How to change oven elements: A step by step guide

Quite often, our ovens are one of the hardest working appliances in our home. So, if you are noticing that your food is taking a little longer to cook or that it is cooking unevenly, it could be a sign that some heating elements in your oven may need to be replaced. Knowing how to change an oven element is easy and can be completed in a few simple steps.

Overview:

• What is a heating element?
• Signs your oven element isn’t working
• How to change oven elements

What is a heating element?

An oven element creates heat for baking and grilling. Electric ovens typically have a baking element (located at the bottom of the oven compartment) and a grill element (located at the top of the oven compartment). Both are needed to evenly heat your oven.

Fan forced ovens have an additional element located at the rear, circling the fan. When the oven is switched on, the element heats up and the fan blows hot air into the oven and circulates it around the oven.

Signs your oven element isn’t working

• The element isn’t glowing bright orange (or only partially glowing) when fully heated
• There are signs of wear and tear such as burns or cracks
• Your food is taking longer to cook or is cooking unevenly
• The oven doesn’t reach a set temperature or takes longer to reach a set temperature

To identify which of your oven elements is not working, use the oven function selector to select each heating function in turn.

Safety first! Before you start your repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. If your appliance is hard wired, turn off the oven’s circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety when working with electrical elements.

How to change an oven element

What you will need:

• Replacement oven element. Identify the model number or part number of the element. You can buy your replacement element here at Statewide in our range of cooktop spare parts.
• Screwdriver
• Pliers

Now, lets change your oven elements in 9 easy steps:

Step 1

Disconnect your appliance from the power source and/or turn off the power to the oven at the circuit breaker box.

Step 2

Ensure your oven is cold before you start. Open the oven door – you may need to remove the door for easier access. Remove and set aside your oven racks and trays.

Step 3

Locate the oven heating element. For fan oven elements, you may need to remove the back plate that cases the oven element.

Step 4

Remove the screws that secure the element to the oven. Firmly hold the element and slide it gently as it is still connected to the wires at this point.

Pro tip: You may want to take a photo to ensure you correctly wire your new heating element.

Step 5

Using your pliers, slide the small connector clips off the element terminals to release the wires, being careful to prevent the wires retracting back into the wall of the oven.

Please note: Some models/brands may have the heating element located in the rear of the oven. In this case, you may need to remove the oven to complete the repair.

Step 6

Carefully attach the wires using pliers before installing and securing your new element. Make sure each wire is connected to the correct terminal. Screw and secure any plates or covers that were removed during the process.

Step 7

Your heating element is now fully installed. If you removed your oven door, reattach now.

Step 8

Plug your oven back in and turn on the oven. Test the oven to ensure it is working correctly. Some new elements have a factory coating so you may notice a little smoke or faint smell as your element heats up.

Step 9

Now that you’ve installed the new element, it may be a good time to give your oven a good clean with our non-caustic, low fume cleaner – highly effective at removing grease, oil and build up. Find it in our range of appliance cleaning products.

Now you know how to change oven elements, you can get back to cooking up a storm in your kitchen. With a few tools and the right kitchen appliance part, replacing the heating element in your oven is a simple and easy process. Always follow correct safety precautions and consult your owner’s manual for more information.

Shop for oven elements from Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance parts with fast, Australia wide delivery.