Electric Oven Element: How to Diagnose and Replace It Yourself

If your oven won’t heat, the most likely culprit is the electric oven element. It’s the metal coil that glows red and creates the heat you need for baking or roasting. A faulty element can leave you with a cold oven, burned food, or a flickering glow that never reaches full temperature. The good news? You can test and replace the element without calling a pro, and it’s cheaper than a full service call.

Common Signs Your Oven Element Is Going Bad

First, notice the symptoms. Does the oven take forever to reach the set temperature? Is the broiler only half‑hot? You might also see a burnt smell or an element that looks broken, cracked, or discolored. In some cases the element will still light up, but the temperature stays low because the coil’s resistance has changed. When you hear a clicking sound from the control board while the element stays cool, that’s another red flag.

Another quick test is the visual one. Turn off power at the breaker, remove the element (most ovens have a couple of screws and a metal bracket), and look for any gaps or broken spots. If you see a break, the element is definitely out. Even if it looks okay, a multimeter can confirm it. Set the meter to ohms, touch the probes to the element’s terminals, and you should get a reading between 20‑30 Ω for a typical 240 V oven. Anything far outside that range indicates a bad element.

Step‑by‑Step Replacement Guide

Ready to swap it out? Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Safety first. Turn off the circuit breaker for the kitchen or unplug the oven. Wait a few minutes for any residual charge to disappear.

2. Remove the old element. Open the oven door, locate the screws holding the element in place (usually at the back), and unscrew them. Gently pull the element out, disconnect the wires – they’re usually two clips or a plug.

3. Check the new part. Make sure the replacement matches the make and model. Most manufacturers label the element with wattage and voltage; it should match your old one.

4. Install the new element. Hook the wires onto the new element’s terminals, slide it back into its slot, and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

5. Test it. Turn the breaker back on, set the oven to a low temperature, and watch the element glow. If it heats up and the oven reaches the set temperature, you’re good to go.

If the new element doesn’t work, double‑check the wiring connections and make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped. Sometimes a faulty thermostat or control board can mimic element failure, so a quick glance at those components can save you a second trip.

Finally, keep the oven clean. Grease and food debris can cause the element to overheat and burn out faster. A quick wipe after each use, plus a monthly deep clean, will extend the life of your new part.

Replacing an electric oven element is one of the easiest DIY repairs you can do in the kitchen. With the right tools – a screwdriver, multimeter, and the correct replacement part – you’ll be back to baking cakes in no time, and you’ll save a few hundred rupees compared to a service call. If you ever feel stuck, remember that safety comes first. When in doubt, calling a qualified technician is always a smart move.