How to Replace an Oven Heating Element
An oven that won't heat or heats unevenly usually has a burned-out heating element. Replace it yourself in 30-45 minutes with a screwdriver — it's one of the simplest appliance repairs.
Repair & Refinish Team
Published November 25, 2025 · Updated February 28, 2026
What You'll Need
- Screwdriver (Phillips)
- Nut driver (1/4")
- Multimeter (for testing)
- Work gloves
- Replacement heating element (bake or broil, model-specific)
- High-temperature wire connectors (if needed)
Cost Estimate
Budget
$15
Mid-Range
$30
Premium
$50
An appliance tech charges $150-$300 for element replacement. The element itself costs $15-$50.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Turn Off Power to the Oven
Step 1 of 6Turn off the oven breaker at the electrical panel. Electric ovens run on 240V — this is not something to work on with the power on. Verify the oven is off by trying to turn it on. If it has a clock display, it should be blank. For wall ovens, you may need to locate the correct breaker (sometimes labeled "Range" or "Oven" on the panel).
Electric ovens use 240 volts — enough to kill. ALWAYS turn off the breaker before touching any element or wiring inside the oven.
Access the Heating Element
Step 2 of 6For the bake element (bottom), open the oven door and remove the racks. The element is usually held to the back wall of the oven by two mounting screws. For the broil element (top), it's mounted similarly at the top of the oven. Unscrew the mounting screws (usually Phillips or 1/4" hex) and gently pull the element forward 4-6 inches. You'll see the wire connectors on the back end.
Disconnect the Wires
Step 3 of 6The element has two metal terminals on the back end, each connected to a wire with a slip-on connector (spade connector). Note which wire goes to which terminal — take a photo. Pull each wire connector straight off the terminal (don't pull on the wire itself, grip the connector). If the connectors are corroded or damaged, they'll need replacement (available at hardware stores).
Test the Old Element (Optional)
Step 4 of 6Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting. Touch one probe to each terminal on the old element. A working bake element typically reads 20-50 ohms. If the meter reads infinity (OL) or zero, the element is bad. You can also visually inspect for breaks, blisters, or burn marks — any of these confirm failure.
Install the New Element
Step 5 of 6Feed the terminals of the new element through the holes in the back of the oven wall. Push the wire connectors firmly onto the new element's terminals. Make sure they're fully seated and secure — a loose connection causes arcing and burn damage. Align the element in the mounting bracket holes and install the mounting screws. The element should sit flat in the oven without touching the sides.
Test the New Element
Step 6 of 6Replace the oven racks. Restore power at the breaker. Set the oven to 350°F and wait. The new element should begin to glow evenly red/orange within 3-5 minutes. Let the oven fully preheat and verify the temperature with an oven thermometer. Check that the element glows evenly — any cold spots indicate a defective replacement. The repair is complete.
New elements may produce a slight odor or light smoke on their first use as manufacturing oils burn off. This is normal and dissipates in 15-20 minutes.
Recommended Products
Direct replacement bake element for GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore ovens. 18.5" x 15.5". 2585W at 240V. The most common oven element in American households.
Stainless steel oven thermometer that hangs from the rack or stands upright. Verify your oven heats to the correct temperature after element replacement. Essential calibration tool.
Test heating elements for continuity before and after replacement. Also useful for diagnosing other appliance issues. Auto-ranging, affordable, and essential for DIY repairs.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a small commission when you buy through our links at no extra cost to you.
Tips & Warnings
- Order the element by your oven's model number for an exact match. Model numbers are on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the oven.
- If both the bake and broil elements fail within a short period, the problem might be the oven control board rather than the elements. A multimeter can help diagnose this.
- Keep a spare bake element on hand. They're cheap ($15-$25) and fail unpredictably — having one means your oven is back in service the same day.
- If wire connectors are corroded or damaged, replace them with high-temperature connectors rated for oven use.
- Always disconnect power at the breaker before working inside an oven. 240V is lethal.
- Let the oven cool completely before removing an element. Elements retain heat for 30+ minutes after the oven is turned off.
- Do not force wire connectors onto terminals. If they don't slip on easily, the connector size may be wrong. Forcing creates a loose connection that arcs and burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
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