Testing the Electric Heat Elements in an Electric Stove

• 1

  Unplug the stove's power cord to eliminate risk of electric shock.

• 2

  Pull a surface element out of the two power sockets for testing. To test elements inside the oven, remove the wire cooking racks to access the brackets holding the elements to the back of the appliance. Remove the screws holding an oven element inside the appliance, typically with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the element straight out of the two sockets to disconnect the part.

• 3

  Dial the selector knob on the multimeter to test ohms.

• 4

  Clip the two multimeter wires to the two electrical terminals on the end of the heat element and press the "Test" button. A zero reading or a constant scrolling of the numerals on the display means the element is defective.

Testing Smooth Cooktop Elements

• 5

  Disconnect the stove from the electricity.

• 6

  Open the stove door to remove the screws inside the upper lip. This disengages the cooktop from the cabinet frame.

• 7

  Raise the cooktop and prop it open with a metal rod or wooden dowel.

• 8

  Unscrew the metal plate holding the element to the underside of the cooktop using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Unplug the element by pulling it straight out of the power socket.

• 9

  Clip the two multimeter wires to the two electrical terminals on the end of the heat element and press the "Test" button. A zero reading or a constant scrolling of the numerals on the display means the element is defective.