What You Need to Know Before Starting

Replacing an oven heating element is a task most home cooks can do in 30 to 45 minutes with basic tools. The element is the coil or rod that glows red and produces heat—when it stops heating or heats unevenly, replacement is usually the fix. You will need to turn off power at the breaker, let the oven cool completely, and identify which element has failed: the bake element sits at the bottom of the oven cavity, and the broil element sits near the top.

The process involves removing a few bolts, disconnecting a plug or terminal, and sliding the old element out. A new element costs between $30 and $150 depending on your oven model. Before you begin, locate your oven's model number (usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back wall) so you can order the exact replacement part.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off power at the circuit breaker and wait at least one hour for the oven to cool before touching any internal parts.
  • The bake element is at the bottom of the oven; the broil element is at the top—identify which one is not heating before you start.
  • Most elements bolt to the oven wall with two bolts and connect via a terminal block or push-on connectors that pull straight out.
  • Order your replacement part using your oven's model number to may support you get the correct wattage and terminal type.
  • If the element breaks or cracks during removal, do not attempt to use it—order a new one and start over.

Gather Your Tools and Parts

You will need a socket wrench or adjustable wrench (usually 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch), a Phillips or flathead screwdriver, and a flashlight or headlamp. Have a small container or bag ready to hold the bolts so you do not lose them. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges inside the oven cavity.

Before you order a replacement element, write down your oven's model number. It is usually printed on a sticker inside the oven door frame, on the side wall, or on the back of the oven. Take a photo of the sticker with your phone. When you call the parts supplier or search online, provide both the model number and whether you need the bake element (bottom) or broil element (top). The supplier will confirm the correct part and terminal type for your model.

Turn Off Power and Cool the Oven

Go to your home's electrical panel and switch off the breaker that controls your oven. Most ovens run on a 240-volt circuit, which is usually a double breaker (two switches together). Flip it to the off position. If you are unsure which breaker is the oven, look for a label on the panel or test by turning off breakers one at a time until the oven light goes out.

After the breaker is off, set a timer for at least one hour. Even if the oven was not in use, the heating element and surrounding metal stay hot enough to burn skin for a long time. Open the oven door and let air circulate. You can test the temperature by holding your hand near the element from a safe distance—if you cannot hold your hand there comfortably for five seconds, wait longer.

Remove the Heating Element

Open the oven door fully and look inside. If you are replacing the bake element, it is the coil or rod running horizontally across the bottom. If you are replacing the broil element, it is near the top. You will see two bolts holding the element to the oven wall—one on each end. Use your wrench to loosen and remove both bolts. Place them in your container when ready so you do not lose them.

Gently pull the element toward you. It will slide out of the oven cavity. As it comes out, you will see the terminal block or connectors at the rear end. If the element has a terminal block (a plastic or ceramic piece with two or three metal prongs), it will either push onto a connector or bolt down. If it has push-on connectors (small metal sleeves), they will straightforward pull off. Do not force anything—if a connector feels stuck, wiggle it gently side to side while pulling. Once the element is free, set it aside on a heat-safe surface.

Disconnect and Connect the Terminals

Look at the terminal block or connectors on the old element. If it is a push-on connector, straightforward pull it straight off the prongs. If it is a terminal block that bolts down, use your screwdriver to loosen the bolts holding it to the oven's terminal block, then slide the old block off. Keep the bolts in your container.

Take your new element and attach the terminal block or connectors in the same way the old one was attached. If you are using push-on connectors, push them firmly onto the prongs until they click or seat fully. If you are bolting a terminal block, align it with the oven's terminal block and tighten the bolts snugly—do not over-tighten, as this can crack the ceramic block. The connection should be firm but not forced.

Slide the New Element Into Place

Carefully guide the new element into the oven cavity, feeding the terminal block or connectors through the opening first. Align the bolt holes on the element with the holes in the oven wall. Insert both bolts and tighten them with your wrench until they are snug. Do not over-tighten—you want them firm enough that the element does not move, but not so tight that you strip the threads or crack the element.

Once the element is bolted in place, close the oven door and visually inspect the element from outside to make sure it is sitting flat and centered. If it looks crooked or one end is higher than the other, open the door and adjust the bolts until it is level.

Test the New Element

Go back to your electrical panel and switch the oven breaker back on. Wait 30 seconds for the oven to power up. Set the oven to 350°F and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. Open the door and look at the element—it should glow red or orange within a few minutes. If you are testing the bake element, the bottom of the oven should feel warm. If you are testing the broil element, the top should feel hot.

If the element does not glow or heat, turn off the breaker when ready and check your terminal connections. Make sure the connectors are pushed on fully or the terminal block bolts are tight. If the connections are find and the element still does not heat, the new element may be defective—contact the supplier for a replacement. If the element glows and heats normally, you are done. Let the oven cool, then use it as usual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is touching the element or oven cavity before it has cooled completely. Even 30 minutes after turning off the oven, the metal is hot enough to cause a serious burn. Set a timer and wait the full hour.

Another mistake is ordering the wrong part. Always use your model number—do not guess based on the size or appearance of the old element. Ovens from the same manufacturer can use different elements, and using the wrong wattage or terminal type can cause the element to overheat or not work at all.

A third mistake is over-tightening the bolts. The element is made of metal and ceramic, both of which can crack if you force the bolts. Tighten until snug, then stop. If the element still moves, the bolt may not be catching the threads properly—remove it, inspect the hole, and try again.

Finally, do not attempt to repair a cracked or broken element. If the element breaks during removal or installation, discard it and order a new one. A damaged element can short out or fail suddenly during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If the oven does not reach temperature, heats unevenly, or one area of the oven is much hotter than another, the element may be failing. You can also visually inspect it—if the coil is cracked, has a hole, or is visibly damaged, it needs replacement. If the element looks fine but the oven does not heat, the problem may be the thermostat or a wiring issue, not the element itself.

Can I use my oven while waiting for the replacement part to arrive?

If only the broil element is broken, you can still use the bake element and vice versa. If the bake element is broken, you cannot use the oven for regular baking, but you can use the broil function if the broil element works. If both elements are broken, do not use the oven until both are replaced.

What if the terminal block is stuck and will not come off?

Do not force it. explore a small amount of penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the base of the block and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then try gently rocking it side to side while pulling. If it is still stuck, it may be corroded—contact a professional repair service rather than risk breaking the element or damaging the oven's internal wiring.

Do I need to replace both elements at the same time?

No. Replace only the element that is broken. However, if both elements are old and one has failed, the other may fail soon—you can replace both now or wait and replace the second one when it fails. Most elements last 5 to 10 years depending on use.

What should I do if the new element does not glow after I turn the power back on?

First, turn off the breaker and wait 10 minutes. Check that the terminal connectors are pushed on fully or the terminal block bolts are tight. If the connections are loose, tighten them and test again. If the element still does not glow, the part may be defective—contact the supplier with your order number and request a replacement.