How to Replace an Electric Oven Baking Element

Improperly cooked food could mean a problem with the heating element.

When the lower heating element or baking element in an electric oven isn't working right, food doesn't cook properly. Whether the element is not getting hot enough, getting too hot or not turning on at all, your favorite recipes can be disasters. To repair the problem, remove the baking element and replace it with a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• New baking element

Instructions

1. Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit supplying power to the oven.

2. Remove the oven racks.

3. Remove the element mounting screws that attach the element to the back wall of the oven. Use a good screwdriver or nut driver depending on the screw heads. Be careful not to damage the screw heads.

4. Pull the element gently toward yourself into the oven cavity.

5. Remove the element terminals from the supply wires. Depending on the type of connector, you may need pliers and a screwdriver. Do not let the supply wires slide back inside the oven.

6. Discard the old element.

7. Slide the new element into the oven cavity and connect the element terminals to the supply wires.

8. Line the holes of the mounting plate up with the holes on the back of the oven cavity, tucking the wires inside the hole.

9. Attach the new element with the mounting screws using a screwdriver or a nut driver.

10. Restore power and test the new element.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the oven door, if possible, to make working in the oven cavity easier.

• Do not work on the oven's heating element without disconnecting the power.

References

• Appliance 411 Frequently Asked Questions: How Do I Replace an Oven Element?
• Appliance Aid: Changing a Basic Bake Element