Oven Heating Element Replacement Guide: Step-by-Step

A failed bake or broil element is one of the most common oven repairs — and one of the most DIY-friendly. Replacement elements are inexpensive and the job typically takes 15–30 minutes with basic tools. Here's a complete step-by-step guide.

Signs Your Heating Element Needs Replacement

• Visible cracks, blisters, or burn marks on the element
• The element doesn't glow red when the oven is on
• The element glows unevenly or only partially
• Oven not heating up or heating very slowly
• Food consistently undercooked on the bottom (bake element) or top (broil element)
• Sparks or arcing from the element

Before You Start: Safety First

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the oven before doing any work — not just the oven controls
• Let the oven cool completely
• Confirm power is off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wires
• Take photos of the wiring connections before disconnecting anything

What You'll Need

• Replacement heating element (model-specific — search your oven model number + "bake element" or "broil element")
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Nut driver or socket set (1/4" typically)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Non-contact voltage tester

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Bake Element

Step 1: Turn Off Power

Turn off the circuit breaker for the oven. Verify power is off with a voltage tester. Do not skip this step.

Step 2: Remove the Oven Racks

Pull out all oven racks to give yourself clear access to the element.

Step 3: Locate the Element Mounting Screws

The bake element sits at the bottom of the oven and is held in place by 2 screws at the back of the oven cavity. Remove these screws with a Phillips screwdriver or nut driver.

Step 4: Pull the Element Forward

Gently pull the element toward you — it will slide forward on its mounting bracket, exposing the wire connections at the back. Pull it forward enough to access the wires (usually 4–6 inches).

Step 5: Disconnect the Wires

Take a photo of the wire connections first. The element has two wire connectors — pull each one off with needle-nose pliers. They pull straight off — don't twist. If the wires try to retract into the oven wall, grip them with pliers to hold them in place.

Step 6: Remove the Old Element

With the wires disconnected, remove the old element from the oven.

Step 7: Connect the New Element

Connect the wire terminals to the new element — they push straight on. Make sure they're fully seated and secure.

Step 8: Slide the Element Back

Carefully feed the wires back into the oven wall as you slide the element back into position. Align the mounting holes and reinstall the screws.

Step 9: Restore Power and Test

Replace the oven racks, restore power at the circuit breaker, and set the oven to Bake at 350°F. The new element should begin glowing uniformly red within a few minutes.

Verify Temperature After Replacement

After replacing the element, verify the oven is reaching the correct temperature with an oven thermometer. The Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer 50–300°C/100–600°F (amzn.to/3Pxbeir) is battery-free and reads accurately across the full cooking range — essential for confirming the repair was successful.

Replacing the Broil Element

The process for the broil element (top of the oven) is identical — locate the mounting screws, pull forward, disconnect wires, connect new element, reinstall. The broil element is typically held by 2–4 screws at the top of the oven cavity.

When to Call a Technician

• If you're not comfortable working with electrical components
• If the wiring shows signs of damage beyond the element
• If the oven still doesn't heat after element replacement (may indicate a control board or sensor issue)
• For gas ovens — gas component repairs should be done by a qualified technician

Keep Your Oven Clean to Extend Element Life

Grease and food buildup on the heating element accelerates wear and can cause premature failure. Clean the oven regularly with the Weiman Glass & Ceramic Cooktop and Oven Cleaner Kit (amzn.to/4dJutxi) to remove baked-on grease and extend the life of your heating elements.