Why do oven elements fail?

Author: Clint Padberg  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

As the wires inside a cooker elements get hotter, they expand; when they cool, they shrink back down. This repeated expanding and shrinking can cause damage to the wire over time, meaning that your oven may eventually break for no apparent reason. Elements can also break if they overheat.

Why does my oven element keep failing?

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.

Why do elements break in ovens?

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.

Why does my oven heating element keep going out?

  • Thermal Fuse : Many ovens have a thermal fuse that cuts off power if the oven overheats. If this fuse blows, the oven will stop heating.
  • Heating Element Failure : The heating elements can wear out over time.
  • Faulty Temperature Sensor : The temperature sensor measures the oven's internal temperature.

How does an oven heating element go bad?

  • Thermal Stress: Repeated heating and cooling cycles can cause expansion and contraction, leading to metal fatigue and eventual breakage.
  • Corrosion: Over time, exposure to moisture and food particles can lead to corrosion of the heating element, weakening it and causing it to break.

Oven Won’t Heat? Bake/Broil Element Testing, Troubleshooting

What is the 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.

Why does my heating element keep going bad?

Faulty Wiring: Problems with the wiring within your furnace can cause inadequate amounts of electrical power to your heating element, causing it to burn out in. Corrosion: Corrosion on a heating element is not a serious problem at first, but can later cause small cracks which cause burn out.

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.

Why do stove elements burn out?

It could be one of two things: either the element has shorted out and needs to be replaced or the electrical connection inside the unit is overheating. Either way, this is a hazardous situation and should be fixed as soon as possible by a professional.

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 causes an oven heating element to crack?

there are a few reasons Why Oven Elements Break

Wear and Tear: These elements endure a lot of heat cycling (heating up and cooling down). After some time , the metal can fatigue and break. Accidental Damage: Did you recently clean the oven? A harsh scrubbing or a bump with a pan can sometimes damage the delicate coil.

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.

How do heating elements fail?

The resistance of the heating elements will be lower at room temperature than when hot. The resistance of the elements will increase with age, due to the reduction in cross section by oxidation, and also, due to elongation of the loops. This will result in decreased power to the furnace and ultimate failure.

How do I know if my oven thermostat or element is bad?

No heat - Your oven isn't producing any heat, it could be due to a broken thermostat and can also be caused by other problems, such as a faulty heating element. Temperature Extremes - Your oven temperature abruptly and unexpectedly increases or dips causing inconsistent cooking and baking.

Can you fix a broken oven heating element?

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.

Why does my oven element keep going out?

Your oven element may keep blowing due to factors like a faulty heating element, loose or burnt connections, a malfunctioning thermostat, issues with the control board, incorrect power supply, or general wear and tear from overuse. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of faulty parts can help prevent this issue.

Do oven elements get weak?

The element in an oven is responsible for generating the heat necessary for cooking. It is typically located at the bottom or top of the oven and consists of a metal coil that heats up when electricity passes through it. Over time, this coil can wear out or become damaged, resulting in a faulty heating element.

What causes an element to burn?

Voltage Issues

If there's a surge or if the element receives higher voltage than intended, it can cause it to overheat and burn out. It's essential to ensure that the heater is connected to the correct voltage supply.

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 you 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 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.

What is the best test for checking if a heating element is faulty?

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 oven heating elements go bad?

The most apparent signs the heating element is broken are visible damages. Take time to check your oven and remove the heating element to inspect it thoroughly. While you're at it, be on the lookout for burns, blistering, or cracks. If you notice one or some of these signs, it's time to have it replaced.

How do you fix a burnt heating element?

Unfortunately, similarly to a lightbulb, there is no way to repair a burnt oven element. Luckily we do have a fantastic selection of replacement oven elements to get your cooker back up and running in no time.

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