If there’s not a separate breaker for the oven itself, you may have to flip the breaker for the whole kitchen. Unplug the oven from the wall as well, just to be on the safe side. [3] X Research source

If you don’t see the curving wire element when you open the oven door, there’s a good chance it’s being concealed by a cover. Not all base panels have raised lips. It may be necessary to first push down on one corner of the panel in order to lift the opposite corner enough to grip.

If the element in your oven is fastened with bolts instead of standard screws, you can strip them using a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) nut driver tool. [6] X Research source Set the screws aside in one place to avoid losing them. It may help to place them in a small dish to keep them together.

Be careful not let the wires slip through the holes in the back of the oven, or you’ll have no choice but to pull the entire unit out to thread them back through. [8] X Expert Source Homer FloresAppliance Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 14 April 2021. It may help to tape them to the interior wall. Heating element wires are sometimes secured with small male-female spade connectors, or a thin, interlocking metal slot and insert. These can usually be separated with a quick pinch of your pliers. [9] X Research source

Jot down any identifying info on the element before disposing of it. This will be easier than taking it to the hardware store with you. If you’re unable to find the exact model you need in stores, try ordering a replacement online.

Convection elements need to go on the top of the oven, but will install the same otherwise. [11] X Research source

Make sure that each wire is running to the correct terminal. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as most ovens only have 2, and they’re typically spaced in such a way that they end just in front of their corresponding connection sites. Getting the wires crossed might result in a short, which could become a fire hazard. Keep a loose grip with the pliers to avoid damaging the delicate ends of the wires.

Use a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) nut driver tool if your element fastens with bolts instead of screws.

Gaps or raised corners could be a sign that the base panel has been put on slightly crooked.

Don’t forget to plug the oven back in if you unplugged it earlier.

An active heating element will typically glow red when it’s nice and hot. [15] X Research source Try upping the heat setting gradually to see how well the new element handles higher temperatures. If your oven still feels cool after replacing a suspect heating element, there may be something wrong with the wiring. Call a qualified electrician and have them diagnose and repair the problem.

You may also notice a faint acrid odor. Heavy or continuous smoke could mean that one of the oven’s components has caught fire. If the smoking doesn’t stop after a few minutes, contact your local fire department. [17] X Research source