How long do elements last in ovens?

Author: Charlotte Swift  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

How long should an oven heating element last? Oven elements, despite being relatively inexpensive, can last between five and 10 years. Obviously this depends heavily on their usage and if they are kept clean and undamaged.

What is the lifespan of an oven element?

What's the average lifespan of an oven element? 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.

How do I know if my oven element needs replacing?

Inconsistent temperature: Fluctuating or inconsistent oven temperatures during cooking can be a sign of a failing heating element. Visible damage: Look for any visible damage such as cracks, blistering, or burn marks on the heating element. No heat: If the oven isn't producing.

Why do heating elements fail in the oven?

The most common cause of an element failing is overheating. This causes the element wire to fracture. Another reason is movement. If the element is hot and is knocked violently, this can cause failure.

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 change your oven elements

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.

Can I replace an oven element myself?

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 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.

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

Common electric oven issues and repair prices
  1. Replacing the heating element: £80-£170.
  2. Thermostat replacement: £50 - £150.
  3. Fan replacement: £75 - £130.
  4. Bulb replacement: £30 - £50.

What happens when an oven element burns out?

A common reason for this is that oven element burning has occurred. Due to the hot temperatures within the oven cavity, it isn't unusual for it to burn out while enduring the high temperatures. Without a fully functioning oven element, your oven will be unable to heat up and this means your oven is useless for cooking!

Do you need an electrician to change an oven element?

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

How much should it cost to replace an oven element?

Cost to replace heating element in 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.

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

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!

How do I know if my oven element is bad?

  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.

What is the average lifespan of an oven?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a heating element?

Life cycle

Generally heating elements in a domestic appliance will be rated for between 500 and 5000 hours of use, depending on the type of product and how it is used. A thinner wire or ribbon will always have a shorter life than a thicker one at the same temperature.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old oven?

You should typically lean toward replacing a wall oven only if it's older than 10 years, or if you're otherwise unhappy with your oven's performance and feel that buying a new model makes more sense. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

Why do oven elements fail?

The metal 'spirals' that form the oven element can expand by as much as 10mm when they are fully heated. This constant expansion and retraction can play a huge part in the wear and tear of the element, and eventually lead to them being unable to function correctly.

Are there 2 heating elements in an oven?

Many electric ranges, wall ovens and countertop ovens have two heating elements, a baking element at the bottom that provides heating for most settings and a broil element at the top that generates high temps for tasks like searing meats, melting cheese and toasting breads.

How to tell if a heating element is bad?

To test the element, you must measure its resistance. Switch the multimeter settings to measure resistance and place the nodes on the two screws. A functioning heating element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. The heating element is broken if the meter reads 1 or 0.

Do I need to unplug the oven before replacing the 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 do I know if my heating element has gone 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.

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.

How much is it 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.

What would cause an oven to not heat up?

WHAT CAUSES AN OVEN NOT TO HEAT UP?
  • OVEN DOOR MIGHT NOT BE FULLY CLOSED. ...
  • HEATING ELEMENT MAY BE MALFUNCTIONING. ...
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER MAY HAVE BLOWN A FUSE. ...
  • OVEN MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. ...
  • CONTROL PANEL MAY BE LOCKED. ...
  • TEMPERATURE SENSOR MAY BE BROKEN.

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