Quick answer
An electric oven's bake element, at the bottom, or broil element, at the top, has failed when it shows a break, a blister or bubble, or a section that stays dark while the rest glows, or when the oven heats only from one side. Turn off the breaker before touching it. Many elements are held by two screws and plug-on terminals, but hidden-element ovens need panels removed. Match the part to the model number. HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Electric ovens heat with two elements: the bake element along the bottom, or under the floor on hidden-element ovens, and the broil element at the top. Elements burn out with age and often fail with a visible mark, which makes this one of the easier oven faults to confirm.
Signs an Element Has Failed
- A break in the element, or a gap.
- A blister, bubble or burned spot on its surface.
- A section that stays dark while the rest glows red.
- Food burnt on top and raw underneath, or preheat that takes far too long.
- A spark or flash when it turned on, then no heat.
Set bake for a few minutes and look. Then try broil. If broil glows and bake does not, the bake element is the likely cause. See oven not heating.
Before You Touch It
Turn off the breaker for the range. An element carries 240 volts. Let the oven cool fully.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Replacing It
| Oven type | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Visible bake element | Two screws at the back wall; pull forward, unplug two terminals, fit the new one |
| Hidden element (smooth floor) | Remove the oven floor or rear panel; often a technician job |
| Broil element | Similar to bake, at the top |
| Wires burned at the terminals | Terminals and wire need repair too |
Match the element to the model number, found on a label on the oven frame or behind the drawer. If the new element fails quickly, or the oven still will not heat, the control relay or sensor may be at fault. See oven temperature not accurate.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310, about $200; Fixr puts oven repairs at $150–$400. See oven repair.
The Call
Call for a hidden-element oven, burned terminals, or an oven that still will not heat after a new element. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my oven element is bad?
It has a visible break, a blister or bubble, or a section that does not glow red, or the oven heats only from the top. A technician can confirm with a continuity test.
Can I replace an oven element myself?
On many ovens with a visible bake element, yes, with the breaker off: two screws and two terminals. Hidden-element ovens need panels removed and are often a technician job.
How much does it cost to replace an oven element?
HomeAdvisor puts typical oven repairs at $130–$310, about $200, and an element replacement usually sits in that range.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
Equipment
Reviewed gear for this job
Those pages carry affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, HearthDry earns from qualifying purchases; it costs you nothing extra.
Our Amazon storefront →