Oven Element Replacement: Signs, Testing and When to Call a Pro
If your electric oven takes forever to preheat, burns the tops of dishes while the bottoms stay pale, or only heats on broil, a failed bake or broil element is the usual suspect. These elements are the thick metal loops at the bottom and top of the oven, and they wear out over time like a light bulb. Signs the element has failed Look for a visible blister, crack or break in the coil, a spot that glows brighter than the rest, or an element that stays dark after a few minutes of heating. Sparking or a burning smell when the oven turns on is another clue. Testing and replacing it With the oven unplugged or the breaker off, the element can be checked for continuity with a multimeter. A good element shows a low resistance reading; no reading means it's open and needs replacing. Most elements unscrew from the back wall and disconnect from two terminals, but wiring that's burnt or brittle is a job for a technician. Our full guide walks through each step, the safety checks, and...