Can I replace the oven element myself?

Author: Prof. Theo Von  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Thankfully, replacing your oven's element is a simple repair to make, as you only need a screwdriver. Before we get into the steps to replace your element, it's a good idea that you make sure that the heating element actually needs to be replaced and your oven not working is not due to another faulty part.

Do you need an electrician to change an oven element?

Electric oven heating element replacement is a surprisingly simply DIY fix.

Is it hard to replace a heating element in an electric oven?

  • It shouldn't be hard. It's probably held in by clips to keep it elevated off the bottom, and it plugs into the back.
  • It could involve removing a few screws, but that won't be hard.
  • You can order the element online, or an appliance repair store near you might have one in stock.
  • Through the breaker before you start work.

Is it worth replacing an oven element?

The element is the most vital part of an electric oven. Without it, your food will remain uncooked and cold - so when your cooker element breaks, it's important to find the correct replacement quickly.

Do I need to turn off electricity to change an oven element?

Always consult your owner's manual and refer to your manufacturer's instructions before replacing an oven element. Turn off the power to the oven at the breaker box and unplug the oven. Remove the screws that secure the element to the oven with a screwdriver.

How To Replace: Electric Oven Bake Element

Can I change an oven element yourself?

As well as being one of the easiest D.I.Y appliance fixes out there, fixing your oven element yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new cooker.

How do you tell if a heating element is bad in an oven?

  1. Visible damages. The most apparent signs the heating element is broken are visible damages. ...
  2. Dirty oven. With constant use and abuse, your kitchen range becomes dirty over time. ...
  3. No longer bright orange. ...
  4. Uncooked or half-cooked food. ...
  5. An increase in the electrical bill. ...
  6. Conclusion.

Can I still use my oven if the heating element is broken?

The heating element will stop working. The sparking ceases after a few seconds. There may also be a "burning plastic" odor at this time. We recommend that you not use the oven if the bake or broil element fails.

What causes an oven element to burn out?

Due to the hot temperatures within the oven cavity, it isn't unusual for it to burn out while enduring the high temperatures.

Can I replace a heating element myself?

Replacing the oven element is a simple enough job if you consider yourself reasonably handy around the house, have the proper tools, and know where to buy the right part. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of replacing the oven element.

Why do electric oven elements fail?

The constant heating and cooling cycles cause the metal to expand and contract, eventually leading to fatigue and failure. If your oven element is several years old and used frequently, it may simply be at the end of its lifespan. Electrical problems are another common cause of oven element failure.

Is it expensive to replace a heating element in an oven?

The cost to replace a heating element in an oven is $150 to $450. A new heating element for an oven costs $15 to $100 for the part alone. Ovens have 2 heating elements, the baking coil, and the broil element.

Can I replace my electric oven myself?

Before we dive into the details, let's address a common question: "Can I install an oven myself?" The short answer is, it's possible, but there are important factors to consider: Manufacturer guidelines: Some manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty.

How do I know which oven element I need?

You can buy a replacement oven element through the oven manufacturer or through online appliance parts retailers. All you need is the appliance's model number, which should be printed on a metal plate that's located in one of several places: On the oven door jamb, at the top, sides, or bottom, when the door is open.

Can you change your own oven element?

To remove the old element, unthread the screws that hold it in place. Most ovens have a couple of clips that go over the element and are secured in place with a couple of screws. Once you've removed the screws, you need to put them somewhere safe, as you'll need them for when you install the new element.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace an oven?

The rule of thumb is that if repair costs exceed 50% of the price to install a new oven, you should buy a new oven instead of replacing it. For example, if your oven costs $2,000 but costs $1,500 to repair, you could use that $1,500 for a new and improved oven.

Is replacing an oven element easy?

Luckily, replacing your baking element is a super simple and easy process, and in this article, we'll teach you exactly how to do it safely. Read on to learn how to get your lean, mean cooking machine up and running better than ever—we're coming in hot!

Can a bad oven element trip a breaker?

The heating element is one such component that may cause the oven to short-circuit when it is broken. Due to prolonged usage of the oven, it may shatter and allow current to flow freely to the main body of the oven through the loose end. This will result in a direct short-circuit and the MCB will trip the house.

What to do if an oven element catches fire?

If the fire is inside your oven, all you have to do is to turn off the power and wait it out. If the fire is on your stove, there are a few things you can do to extinguish it. One is to clamp a pot or pan cover over it to snuff it out. Another is to smother it in a generous amount of baking soda.

Can you test an oven element without removing it?

Most ovens have 2 heating elements—one on top for the broiler and one on the bottom for the oven. You can test either element, but you must remove it from the appliance. Elements may be shaped differently from model to model, but the overall process is the same for every element.

How do I know if the thermostat has gone in my oven?

Place the multimeter on the thermostat. If the thermostat has a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible, it is working fine. However, if it has no reading at all, your oven thermostat is faulty and will need replacing.

Why does my oven element smell like its burning?

There is often a burning smell on new elements as grease is burnt off the surface, this soon clears. If the element is regularly getting red it suggests there may be a fan motor problem as the air flow should cool it a little and if it overheats it can fail again.

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