If your oven heats up slower than usual or won’t get hot at all, the heating element might be blown. A blown element is one of the most common reasons an electric oven stops working. The good news is you can often confirm the problem yourself before you pick up the phone.
Start by turning the oven on to a high temperature and watching the element. A healthy element will glow red and stay steady. If it stays dark, flickers, or makes a buzzing noise, it’s probably failed. Another tell‑tale sign is uneven heating – you may notice hot spots on one side of a tray while the other stays cool.
Before you open the oven, make sure it’s unplugged or the circuit breaker is switched off. Safety first. Once it’s safe, remove the element screws and pull the element out gently. Look for any visible breaks, black spots, or a melted coating. Even a tiny crack can cause the element to stop working.
If you have a multimeter, set it to the resistance (ohms) setting. Touch the probes to the two metal tabs on the element. A reading of "OL" (open loop) or a very high number means the element is broken. A normal reading usually falls between 20 and 40 ohms, depending on the model.
When the element is clearly damaged, the simplest fix is to replace it. You can buy an exact match from the oven’s manufacturer or a reputable parts store. Most ovens use a standard screw‑in element that slides into a metal bracket. Swap the old one with the new, tighten the screws, and reconnect the power.
The whole replacement can take 30‑45 minutes if you follow the steps carefully. Just make sure the new element matches the voltage and wattage of the original – using the wrong rating can cause another failure or even a fire.
If the element looks fine but the oven still won’t heat, the problem might be the thermostat, the control board, or a loose wiring connection. These parts require a bit more expertise. Trying to fix them without proper tools can be risky, especially because you’ll be working with live electricity.
At this point, calling a professional is the safest move. A qualified technician can quickly test the thermostat, inspect the wiring, and diagnose any hidden issues. Plus, most repair services offer a guarantee on parts and labor, giving you peace of mind.
When you contact a repair service, mention that you suspect a blown oven element. That helps the technician bring the right spare part and reduces your waiting time. In Northampton, many local repair companies can be on-site within a day, and they often charge a flat rate for a diagnosis plus the cost of the part.
To keep your oven running longer, clean the element regularly. Food splatter can cause hot spots and eventually burn out the element. Also, avoid using the oven for extended periods at the highest temperature unless the recipe calls for it.
In short, a blown oven element is usually easy to spot, and replacing it yourself can save a few pounds. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical parts, a professional repair will get the job done safely and quickly. Either way, you’ll have a hot oven again and can get back to cooking your favorite meals.
Wondering if your oven element is blown? This article breaks down the common signs, from cold ovens to visible damage, so you can spot problems fast. Learn why elements fail and when you need a repair or replacement. We’ll walk through quick ways to check your element at home. No fancy tools needed, just straightforward advice to save you time in the kitchen.
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