Screwdriver set
Use it for: Removes the mounting screws that hold the broil element and rear panel fasteners if needed.
Shop screwdriver setsOven repair
How to Replace an Oven Broil Element
To replace an oven broil element, shut off power, remove the old upper heating element from inside the oven, transfer the wires carefully, install the matching replacement, and test broil heat.
A failed broil element can leave the oven unable to brown food properly or can keep it from heating evenly. This is usually a manageable homeowner repair as long as the power is fully off and the element matches your oven.
Before you start: Match the element shape, wattage or voltage, and appliance compatibility before ordering.
Safety first
- Disconnect power before touching the broil element or its wires.
- Work only on a fully cooled oven interior.
- Wear gloves because oven cavity edges and element brackets can be sharp.
- Do not force wire terminals or continue if you find burned wiring or arcing damage.
Tools you may need
Needle nose pliers
Use it for: Helps hold wire terminals if they want to slip back through the oven wall.
Shop needle-nose pliers
Work gloves
Use it for: Protects your hands from sharp metal edges inside the oven cavity.
Shop work gloves
Flashlight
Use it for: Makes it easier to see mounting screws, wire terminals, and any heat damage.
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Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Make sure the broil element is the likely problem
- Open the oven and look at the upper heating element mounted along the top of the oven cavity.
- Check for obvious damage like blistering, cracks, burn-through spots, or sections that have separated.
- Think about the symptom: weak or no broil heat, poor browning from the top, or a visibly damaged upper element points to the broil element.
- If your oven has other problems too, such as no bake heat, no display, or tripped breakers, do not assume the broil element is the only issue.
If it works: You have a clear reason to replace the broil element, either from visible damage or a top-heat problem that fits this part.
If it doesn’t: If the element looks intact and the oven has broader power or control problems, pause here and diagnose the oven further before ordering parts.
Stop if:
- The oven shows signs of melted wiring, arcing, or burned insulation around the element connection area.
- The oven has no power at all, trips the breaker, or has multiple heating functions failing at once.
Step 2: Shut off power and prepare the oven
- Turn the oven controls off.
- Shut off power at the breaker or unplug the range if the plug is accessible.
- Confirm the oven is cool before reaching inside.
- Remove the oven racks so you have room to work under the top of the oven cavity.
- Put on gloves and set a flashlight nearby.
If it works: The oven is cool, de-energized, and clear enough to work inside safely.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot fully disconnect power, do not continue until you can.
Stop if:
- You are not sure which breaker controls the oven.
- The oven remains energized or any interior light, display, or heating function still works after shutoff.
Step 3: Remove the old broil element
- Locate the screws or brackets holding the broil element to the back or top of the oven cavity.
- Support the element with one hand while removing the mounting screws with the other.
- Pull the element gently a few inches toward you so the wire terminals come through the insulation opening.
- If the wires want to slip back, hold the terminals with needle-nose pliers while you disconnect them.
- Disconnect the wires from the element terminals one at a time without yanking on the wire itself.
If it works: The old broil element is free and the oven wires are still accessible inside the cavity.
If it doesn’t: If the element will not pull forward, check again for hidden screws or retaining clips before forcing it.
Stop if:
- A wire slips back into the oven wall and you cannot retrieve it safely.
- The wire terminals are badly burned, brittle, or too damaged to reconnect securely.
Step 4: Match and install the new element
- Set the old and new elements side by side and compare the shape, terminal layout, and mounting points.
- Attach the oven wires to the new broil element terminals firmly.
- Tuck the wires back carefully through the opening without pinching or scraping the insulation.
- Position the new element in place and reinstall the mounting screws snugly.
- Make sure the element sits level and does not touch the oven walls or any interior panels it should clear.
If it works: The new broil element is mounted securely and connected without loose or strained wires.
If it doesn’t: If the new part does not match the old one closely, stop and verify compatibility before powering the oven back on.
Stop if:
- The replacement element has different terminals, different mounting points, or does not sit correctly in the oven.
- The wire connections feel loose or the terminal ends are heat-damaged.
Step 5: Reassemble and restore power
- Reinstall any interior covers or brackets you removed.
- Slide the oven racks back into place.
- Restore power at the breaker or plug the range back in.
- Set the oven to broil and watch through the door window if possible instead of putting your face near the opening.
If it works: The oven powers back up and the broil cycle starts normally.
If it doesn’t: If the control responds but the element does not heat, shut power back off and recheck the wire connections and part fit.
Stop if:
- You see sparking, smell strong burning insulation, or hear arcing noises after power is restored.
- The breaker trips immediately when broil is selected.
Step 6: Verify the repair in real use
- Let the broil element heat for several minutes and look for an even glow along the element.
- Test with a simple cooking task that uses top heat, such as browning toast or finishing the top of a dish.
- Check that the oven reaches broil heat without unusual smells beyond a brief new-part burnoff.
- Watch for steady operation instead of cycling off immediately or heating only one section.
If it works: The oven now produces normal top heat and broils food evenly without electrical issues.
If it doesn’t: If broil still does not work or heating is uneven, the problem may be in the wiring, control, sensor, or another heating circuit and further diagnosis is the next step.
Stop if:
- The new element glows only in one small area, arcs, or shows signs of overheating.
- The oven still trips the breaker or shows repeated electrical burning smells.
Replacement Parts
Find an oven broil element on Amazon
Match the element shape, wattage or voltage, and appliance compatibility before ordering.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Verify the repair
- The new broil element matches the old one in shape and mounting layout.
- The element heats during broil without sparking or tripping the breaker.
- Top heat is strong enough to brown food normally again.
- There is no loose fit, sagging element, or damaged wire connection after testing.
FAQ
What does a bad oven broil element look like?
A failed broil element often has a visible split, blistered spot, burn mark, or a section that looks broken. Sometimes it fails without obvious damage, but visible burn-through is a strong clue.
Can I replace an oven broil element myself?
Usually yes, if you can safely disconnect power and the wire terminals are still in good shape. The job is often straightforward, but stop if you find burned wiring or cannot fully shut the oven off.
Why do I need to match the element shape and rating?
The replacement has to mount correctly and heat the way the oven was designed to. A part with the wrong shape, terminal layout, or electrical rating may not fit or may not work safely.
What if the new broil element still does not heat?
Recheck the wire connections and confirm the replacement is the correct part. If the part is correct and connected properly, the problem may be elsewhere in the oven's heating or control system.
Is a slight smell normal after replacement?
A brief light burnoff smell can happen on a new heating element during the first heat cycle. Strong electrical burning smells, smoke, or sparking are not normal and mean you should shut power off right away.