When they stop heating, the solution is usually to replace the heating element.

The baking element usually has metal feet and simply rests on the oven floor.

Behind the plate, two metal prongs connect to two wires inside the oven.

Baking coil in electric oven being replaced by hand

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The wires typically have female spade connectors that slide onto the element’s prongs.

The design is simple and easy for a homeowner to replace.

you could buy a replacement oven element through the oven manufacturer or through online appliance parts retailers.

Electric oven plug being disconnected from wall outlet

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Unplug the appliance at the wall outlet.

It will be a double-pole breaker, typically labeled for 30, 40, or 50 amps.

You must test the wires to confirm the power is off before touching them.

Materials and tools to replace a baking coil in an electric oven

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Need more help?

pop launch the oven door and remove all of the oven racks.

Locate the mounting plate or bracket at the rear of the faulty bake element.

Heating mounting plate bracket being unscrewed with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Remove the screws securing the plate to the oven wall, using a screwdriver or nut driver.

Tip

Some elements connect to the oven in two places.

There should be no voltage present.

Non-contact voltage tester checking the electrical current after pulling out heating element

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If the tester detects any voltage, you have not shut off the correct breaker.

Return to the electrical service panel to turn off the correct breaker, then test the oven wires again.

Disconnect the Heating Element

Carefully disconnect each spade wire connector from the heating element.

Heating element disconnected with needle-nose pliers pulling out the metal connector

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

confirm each wire cannot slip back into the oven housing before releasing your hold on it.

If necessary, temporarily tape the wires to the oven wall with electrical tape or masking tape.

Remove the old heating element from the oven.

New heating element installed by sliding wire connectors into the element probes

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

check that the screws are firmly anchored.

Plug the oven into the wall outlet or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power to the oven.

Turn the oven to BAKE to check the new element for proper operation.

Mounting plate reattached to back of oven wall with mounting screws

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

It should glow with a consistent bright-orange color while heating.

If you removed the bottom drawer, slide it back into place.

Return the oven racks to the oven.