Ever turned on your oven or electric hob and got nothing but a cold surface? Most of the time the culprit is a bad heating element. It’s the part that turns electricity into heat, and when it fails, your whole appliance feels useless. The good news? You can often identify the problem and fix it without calling a pro.
Elements wear out for three simple reasons: age, wear, and moisture. After years of heating and cooling, the metal inside can develop cracks or break down. Frequent trips to high temperatures speed up that wear. If water sneaks into the element, it can short‑circuit and stop working altogether. Look for visual signs like black spots, a broken coil, or a faint smell of burnt plastic.
Another tell‑tale sign is the “click‑click” noise you hear when you turn the appliance on. That’s the thermostat or relay trying to fire the element, but the element isn’t responding. If the appliance still turns on but stays cold, you’ve likely got a dead element.
Before you start, always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Safety first. For an electric hob, remove the screw caps covering the element, pull it out, and check the connector for any corrosion. A quick wipe with a dry cloth can solve a loose contact. If the coil looks broken, replace it – a new hob element usually costs under £30 and fits in under an hour.
Oven elements follow a similar process. Open the oven, locate the element (usually at the back or bottom), and unscrew it. Test it with a multimeter: set the meter to resistance (ohms) and touch the probes to the element’s terminals. A healthy element reads between 10‑30 Ω; infinity means it’s busted and needs swapping.
Dishwashers and washing machines also have heating elements, but they’re tucked behind panels. The steps stay the same – disconnect power, access the element, test, and replace if needed. Most replacement parts are sold with step‑by‑step guides, so you don’t have to be an electrician.
If you’re unsure about testing, you can still do a quick visual inspection. A cracked or bulging element is a clear sign it won’t work. In that case, order the exact model number from the manufacturer or a trusted supplier, and install it following the instructions.
When the element is fixed, give the appliance a short run‑through. Turn the oven to 180 °C for 10 minutes or the hob to high for a few minutes. If you feel heat and the device functions normally, you’ve saved yourself a service call and a few hundred pounds.
Remember, regular maintenance can prolong element life. Keep moisture away, avoid slamming doors on hot surfaces, and clean off any food debris that could cause overheating. A quick annual check of your appliance’s heating parts can catch a failing element before it leaves you in the cold.
So next time your kitchen gear goes cold, don’t panic. Check the element, test it, and replace if needed. With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll have heat back in minutes – and keep your wallet happy.
A failing water heater element can leave you in the chilly lurch just when you need a warm shower. Learn how to diagnose the problem with simple, straightforward steps. This guide covers common symptoms, testing methods, and practical tips for handling a faulty element. We'll explain what's involved and offer insights for DIY repair or knowing when to call a professional.
Discover the workings of a hob, a crucial kitchen fixture that often gets overlooked until it malfunctions. Learn the common issues that can affect its performance and get handy tips on basic repairs and maintenance. Whether you're dealing with burner problems or electrical faults, this guide provides practical advice to keep your hob in top shape. Understand the typical lifespan of these appliances and how to extend it through regular care.
Is your heat pump not blowing warm air? Here’s what causes it and how you can troubleshoot the issue. Easy fixes and tips for a cozy home.
Deciding whether to repair an electric oven after five years can be tricky, especially with advancing technology and evolving household needs. This article explores the practical aspects of oven repair, including cost-benefit analyses, common issues, and DIY tips to help inform your decision. By understanding key factors like repair costs versus replacement options, you can make an informed choice. Learn how to assess the condition of your oven and get tips on when professional help might be needed.
Discover who to call when your bathroom extractor fan starts acting up. This article explores whether to hire a professional electrician or tackle it yourself, highlighting common issues and maintenance tips. You'll also learn why keeping your fan in top shape matters more than you might think.
If your cooker suddenly stopped working, it might be due to a range of reasons from electrical issues to simple user errors. Understanding the root cause is key to fixing the problem efficiently. In this article, we explore common reasons why cookers fail and offer practical troubleshooting tips to get your appliance working again. From checking the power supply to examining electrical components, we cover it all. Get your cooker back up and running with our straightforward guide.