Oven Element: How to Spot a Fault, Replace It, and Save Money

If your oven takes forever to heat up or never gets hot enough, the heating element is probably the culprit. A bad element not only ruins dinner plans but can also raise your electricity bill. The good news? Swapping the part is a job most DIY‑savvy homeowners can handle in under an hour, and knowing the basics helps you decide when to call a professional.

Common Signs Your Oven Element Is Failing

Before you open the door, look for these red flags:

• Cold spots. The oven lights up, but the temperature stays low or climbs very slowly.
• Uneven cooking. Cakes rise on one side, cookies burn on the other – a sign the heat isn’t spreading evenly.
• Element visual check. Turn the oven off, let it cool, and look inside. A broken or burnt‑out coil will have dark spots, cracks, or a broken wire.
• Tripped breaker. If the oven causes the circuit breaker to pop each time you bake, the element may be short‑circuiting.
• Error codes. Modern ovens show a ‘E‑7’ or similar code for heating issues – check the manual to confirm it points to the element.

Spotting one or more of these clues means it’s time to pull the element out and either test it with a multimeter or replace it outright.

Step‑by‑Step Oven Element Replacement

Here’s a quick, no‑nonsense guide that gets you from a cold oven to a hot one in about 45 minutes.

1. Gather tools. You’ll need a screwdriver (usually Phillips), a multimeter (optional but handy), and a replacement element that matches your oven model.
2. Safety first. Switch off the oven at the wall, then unplug it. If you can’t reach the plug, turn off the dedicated circuit breaker.
3. Access the element. Open the oven door and locate the screws holding the element in place – they’re typically on the back or sides. Remove the screws and gently pull the element out.
4. Test the element. If you have a multimeter, set it to continuity mode. Touch the probes to the element’s terminals; a steady beep means the element is still good. No beep? Replace it.
5. Swap in the new part. Align the new element with the mounting holes, re‑insert the screws, and reconnect any wiring clips. Make sure the connection is snug – loose wires cause the same heating problems.
6. Re‑power and test. Plug the oven back in, turn the breaker on, and run a quick 200°C (400°F) bake for 10 minutes. The oven should heat up quickly and stay steady.

If the oven still won’t heat, the issue may be a faulty thermostat, a broken wiring harness, or a deeper electrical fault. In those cases, calling a qualified repair service like Bognor Regis Appliance Repair Experts is the safest move.

Replacing an oven element usually costs between £30 and £80 for the part, plus a modest labour fee if you hire someone. Doing it yourself saves the labour cost and gives you the satisfaction of fixing the problem yourself.

Remember, the key to a long‑lasting oven is regular maintenance. Keep the interior clean, avoid spilling sugary liquids that can scorch the element, and give the oven a quick visual check every few months. A well‑maintained oven will keep its element healthy for years.

Got more oven questions? Our team in Bognor Regis is ready to help with fast, reliable service. Whether you need a second opinion, a professional replacement, or a quick safety check, we’ve got you covered.