What You Need to Know Before You Start

Replacing an oven heating element is a task most people can do themselves in under an hour, but it depends on which element has failed and what kind of oven you own. The two most common elements are the bake element (at the bottom of the oven) and the broil element (at the top). Both are held in place by two screws or bolts and plug into a terminal block — the part that looks like a small electrical connector. If you can unscrew two fasteners and unplug a connector, you can do this job.

The main risk is electrical. You must turn off power to the oven at the circuit breaker before you touch anything inside. Gas ovens have an electric heating element too, so the same rule applies. If your oven is hardwired (no plug), you will need to switch off the breaker. If it plugs in, you can unplug it instead, but switching the breaker is safer.

Cost matters here. A replacement element runs between $40 and $150 depending on the brand and model. A service call to have someone else do it costs $200 to $400 on top of the part. So replacing it yourself saves real money if the element is actually the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off power at the circuit breaker before you open the oven or touch any part inside.
  • The bake element sits at the bottom of the oven cavity and the broil element at the top; both are held by two screws and plug into a terminal block.
  • You need the exact model number of your oven to order the correct replacement element, which you can find on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit.
  • The element itself costs $40 to $150, and the whole job takes 30 to 60 minutes once you have the part in hand.
  • If the element looks intact but the oven still will not heat, the problem may be the thermostat or control board, not the element itself.

Locate Your Model Number and Order the Right Part

Before you do anything, find your oven's model number. Open the oven door and look for a sticker on the inside edge of the frame or on the back wall of the oven cavity. If you do not see it there, check the back of the oven or the side wall. Write down the full model number — it usually starts with letters and includes numbers, like GE JB645RKSS or Whirlpool WFE525S0HZ.

Go to the manufacturer's website or call their parts line with this number. You can also search the model number plus "heating element" on a parts retailer site like AppliancePartsPros or PartSelect. Make sure you order the correct element — bake or broil — because they are not interchangeable. The part number will be different for each one. Order the element before you start the repair so you have it ready when you need it.

Turn Off Power and Let the Oven Cool

Go to your electrical panel and find the breaker that controls your oven. It is usually labeled "Oven" or "Range" and is often a double breaker (two switches side by side). Switch it to the OFF position. If you are not sure which breaker it is, turn off the oven at the control panel first, then flip breakers one at a time and have someone check if the oven lights go out.

Wait at least 30 minutes for the oven to cool completely. Even if it was not in use, the interior can stay hot for a long time. Touch the inside of the oven with your hand to confirm it is cool before you proceed. This step is not optional — a hot element can burn you, and working on a hot oven is dangerous.

Remove the Old Heating Element

Open the oven door and locate the element you need to replace. For the bake element, look at the bottom of the oven cavity. For the broil element, look at the top. You will see a metal tube with two mounting holes at each end. Use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to remove the two bolts or screws holding it in place. Keep these fasteners in a small container so you do not lose them — you will use them again.

Once the fasteners are out, gently pull the element toward you. It will slide out of the oven cavity. At the back end of the element, you will see a terminal block — a small connector with two or three prongs. Grip the connector itself (not the wires) and pull it straight out. Do not yank on the wires. Set the old element aside.

Install the New Heating Element

Take the new element out of its packaging. Before you install it, inspect the terminal block on the back. It should look clean and free of corrosion. If the block on the oven side looks dirty or has white or green buildup, wipe it gently with a dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaner.

Align the new element so the terminal block slides straight into the connector on the oven. Push it in firmly until you hear or feel a click. The connection should be snug. Now slide the element into the oven cavity until the mounting holes line up with the holes in the oven frame. Insert the two bolts or screws and tighten them firmly with your wrench. Do not over-tighten — snug is enough. The element should not move or rattle when you wiggle it gently.

Restore Power and Test the Oven

Go back to the electrical panel and switch the oven breaker back to the ON position. Return to the oven and close the door. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. You should hear the heating element click on and feel heat building inside the oven. If you replaced the bake element, the bottom of the oven should get hot. If you replaced the broil element, the top should get hot.

If the oven heats normally, the job is done. If it still does not heat, turn the breaker off again and check that the terminal block is fully seated. Push it in a bit harder and try again. If it still does not work after a second attempt, the problem may not be the element — it could be the thermostat, the control board, or the wiring. At that point, a service technician is your next step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to turn off the breaker. People think unplugging the oven is enough, but if it is hardwired, unplugging is not an option. Always use the breaker. Another mistake is ordering the wrong element — bake and broil elements look similar but are not the same. Check your model number twice before you order.

A third mistake is not letting the oven cool long enough. A heating element can still be hot even if the oven has been off for 10 minutes. Wait the full 30 minutes. Finally, do not force the terminal block connector. It should slide in smoothly. If it does not, check that you are pushing it straight in and that the prongs are aligned. Forcing it can damage the connector and create a fire hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the heating element is actually broken?

If the oven does not heat at all, the element is the most likely culprit. Look inside the oven — if the element is visibly cracked, blistered, or has a hole in it, it is definitely broken. If it looks intact but the oven still will not heat, the problem could be the thermostat, the control board, or a wiring issue. A service technician can test the element with a multimeter to confirm.

Can I replace the element myself if my oven is still under warranty?

Check your warranty paperwork first. Some warranties are voided if you open the oven yourself, while others allow it as long as you use genuine parts. If you are unsure, call the manufacturer's customer service line before you start. If the warranty is still active and covers the element, the manufacturer may send a technician to replace it for free.

What if the new element does not fit?

This usually means you ordered the wrong part. Double-check the model number on your oven and the part number on the element you received. If they do not match, return the element and order the correct one. Do not try to force a part that does not fit — it will not work and could damage the oven.

Is it safe to use the oven right after I replace the element?

Yes, once you have restored power and the oven heats normally during your test, it is safe to use. You may notice a slight smell or see a little smoke the first time you use it — this is normal and happens as the new element burns off manufacturing residue. Open a window and let it run for 15 minutes. If the smell or smoke continues after the first use, turn off the oven and check that the element is installed correctly.

What should I do with the old heating element?

Do not throw it in the trash. Heating elements contain metal and should be recycled. Take it to a local recycling center that accepts metal or appliance parts. Some appliance retailers will also take old parts when you buy a replacement, so ask when you order your new element.