How to Change the Burners in Electric Ranges

The electric range in your kitchen is probably one of the most often-used appliances in the home. Over time, the burners on the electric range will begin to fail--often at the most inconvenient time. You can change the burners in electric ranges yourself--rather than calling a repair person-- and save money. Electric ranges come in two basic styles: the standard coil-type burner range and the smooth-top electric range with the burners below the cooking surface.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Helper
• Needle nose pliers

Instructions

Smooth Top Ranges

1. Unplug the electric range power cord from the wall outlet. Open the oven door and locate the two screws under the lip of the maintop that secure the maintop to the range unit. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws.

2. Grab the lip of the maintop and raise the main top. Some models have a support bar that is under the side of the maintop. Lower the support bar to hold the maintop open while you are changing the burners in the electric range. If you do not have a support rod, have a helper hold the maintop open while you are working on the burner.

3. Tag the wires on the defective burner with a piece of masking tape labeled with a pencil where the wire connects. Disconnect the wires from the terminal ends of the burner.

4. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the element support bar. The element support bar is a solid bar that connects to both sides of the maintop and usually is over two of the elements. The elements are held in place on the support bar using two spring loaded clips.

5. Squeeze the tab on the spring mounting clip to release the burner from the support bar with a pair of needle nose pliers. Pull the burner out of the electric range maintop. Take the burner with you to an appliance repair facility to purchase a new one.

6. Set the new burner next to the old element. Remove the screws that secure the spring clips to the old burner. Install the spring clips on the new burner, making sure that you place them on the correct corresponding hole from the old burner.

7. Slide the new burner into position between the maintop and the support bracket. Slide the wires over the burner terminals and remove the masking tape label from the wires. Connect the spring clips to the support bar by sliding them into position until they snap in place.

8. Secure the support bar to the sides of the maintop frame using the retaining screws. Lower the maintop and secure it to the range using the two retaining screws under the front lip. Close the oven door and plug the electric range back into the wall outlet.

Standard Coil

1. Disconnect the electric range from the wall outlet. Lift the side of the coil burner that is opposite from the terminal block 1 inch and then pull the burner out.

2. Take the burner with you to an appliance repair store or a major big box hardware store to purchase a replacement. Make sure the new burner matches the old one exactly.

3. Set the terminal ends of the new burner inside the terminal block and push the burner element in until you can lay it flush in the drip pan. Plug the electric range power cord back into the wall outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect appliances from their power source before attempting repairs.

References

• Range Service Manual