If you are comfortable with basic tools and electrical connections, doing it yourself saves money.