How to Replace an Oven Heating Element

inside of oven
  • 2-4 hours
  • Advanced
  • 250-350
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Replacement heating element
Safety gloves
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Replacement heating element
Safety gloves

Replacing your oven heating element is something that you should not often have to do. In fact, the heating element is a tough old thing and rarely needs to be replaced before the rest of the oven breaks down. However, if you have an oven heating element that does need replacing, for example if it has developed a fault, don't worry. Replacing your oven heating element is not that difficult to do. Of course, you could have someone come into your home and do the work for you, but if you are reasonably competent with a screwdriver, you should have absolutely no problem in changing the heating element yourself.

Step 1 – Warm the Oven

You will have to take out the heating element. If the element is too cold, it will not be able to be removed correctly and may shatter in your hands. Your oven should be lightly warmed, and then when the element reaches skin temperature, turn off the oven, and proceed with the removal.

Step 2 – Turn off the power to the

Oven

Once your oven has slightly warmed to ensure safety in dealing with the heating element, you'll want to make sure that the electrical current supply to your oven is turned off. You can quickly do this by switching off the circuit breaker in the breaker box that supplies power to your oven. This is not necessarily the one that powers the rest of the kitchen, so make sure that the power is dead before you proceed. You should also disconnect the power plug, just as an additional precaution, or remove the power connection from the oven itself.

Step 3 – Remove the Heating Element

Use safety gloves at this point in order to safeguard your hands. Remove the screws that are connecting the heating element to the oven - these should be fairly obvious - and then gently pull out the element until you can see the electrical wiring. You should then unplug the heating element and take it away from the oven.

Step 4 – Replace the Heating Element

Once that is completed, you will have to add your new heating element. You should have purchased the element with the correct manufacturer's number, as named in the oven's manual. (Most local stores that sell ovens will be able to provide a new heating element should you need one.) Place the new element into the oven, and plug the electrical cables' quick connectors into the lugs on your element. Then place the element inside the oven, and screw it into position, using the same screws as were previously installed.

Step 5 – Finish the Job

Before you finish the project you will have to check that the oven and the heating element are still working correctly. Plug the oven back into the wall, and turn the circuit breaker back ON. You should then warm the oven, leaving the door open so that you can see the element heating up. The element should glow red hot while the heat is increasing. Once the element is warm, turn off the oven until you need it.