How to Determine a Burned-Out Stove Element

Electric Stoves

• Electric ranges produce heat through a number of elements, or coiled surfaces, that are connected to electrical current that produces the heat. These coils are made of nichrome, a nickel and chrome alloy that heats efficiently. The coils connect to the power supply through receptors that wire into the current. Most electric stoves use the coil element. The oven section contains two separate elements, one on the bottom of the oven for baking, and one on the top of the oven for broiling.

Troubleshooting Stovetop Elements

• To test the element, lift and disconnect the coil from the stove top. You may have to wiggle the unit to get it to slide out of the connection. Clean the connectors on the coil to remove food debris and grease. Reinsert the coil into the receptor and test to determine if it will heat. Remove a different element from its receptor and see it will heat in the problem area. If the element functions normally, the original element is burned out. Small holes or bubbles may be visible on the coil, according to AppliancePartsPros.com. Order a new element through your manufacturer’s appliance parts outlet. Insert the new element in the receptor.

Troubleshooting Oven Elements

• The two electric oven elements function independently of each other, so the top element may malfunction while the bottom element continues to work. If power is getting to both elements, but one does not get hot, it is likely that you need to replace the element. Make sure that the connection to the receptor is secure. If the problem appears to be in the element and not the connection, order the correct element from your manufacturer’s parts outlet. Before removing the element, unplug the stove from the wall to prevent electric shocks. You can then safely remove the broken element by unscrewing the fasteners that hold it to the receptor at the back of the oven. Clean the receptor of grease and food debris. Position the new oven element in place and reattach it to the receptor. Restore the power to the stove, then turn on the oven control to test.

Maintenance

• Carefully clean the stovetop elements with a damp sponge. Remove spills and food debris from the coils themselves and the receptors that connect the coil to the wires within the range. Clean the drip pans beneath the electric coil elements regularly. In the oven, remove spilled food debris with a damp cloth, according to the Penn State University website.