Oven Element Guide: What It Is and Why It Matters

If your electric oven isn’t heating, the first thing to check is the oven element. This metal coil sits inside the oven wall and turns electricity into heat. When it works, you get steady, even baking; when it fails, you’re left with cold spots or a completely dead oven.

How to Tell Your Oven Element Is Bad

Spotting a faulty element is easier than you think. Here are the common signs:

• Uneven baking – some parts of the dish are browned while others stay pale.
• Oven stays cool or only reaches low temperatures.
• Visible cracks, blisters, or a burnt smell coming from the back of the oven.
• Trip of the circuit breaker when you turn the oven on.

If you notice any of these, turn off the oven, unplug it, and open the back panel to inspect the element. A quick visual check can save you a call‑out.

DIY Troubleshooting and Replacement Steps

Fixing an oven element yourself is doable for most homeowners with basic tools. Follow these steps:

1. Safety first: Disconnect power at the breaker. Never work on a live oven.
2. Remove the oven racks and locate the element – it’s usually a long, coiled metal piece near the back wall.
3. Unscrew the mounting brackets and gently pull the element out. Keep note of where the screws go.
4. Use a multimeter set to Ω (ohms) to test continuity. No reading means the element is broken.
5. Swap in a matching replacement. Make sure the wattage and size match the original.
6. Re‑attach the brackets, restore power, and run a quick heat test.

Most replacement elements cost between £30‑£80, and the whole job usually takes under an hour. If the oven still won’t heat after a new element, the thermostat or wiring might be the culprit.

When you’re unsure, call a local professional. Northampton Appliance Repairs Services can send a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the problem quickly, and they guarantee their work.

Regular maintenance helps prevent element failures. Wipe off spills before they bake onto the element, avoid using harsh abrasives, and give the oven a quick visual check every few months.

Remember, a working oven element is key to reliable cooking. Spot the signs early, try a simple DIY swap if you feel confident, and otherwise trust the experts to keep your kitchen humming.