Learn how to tell if your oven element is broken by checking for visible damage, testing if it glows, using a multimeter, and recognizing warning signs like burning smells or uneven heating. A simple fix can save you hundreds.
Oven Heating Element: What It Is and How to Fix a Cold Oven
If your oven won’t heat up, the first thing to suspect is the heating element. It’s the metal coil or rod that turns electricity into heat, and when it fails your meals stay raw. The good news? Most elements are cheap, and swapping them is a job many homeowners can do in an afternoon.
Signs Your Oven Heating Element Is Gone Bad
Before you open the door, look for these clues:
- No heat at all – the oven lights up but stays cool.
- Spotty heating – you get hot spots or uneven browning.
- Visible damage – a burnt, cracked or broken coil.
- Strange smells – a burnt odor when you turn the oven on.
If any of these sound familiar, the element is probably the culprit.
DIY Test and Replacement Steps
Grab a multimeter, a screwdriver, and the replacement element that matches your oven model. Safety first: unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Access the element. Most ovens have a front panel or a rear cover you can unscrew. Remove the screws and set the panel aside.
- Disconnect the wires. Take a picture of the wiring, then pull the connectors off the element terminals.
- Test for continuity. Set the multimeter to the Ohm setting. Touch the probes to the element’s terminals – a reading between 10‑30 Ω means it’s good. An infinite reading (no continuity) means it’s busted.
- Swap it out. Slide the new element into place, re‑attach the wires, and secure the panel.
- Power up and check. Restore electricity and run the oven on a low setting. You should feel heat within a few minutes.
If the oven still stays cold, the fault might be the thermostat, wiring, or the control board – time to call a professional.
Quick tips to keep your new element happy:
- Never use metal utensils on the bottom of the oven – they can nick the element.
- Keep the oven clean; grease buildup can overheat the coil.
- Avoid slamming the oven door; sudden temperature changes stress the element.
Replacing an oven heating element is one of the easiest DIY repairs you can do. It saves you a call-out fee and gets your kitchen back in action faster. Still feel unsure? A local South Shields appliance repair tech can pop over, check the element, and confirm everything’s wired correctly – no fuss, no guesswork.
Remember, a working heating element means perfectly baked cakes, crispy roasts, and warm leftovers. Keep an eye on the signs, test before you replace, and enjoy a reliable oven for years to come.
Wondering how much it costs to replace the heating element in your electric oven? This article breaks down parts, labor, and what really goes into the total price. Learn how to spot a bad heating element, decide if DIY makes sense for you, and find tips to save money on repairs. You'll also get expert advice on when it’s worth fixing your oven or just moving on. Stay ahead with straightforward info to avoid getting burned by high repair bills.