Replacing a cooking range heating element is a common and manageable repair if you follow the correct safety steps. This guide covers Electric Cooking Ranges (surface elements and oven bake/broil elements). Gas ranges do not use electric heating elements for cooking.
Before You Start (Safety Is Critical)
• Turn off power at the circuit breaker
• Unplug the cooking range if possible
• Allow the range to cool completely
• Wear gloves
• Prepare a screwdriver and the correct replacement element
Never work on a powered appliance.
Step 1: Identify Which Element Needs Replacement
Common symptoms of a failed element:
• Element does not heat
• Uneven heating
• Visible blisters, cracks, or burn marks
• Oven takes much longer to heat
Determine whether you are replacing:
• Surface (cooktop) element
• Oven bake element
• Oven broil element
Step 2: Replace a Surface (Cooktop) Heating Element
Coil-Type Surface Element
Make sure power is off
Lift the element slightly
Pull straight out from the socket
Inspect the terminal block for burn damage
To install the new element:
Align terminals with the socket
Push firmly until fully seated
Lower the element into place
No screws are required for most coil elements.
Step 3: Replace an Oven Bake or Broil Element
Removing the Old Element
Open the oven door
Remove oven racks
Locate the element mounting screws
Unscrew and gently pull the element forward
Stop once wires are visible
Carefully disconnect the wires
Do not let wires fall back into the oven wall.
Installing the New Element
Connect wires to the new element terminals
Ensure tight, secure connections
Push wires back carefully
Mount the element with screws
Reinstall oven racks
Step 4: Restore Power and Test
Plug the range back in
Turn the breaker on
Test the element
Expected behavior:
• Element glows evenly
• No sparks or burning smell
• Oven heats normally
If the element does not heat, turn power off and recheck connections.
Step 5: Verify Correct Operation
For surface elements:
• Test on low and high settings
For oven elements:
• Preheat oven to a set temperature
• Confirm steady heating
Minor smoke on first use is normal due to manufacturing residue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to shut off power
• Pulling wires forcefully
• Letting wires slip behind oven wall
• Installing the wrong element model
• Touching terminals with bare hands
When Replacement Will NOT Fix the Problem
If the new element still does not work, the issue may be:
• Faulty control switch
• Damaged wiring
• Defective temperature sensor
• Control board failure
These issues may require professional service.
How to Choose the Correct Replacement Element
Always match:
• Model number of the cooking range
• Element shape and size
• Terminal type
• Voltage and wattage rating
Using the wrong element can cause damage or unsafe operation.
Summary
To replace a cooking range element safely:
Turn off power completely
Identify the faulty element
Remove the old element carefully
Install the correct replacement
Restore power and test
Replacing a heating element is one of the simplest and most cost-effective cooking range repairs when done carefully and correctly.