Why does my oven only have one heating element?

Author: Luella Spinka  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

electric usually the bottom element is hidden (my understanding is to cut the number of house fires but that may be industry justification for a design change) the other thing is sockets to make heating elements replaceable are a expensive so if they hide the element they can just wire it in, and just like why your ...

Do all electric ovens have two heating elements?

Most ovens feature a lower bake element and upper broil element. Some have a third convection element located behind the oven cavity rear panel. The lower bake element is the one most commonly replaced because it's used the most.

Do all ovens have top and bottom heating elements?

Conventional ovens feature heating elements on the top and bottom of the oven cavity. Convection ovens have these elements in addition to a fan that helps circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity. This can help dishes placed on different racks bake at a similar rate.

Do both elements come on in an oven when baking?

Bake: During the bake cycle you can see that the bake element is working because of the bright orange glow it gives off. The broil element may cycle on to provide heat from the top for better cooking results.

How many heating elements are 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.

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

How do I know if my oven bake element is bad?

No Heat: The most obvious sign of a bad heating element is when your oven fails to produce any heat at all. If you set the temperature, but the oven remains cold, it is likely that the heating element needs to be replaced.

Can you bake with only the bottom element?

Bottom Heat Only

Much like the former, the bottom heat only is the opposite setting, having a single bar or line on the bottom of the square. This symbol means only the bottom part will radiate heat and is typically perfect for pastries and bakes that require a crunchy, toasty base like pizzas, casseroles and lasagne.

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.

Why do some ovens not have a bottom element but?

electric usually the bottom element is hidden (my understanding is to cut the number of house fires but that may be industry justification for a design change) the other thing is sockets to make heating elements replaceable are a expensive so if they hide the element they can just wire it in, and just like why your ...

Are bottom oven elements universal?

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

Do both heating elements work at the same time?

Only one element will come on at any one time. This is known as a flip/flop system. On a 240 volt water heater, there will always be 120 volts to both elements. The thermostat will direct the second leg of the 120-volts to the element to complete the 240 volts required to energize the element.

Is it worth replacing the heating element in the oven?

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.

What is the hidden element in the oven?

Many Electric Ranges and Wall Ovens have a Hidden Bake element. This design places the bake element under the floor of the oven were it is concealed under a non-removable porcelain enameled oven floor bottom. This eliminates hard-to-reach areas that collect food and spills and makes the oven easier to clean.

Do all ovens have 2 heating elements?

A conventional oven generally has two heating elements, one on top and one on the bottom. For most cooking (other than broiling), only the bottom element is used with the heat rising to the top. Other than the natural rising of the heat, the hot air produced by the element is essentially stationary.

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.

How many elements does my oven have?

Working of an Electric Oven

The electric oven consists of a control board, temperature sensor, broil element, and bake element.

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.

Does bake setting use both elements?

2. BAKE. The bake setting is one of the most commonly used oven controls. Baking uses dry heat at lower temperatures from the oven's top and bottom elements to slowly cook unstructured foods such as batter or dough, gently browning the surface while solidifying the interior.

Why is the bottom element in the oven not working?

First check the wires as they may have become loose or corroded. If the element appears to be fine visually, test it for continuity with a multi-meter. If the element is burned or no longer has continuity, it will need to be replaced.

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.

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.

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.

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