Oven Heating Element: Signs It's Failing and How to Fix It

When your oven won't heat up or takes forever to get hot, the oven heating element, the metal coil inside the oven that generates heat when electricity passes through it. Also known as bake element, it's one of the most common parts to wear out in an electric oven. Unlike fancy electronics, this part doesn’t need software updates or complex diagnostics—it’s just a wire that gets hot, cools down, and repeats that cycle thousands of times. Over time, that constant expansion and contraction cracks the material, leading to failure.

It’s not always obvious when the oven heating element is bad. Sometimes it looks fine—no visible breaks or burns. But if your oven heats unevenly, takes longer than usual, or only works on broil but not bake, that’s your clue. The bake element, usually at the bottom, handles most of the cooking heat. The broil element, at the top, gets used less often and tends to last longer. If the broil function works but bake doesn’t, you’ve got a clear sign. You don’t need a multimeter to guess—it’s usually the bottom element. But if you’re unsure, checking both is the smart move.

Replacing the oven heating element isn’t hard if you’re comfortable unplugging your appliance and following basic safety steps. Most elements snap into place and connect with two simple terminals. The real risk isn’t the part itself—it’s forgetting to turn off the power. A live oven circuit can deliver a nasty shock. Always disconnect the breaker before you start. You can buy a replacement for under $50, and installation often takes less than an hour. If you’ve got an older oven, it’s worth fixing. New ovens cost hundreds, and a new element gives you years more life.

People often jump to replacing the whole oven when the element fails. But that’s like changing your car’s engine because the headlight burned out. The oven thermostat can also cause heating issues, but it’s less common. If the element checks out, then look at the control board or temperature sensor. Most of the time, though, it’s just the element. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably already halfway to fixing it yourself.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. From step-by-step replacement tips to how to test the element with a multimeter, you’ll see exactly what works—and what doesn’t. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, proven fixes for a broken oven that’s costing you time and money.