How to install oven elements

Ovens have been with us, in some form or another, since ancient Greece. In the Middle Ages, brick and mortar ovens add more control to a process, both the fire and resulting smoke. It was not until cast iron ovens that they began to take on a shape more similar to the ovens of today. Electric ovens grew popular in the '30s and '40s, allowing people an alternative to wood-fired and cooker which uses gas. One drawback with electric ovens is that the element might have to be replaced. Fortunately, this is something you can do yourself.

The power

The absolute first step is to unplug the oven. The oven is an electrical appliance which requires more amperage than, for example, a lamp. Do not do anything with the oven until it is unplugged to save yourself from getting injured.

Locate the oven elements

Locate the element. In most electric ovens, you will be able to find the element inside the oven. Open the door and look inside. For many cookers, the broiler element is located near the top of the oven with the mount located near the top back wall and the oven element is located near the bottom of the stove with the mount located near the bottom back wall. If you cannot see the elements, pull the stove away from the wall and remove the back panel. You should be able to locate the elements from this perspective. With newer ovens, you will be able to see the oven fan as well.

Remove the mounting screws and the element

Once you have located the elements, remove it from the oven. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws which hold the element in place. Save the screws and set them aside. Grasp the element and gently, with steady pressure, pull it from the oven. If you cannot pull the element form the oven, access it from the back. Disconnect the wires from the element's ends.

Install the new element

Clip the wires onto the ends of the new element. Make sure you do this in the same manner as they were connected to the old element. Push the element gently home, and make sure that is it seated properly. Return the screws to the mounting brackets.

Inspect the cooker

Make sure that you inspect the cooker thoroughly before plugging it back in. If you had to access the element from the back of the cooker, make sure all the screws are in their proper place and that any insulation is returned as well. Check that the screws in the mounting bracket are installed tightly and that the element is secure. Once you are satisfied, then you may plug in the cooker and resume baking.