Burned Out Oven Element – Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs

When your burned out oven element, the heating coil inside an electric oven that no longer produces heat. Also known as failed oven heating element, it can leave the whole oven dead.

The burned out oven element usually means the electric oven, a kitchen appliance that uses electric heating elements to bake food can’t do its job. Most homeowners notice a drop in temperature, longer cooking times, or an error code on the display. This failure is a type of oven element, any heating component inside an oven, including bake and grill elements that has burnt out due to age, voltage spikes, or continuous short‑on cycles. Burned out oven element prevents the oven from reaching the set temperature, which in turn spoils recipes and wastes energy.

Fixing a burnt coil isn’t just about swapping a part; it links to oven repair cost, the total price you pay for parts, labour and any service call fees. In the UK, a typical replacement runs between £80 and £150, but the exact figure depends on the model and whether you hire a certified technician. The cost factor also ties into appliance repair, professional service that restores faulty household devices to working order, which may include diagnostics, safety checks and disposal of old parts. Replacing the element restores proper heating, and a well‑done repair can extend the oven’s life by several years.

There are three main reasons an element blows out. First, prolonged high‑heat use can weaken the metal winding. Second, power surges from the grid or faulty wiring send too much voltage through the coil. Third, a failing thermostat or control board can keep the element on longer than needed. Each of these points to a broader maintenance habit: regularly check your oven’s power supply, keep the interior clean to avoid overheating, and schedule an annual service. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of element failure.

Symptoms that signal a failing element include uneven heating, longer bake times, clicking noises from the heating circuit, and the oven never reaching the temperature you set. A quick way to confirm the fault is using a multimeter: disconnect the oven, remove the element, and test for continuity. No reading means the coil is broken and needs replacement. This simple test saves time and avoids unnecessary part orders.

If you decide to replace the part yourself, you’ll need a few tools: a screwdriver set, a multimeter, and a replacement coil that matches your oven’s make and model. Safety is non‑negotiable – always disconnect the appliance from the mains before you start. Double‑check the wiring diagram, and if any step feels unsure, call a qualified electrician or an appliance repair specialist. Trying to bypass safety checks can lead to shocks or new damage.

One common mistake homeowners make is ignoring the error codes on modern ovens. Many digital panels will display a specific fault number that points directly to the heating element. Consulting the user manual or the manufacturer’s support site can save you time and prevent unnecessary part orders. Also, avoid using the self‑clean function too frequently; the extreme heat can accelerate element wear.

Knowing when to replace versus when to retire the oven is another key decision. If your oven is over a decade old, the cumulative wear on other components might make replacement more economical than a single element fix. However, if the rest of the appliance is in good shape, a new element can restore full functionality for a fraction of the price of a new oven. The environmental impact of swapping a single part is far lower than discarding the entire appliance.

Professional technicians typically start with a visual inspection, run a diagnostic scan, and test the element with a multimeter. They also check the wiring, thermostat, and control board for any related faults. After confirming the element is dead, they install the new part, re‑assemble the oven, and run a test cycle to ensure everything works safely. This thorough approach guarantees the repair lasts.

What to Expect Next

Below you’ll find articles that walk through troubleshooting steps, cost breakdowns, DIY safety tips, and professional service advice. Whether you’re looking to test the coil yourself or decide if a call‑out is worth it, the collection covers the whole spectrum of dealing with a burned out oven element.