Screwdriver set
Use it for: Removes the mounting screws that hold the bake element to the back wall of the upper oven.
Shop screwdriver setsUpper oven heating repair
How to Replace an Upper Oven Bake Element
If the upper oven will not heat properly and the lower heating element is visibly blistered, split, or burned through, replacing the upper oven bake element is often the right fix.
This is a straightforward repair for many electric double ovens, but it does involve working near live wiring connections. Start by confirming the element is the likely failure, then swap it carefully so the wire terminals do not slip back into the oven wall.
Before you start: Match the element shape, wattage or voltage, and appliance compatibility before ordering.
Safety first
- Always shut off power at the breaker before removing the bake element or touching its terminals.
- Work only on a fully cooled oven to avoid burns.
- Wear gloves because the element brackets and oven liner edges can be sharp.
- Do not continue if you find burned wiring, loose terminals, or signs of arcing beyond the element itself.
Tools you may need
Needle nose pliers
Use it for: Helps hold and guide the wire terminals so they do not fall back behind the oven liner.
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 the element screws, terminals, and any heat damage at the rear wall.
Shop flashlightsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the bake element is the likely problem
- Make sure the oven is completely cool.
- Open the upper oven and look at the bake element on the oven floor or lower rear area of the cavity.
- Check for obvious damage like blistering, cracks, burn spots, sagging, or a section that has split open.
- If the upper oven has been turning on but not reaching temperature, notice whether the broil element still glows while the bake element does not.
If it works: You found visible damage or a strong sign that the upper oven bake element is not heating.
If it doesn’t: If the element looks normal and you are not sure it has failed, the problem may be elsewhere, such as a control, sensor, or wiring issue.
Stop if:
- You see melted insulation, scorched wiring, or damage around the rear oven wall instead of just damage on the element.
- You smell strong burnt wiring odor or see signs of arcing beyond the element itself.
Step 2: Shut off power and get the oven ready
- Turn off power to the oven at the breaker before touching any screws or wiring.
- Verify the oven display and interior light do not respond before you begin.
- Remove the upper oven racks so you have room to work.
- Put on gloves and set a flashlight nearby.
If it works: The oven is off, cool, and clear enough to reach the bake element safely.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot confidently shut off power to the oven, do not continue until power is fully disconnected.
Stop if:
- The breaker will not stay off or you cannot identify the correct breaker.
- The oven still shows signs of power after the breaker is turned off.
Step 3: Remove the old upper oven bake element
- Locate the screws that secure the bake element to the back wall of the upper oven.
- Remove those screws while supporting the element with your free hand.
- Gently pull the element a few inches toward you to expose the wire terminals behind it.
- Use needle-nose pliers if needed to hold the terminals steady, then disconnect the wires from the element.
If it works: The old bake element is free and the wire terminals are still accessible at the oven wall opening.
If it doesn’t: If the wires start slipping back, stop and carefully pull them forward before they disappear behind the liner.
Stop if:
- A terminal is badly burned, loose, or breaks apart when disconnected.
- The wires fall back into the oven wall and you cannot safely retrieve them from the front.
Step 4: Match and install the new element
- Set the old and new elements side by side and compare the shape, terminal layout, and overall size.
- Attach the wire terminals to the new upper oven bake element firmly.
- Tuck the wires back carefully without pinching them.
- Align the element with the mounting holes and reinstall the screws snugly so the element sits flat and secure.
If it works: The new element matches the old one and is mounted securely with the terminals connected.
If it doesn’t: If the new part does not match the old one closely, do not force it. Recheck compatibility before installing.
Stop if:
- The terminals are too loose to stay connected securely.
- The mounting holes or terminal ends do not line up with the original setup.
Step 5: Restore power and test for heat
- Reinstall the oven racks.
- Turn the breaker back on.
- Set the upper oven to bake at a moderate temperature and watch through the door for the first few minutes.
- Give the element time to begin heating. A new element may smoke lightly for a short time as manufacturing residue burns off.
If it works: The upper oven begins heating and the new bake element shows normal heating activity.
If it doesn’t: If the upper oven still does not heat, turn power back off and recheck the wire connections and part fit. If those are correct, another component may be causing the problem.
Stop if:
- You see sparking, hear buzzing, or smell burning insulation.
- The breaker trips when the oven starts heating.
Step 6: Make sure the repair holds in normal use
- Let the upper oven preheat fully and confirm it reaches the set temperature range in normal cooking time.
- Run it through a short real-use bake cycle to make sure heat stays steady.
- Check that the element remains firmly mounted and that there are no new burning smells beyond a brief first-use odor.
If it works: The upper oven heats normally, holds temperature, and completes a bake cycle without trouble.
If it doesn’t: If heating is still uneven or too slow after the new element is installed, the issue may be with the temperature sensor, control, or wiring rather than the element itself.
Stop if:
- The oven loses heat again quickly, trips the breaker, or shows repeated signs of electrical trouble.
Replacement Parts
Find an upper oven bake 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 upper oven preheats without error or delay.
- The new bake element heats during a bake cycle.
- The breaker stays on and there is no sparking or burning-wire smell.
- The oven holds temperature through a normal short bake.
FAQ
How do I know the upper oven bake element is bad?
Visible damage is the clearest clue. Look for blistering, cracks, a burned-through spot, or a section that has separated. Another common sign is an upper oven that will not heat properly even though the broil element still works.
Do I need to pull the whole oven out to replace the upper oven bake element?
Usually no. On many ovens, the bake element can be removed from inside the upper oven cavity by taking out the mounting screws and disconnecting the terminals from the front.
Why is there a slight smell the first time I use the new element?
A brief light odor or a little smoke can happen on first heat-up as residue burns off the new part. That should fade quickly. Stop if you smell burning insulation or see sparking.
What if the wires slip back into the wall?
That turns a simple front-access repair into a harder one. If you cannot safely retrieve the wires from the front opening, stop and get help before damaging the oven liner or wiring.
What if the new bake element does not fix the upper oven?
If the part is the correct match and the connections are secure, the problem may be another component such as wiring, a temperature sensor, or the oven control rather than the bake element.