Can you replace an oven element?

Author: Ayden Johnston  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Most oven heating elements last quite a few years, but just like any other appliance part, eventually they wear out or can break if something falls onto them. No need to panic. Thankfully, replacing your oven's element is a simple repair to make, as you only need a screwdriver.

Can I replace the oven element myself?

Yes a burned-out oven element can be replaced you of course want to make sure that it's completely disconnected from that 240 volts. It's fairly easy to replace the element look it up on YouTube and you'll see how easy it is.

Is it worth replacing the heating element in the oven?

If the person using the oven is happy with it, then YES is is worth repairing. The problem may be something very simple and easy to repair. A new heating coil for the oven will only be a small percentage of the price of a new oven. Even if it is something more, it will probably be cheaper to repair.

Do you need an electrician to change an oven element?

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

How much does it cost to replace the bake 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.

How to Replace a Lower Oven Element

How do I know if my oven element is blown?

The element has blown. There are bright spots or uneven patches on the element when the cooker is in use. The oven trips the electricity when the element is turned on but may work using another i.e. Grill.

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.

How hard is it to replace heating element in oven?

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.

What happens when an oven element burns out?

Sometime during the life of a Range or Wall Oven a failure of the oven Bake or Broil elements could occur. When an element fails it will usually "open" the electrical circuit and no further heating will take place.

How long should an oven element last?

As an estimate, most cooker elements should last for about 5 years. Of course, this is dependent on the health and overall quality of your oven; the better your oven, the longer its parts should last.

What causes oven element failure?

Common Causes of Oven Element 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. Poor connections, faulty wiring, or power surges can damage the element.

How do I know if I need a new heating element in my oven?

The most common problem with oven elements is when the oven light and fan come on but the oven element won't heat up at all. This is the classic sign that the element needs replacing.

Do you need to burn off a new oven element?

New ovens may have a pungent smell on first use. This is not a fault with the oven and is usual because factory residues may need to be cooked off the elements or hot plates. Before you use your oven for the first time you will need to 'burn off' the 'newness' smell.

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.

Are oven elements universal?

The answer in most cases is yes but only within the manufacturing company and for specific models.

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.

How much does it cost to replace a heating element in an oven?

Repairing a broken heating element will set you back $150 to $400. If the heating element has gone, your oven simply won't cook because it isn't able to heat. The most common problems with heating elements include cracking and splitting, neither of which are repairable.

How long should an oven last?

The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.

Is it worth replacing an oven element?

If you have oven issues, it's worth investigating the heating element as a potential culprit, but a broken heating element doesn't always signal the end of your oven's life. Spotting the signs of a faulty element early allows you to fix the issue with a simple replacement, saving time and money.

How to fix an oven that is not heating up?

Troubleshoot an oven that's not heating up
  1. Inspect circuit breaker. If your oven is not heating, it could be the result of a tripped circuit breaker. ...
  2. Check outlet. ...
  3. Inspect heating element (electric oven only) ...
  4. Check oven door seal. ...
  5. Locate temperature sensor. ...
  6. Examine igniter.

Why would an oven heating element break?

Heating elements endure stress from frequent use, leading to wear and tear over time. Continuous heating and cooling cycles can weaken the elements, eventually causing them to break. Solution: Regular inspections can help identify any signs of wear before they result in a complete failure.

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old oven?

Considering ovens can last 15 years (and sometimes more), it is likely a better idea to repair a 10-year-old oven, assuming the repair won't cost more than 50% of the oven's value. So, for instance, if your oven is worth $1,200 and the repair is only $400, it's a better option to complete the repair.

What is common problem of an oven?

If the oven is receiving power, various issues could be preventing it from turning on. Common electric oven problems include a broken wire; a bad control, a bake, or broil element; or the wrong amount of power coming to the unit. Common gas oven problems include a faulty gas control, igniter, or valve.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old oven?

Consider Your Oven's Age

Age of your oven is a key factor in making your repair/replace decision. When your oven is over 20 years old, you'll likely want to replace it when it needs a repair costing more than $500.

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