Oven Heating Element: What It Is and How to Deal With a Faulty One

If your oven isn’t heating, the heating element is the usual suspect. It’s the long, metal coil you see at the bottom (or sometimes the back) of an electric oven. When it works, you get steady, even heat. When it fails, you get cold spots, uneven cooking, or no heat at all. Below you’ll find easy ways to test, replace, and decide when to call a professional.

How to Tell Your Heating Element Is Gone

First sign: the oven won’t reach the set temperature. You may hear a faint click when you turn it on, but the temperature stays low. Second sign: visible damage. Look for black spots, bulges, or a broken coil. Third sign: a burnt smell after a few minutes of use. If any of these sound familiar, unplug the oven and move on to a quick visual inspection.

Simple Test Before You Pull It Out

Grab a multimeter (you can borrow one from a friend or buy cheap at a hardware store). Set it to the ohms (Ω) setting. Touch the two probes to the element’s terminals. A healthy element reads between 20‑40 Ω. Anything outside that range, or an infinite reading, means the element is bad. No multimeter? Try the “talk test” – turn the oven on, listen for a faint buzzing from the element. No buzz? Likely dead.

When the test confirms a fault, you have two choices: DIY replacement or call a pro. Replacing an element isn’t rocket science, but it does involve handling electricity, so safety comes first.

DIY Replacement – Step‑by‑Step

1. Turn off power. Switch off the circuit breaker for the oven – never rely on the plug alone.
2. Remove the oven door. Most doors lift off with a few screws.
3. Locate the element. It’s usually held by two metal brackets.
4. Unscrew the brackets. Keep the screws; you’ll need them later.
5. Disconnect the wiring. There’s a clip or plug – press the tab and pull gently.
6. Fit the new element. Hook the wires, re‑secure the brackets, and replace the door.

After reassembly, turn the breaker back on and run a short test cycle. If the oven heats up, you’ve saved a callout fee. If it still won’t heat, the problem might be the thermostat, wiring, or control board – time to call an expert.

When to Call Northampton Appliance Repairs

We recommend a pro if you see any of these red flags: blown fuses, repeated element failures, cracked oven glass, or if you’re not comfortable working with mains electricity. Our technicians can diagnose hidden issues, replace the element quickly, and give you a warranty for peace of mind.

Typical repair costs in Northampton range from £80‑£150 for a simple element swap, plus any part fees. Waiting for a professional might seem pricey, but it saves you from potential damage or injury.

Need a fast, reliable fix? Give us a call, book online, or drop by for a quick quote. We’re local, affordable, and we get the job done right the first time.

Remember, a well‑functioning heating element means perfectly baked cakes, crispy roasts, and no surprise cold meals. Keep an eye on it, test it early, and don’t hesitate to get help when needed.