Oven Heating Element – What’s Wrong and How to Fix It

If your oven heats up unevenly, takes forever to bake, or just won’t get hot at all, the heating element is probably the culprit. It’s the metal coil at the bottom (or top) of most electric ovens that turns electricity into heat. When it fails, you can waste time, energy, and money on meals that never finish. Below you’ll find the tell‑tale signs, easy tests, and quick fixes you can try before you call a certified gas engineer.

Common Signs Your Oven Element Is Failing

First, notice how the oven behaves when you set a temperature. If the display shows the right number but the oven stays cool, that’s a red flag. Other clues include:

• Hot spots – one part of the oven is scorching while the rest stays lukewarm.
• Strange noises – a buzzing or clicking sound when the element powers up.
• Visible damage – black spots, cracks, or a worn‑out coating on the coil.
• Repeated tripping of the circuit breaker when you try to bake.

When you see any of these, stop using the oven. A faulty element can overheat and become a fire risk.

DIY Checks and Simple Fixes

Before you dismantle anything, make sure the oven is unplugged or the mains switch is off. Safety first.

1. Visual inspection: Open the oven door, remove any racks, and look at the element. If you spot a broken coil or scorch marks, it needs replacing.

2. Continuity test: Grab a multimeter, set it to the resistance (ohms) setting, and touch the probes to the element’s terminals. A healthy element reads between 10‑30 Ω. An infinite reading means the coil is open – it’s dead.

3. Swap the element: Some ovens have two elements (top and bottom). If one works and the other doesn’t, you can swap them to confirm the bad one.

If the test shows a problem, you’ll need a replacement element that matches your oven’s make and model. They’re cheap enough – usually under £30 – and most stores carry them.

To replace:

1. Remove the oven’s back panel or access door.
2. Unscrew the faulty element’s mounting brackets.
3. Detach the wiring connector (note its orientation).
4. Mount the new element, reconnect the wires, and secure the brackets.
5. Replace the back panel, plug the oven back in, and run a short test cycle.

If the oven still won’t heat after a new element, the problem might be the thermostat, wiring, or control board – tasks best left to a registered gas engineer.

Remember, working with electricity can be dangerous. If you’re ever unsure, give a qualified professional a call. They’ll test the whole heating system, ensure everything complies with UK gas safety regulations, and get your oven back in action safely.

Fixing an oven heating element yourself can save you time and a few pounds, but never compromise on safety. A quick visual check, a multimeter test, and a proper replacement are often all you need to bake again without delay.