About Electric-Range Elements

Electric range elements are what make the heat on your electric range. Usually, they are a flat spiral of ceramic that is heated using electricity. On a standard electric range, you will have four elements, two large ones and two small ones; you can use one or all four. They may take a moment to heat up, and cool down, which makes it easy to burn food if you are not used to an electric range.

Function

The electric range elements provide heat for cooking on the range. The element is activated by turning the knob. Electricity is applied to the element, which is made of ceramic. It turns red to indicate it is hot and ready to use.
You can adjust the temperature, and the element will heat or cool in conjunction with the setting you have chosen. For instance, if you choose "medium," the element will be about half as hot as it is if you choose "high." A "low" setting is cooler than medium, but it is still hot enough to burn a person's skin.

Types

There are two basic types of electric range elements.
The first is the standard raised spiral ceramic unit. This is used in 75 percent of the electric ranges sold. This element can be removed and replaced separately. Raised spiral units can be cleaned when they are cool, because food gets underneath the element. Sometimes food sticks to the element and can catch fire or smoke until it is gone.
The second type is a flat ceramic surface with embedded heating elements. This type of element cannot be removed separately; the entire range top must be replaced if need be. The entire surface of the range is flat, so if something spills on it, you can clean it up easily. If something sticks to it, you can wipe it off--of course, when the element is cooled.

Identification

Electric range elements differ from gas range elements in that they use electricity to heat the element, which is usually spiral and ceramic. The gas range uses gas jets, which are ignited and produce flame. There is no flame when using an electric range. If the range does not immediately produce a flame, it is most likely an electric range.

Considerations

Elements are attached to your electric range, and the main thing to keep in mind is that they are used to cook food. They will burn you if you touch them when they are turned on.
The drawback to an electric range is that because of the design, it takes a moment for it to heat up to cooking temperature, and then after you turn it off, it takes a while for it to cool down. This can lead to improper food preparation or heating. It really takes practice to use an electric range effectively.

Warning

The danger of an electric range is that they get very hot. You must be careful around them, especially after they are turned off. Be aware that even though the heating element is turned off, it may not be cool enough to touch.
An electric range runs on 220 volts. You must be careful of the electricity and the electrical cords; if they get frayed or damaged, they could start a fire.
If there is grease buildup on or around the plug for the element, it can short out, rendering the element unusable. This element can cause a fire, if you try to use it as well.