How to replace your oven’s bake element

5 Oct 2021 | Maintenance

remplacer-element-bake-four

Much like a light bulb, your oven’s bake element has a limited lifespan. Depending on your cooking habits, this component may stop working while the rest of your appliance is still in excellent condition. If you know for sure that your oven’s bake element needs to be replaced, it’s usually a very straightforward repair to handle on your own.

Before we start… If your oven no longer heats up, there may be other reasons, such as a malfunction in the electronic controls or a loose part that hasn’t been pushed all the way in after cleaning. Please proceed with a basic verification before attempting to replace the bake element on your own, and only do so if you are 100% certain that it’s necessary. Otherwise, it’s best to book an appointment with one of our technicians and avoid buying a replacement element you don’t need.

Precautions before repairing your oven

Read your user’s manual: the instructions below fit most models, but some appliances require a different approach. For example, with Samsung and LG ovens, the cooking element is accessed from the back of the appliance by cutting out a metal panel. Once the repair is finished, the cut-out panel must be screwed in place.

Before starting, unplug the appliance or turn off the matching breaker on the electrical panel.

1. Unscrew the existing oven bake element.

If the bake element is visible, this step is simple: you only need to remove two screws. Some models conceal the bake element, usually under a removable panel at the bottom of the oven (which must be removed first). Two screws are usually located at the bottom of the oven at the farthest corners of this panel; if this isn’t the case, check your user’s manual.

2. Disconnect the electrical wires.

Pull the heating element slightly towards you to expose the wires. Make a note of their exact position (or photograph them) before disconnecting them.

3. Install the new oven bake element.

Replace the used oven bake element with the new one. Reconnect the electrical wires in the same way and screw the heating element back in place. If applicable, replace the removable panel.

4. Restore the power and check if the oven is working properly.

Reconnect the appliance or flip the circuit breaker back on. Turn on the oven to check if it’s heating up. Don’t worry if you notice a little smoke coming from the element on its first use: the part is protected by a factory coating.

Where can I buy an oven bake element?

This replacement part is available at hardware stores and online. But to make sure you purchase the correct bake element right away,contact our Parts Department. Provide one of our advisors with the make, model and serial number of your appliance and they’ll go find the exact part you need in our warehouse. All you have to do is come pick it up at our store or have it delivered to your home.

Order your parts online