Bake Element Replacement

An oven heating element replacement is quick and straightforward if you have the manufacturer-approved replacement part and the appropriate tools.

What is a Bake Element?

Bake elements are used on “Electric Ovens” or “Dual-Fuel Ovens”. Your bake element is the source of heat within your oven that is used when you bake food. This oven element is on the bottom of the appliance and provides heat that cooks slowly and thoroughly. It can either be open or hidden, depending on the brand and style of oven you have.

Hidden elements are more expensive and take longer to preheat, but they are more aesthetically pleasing and give your oven more capacity. An open element will heat up faster and cost less to purchase, but you may only have room for two oven racks instead of three or four.

How to Replacement Bake Element

If you are looking to learn how to install a replacement bake element, read on. The way you replace it will depend on the type of oven you have and whether the element is open or hidden. Hidden elements can be more difficult to replace.

Before replacing your bake element, purchase a manufacturer-approved replacement part, unplug your oven from its power source, and make sure it’s cool. Take out the oven racks and unscrew the supports that hold the bake element in place.

Remove the screws securing the wires so they can also be taken out of the bake element. Next, remove the bake element from the oven and install the new unit by attaching the wires and screwing it into place. Plug the oven back in and turn it on to ensure the new component works.

If you have a hidden element, first remove the screws holding the panel in place and lift it out to expose the bake element. Then follow the same steps as listed above to remove and reinstall your new unit.

Brands of Bake Elements

there are many brands of elements available, just like there are many brands of ovens. A Frigidaire bake element replacement will work for a Frigidaire oven; a GE bake element will fit a GE oven, and so on. Since Kenmore ovens are built by other manufacturers like GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, etc., Kenmore bake elements of these brands can be interchangeable. It’s important to make sure you select the correct bake element replacement from the right brand for proper placement and function.

The replacement process for all brands will be similar, although the shape of the bake element, the number and location of screws, and the way you access the wires may be different based on the size, shape, or style of your oven.

For instance, if you need to remove the bottom panel to access a hidden bake unit, the removal process may vary by brand. The number of wires attached to your bake unit or the way it is secured may also vary by brand.

In some cases, you may see visible damage to your bake element which may indicate why it's not working. However, in other cases, your baking components may stop heating for no apparent reason.

If you find yourself in need of a bake element replacement, make sure you order a high-quality replacement part today so you can start using your oven again soon.