Is your electric stove not performing the way it did when it was brand new? Over time, appliances are sure to wear with use. However, getting your oven back to prime condition may not be as hard to do at home as you may think.
Electric stovetop coils or heating elements are the burners on top of electric ranges and stovetops. They draw in high amounts of electricity to produce temperatures suitable for cooking. With extensive use, these parts take some abuse and sometimes need replacing.
Sometimes DIY repairs can be intimidating. Replacing a heating element on a stovetop can be a simple at home repair to maximize your stovetop’s performance as long as safety measures are followed. Older cooktops use coil elements while many newer cooktops house elements under a smooth glass top. The older elements are easier to change out, but a handy homeowner can replace both types with the right information.
Signs of cooktop elements needing replacement include:
– Surface wear from pots and pans sliding or even banging against the element itself.
– Elements struggling to heat up or maintain heat.
– Elements simply not producing heat at all.
First, we recommend you check out videos on how to replace the heating elements. Here’s one example for an element on a glass top stove:
Replace Heating Element Glass Top Stove
When it comes to appliance repair, the right parts are key to any job. How do you know what part you need? If you still have your appliance’s original manual, this should contain an original parts list that can provide you with an original equipment part. If you don’t have the original part number, don’t worry. You can usually find a part list through searching the specific make and model of your appliance. The model number could be found in a number of places on the appliance itself. Around the door jamb, under a burner, or in the drawer of the oven are usually good places to look. If you still need help, one of our parts specialists would be happy to help you find the best part available for your electric stove. You are welcome to browse our website for your model here:
Remember, each burner on the stovetop is a different size. So, measure the element from side to side before ordering your part.
A good rule of thumb: always compare your old parts to your new parts. Again, considering size and shape as well as fit will be critical to a successful installation.
When you have your parts ready, you should have everything you need to replace your heating elements. This kind of installation does not require any specialty tools or even special procedures.
The very first thing you must keep in mind when doing any DIY repair is your safety. It’s imperative to make sure the appliance is unplugged and that your circuit breaker is in the OFF position. This will ensure prevention of any unwanted accidents.
Now that it’s time to replace the coils, you’ll want to locate where the ends of the coil slot into their fittings on the stovetop itself. Gently lifting the coil on the opposite end of the fitting and pulling with great care should free the coil with little issue.
From there, simply place your new part at the same angle where you removed the old part and gently insert the new part and press slightly to insure connectivity.
If you have a stove that was manufactured after 2018, there may be some special considerations to make when it comes to servicing the heating elements. New UL regulations became effective for the 2018 model year. They require that electric stovetops undergo rigorous testing to ensure the prevention of fires in households.
When deciding the best options for servicing stoves manufactured post-2018, additional part research may be necessary. Newer appliances feature advanced electrical networks. These can vary drastically from model to model. If you have any specific questions, any of our parts specialists at A-1 Appliance Parts will be able to address your concerns with great knowledge and care. We understand that good appliances are powered by high-quality parts. Our team of experts makes shopping for replacement parts a total breeze.
With a combination oven and stovetop range, you may have to replace your oven’s heating element as well. Follow the same part identification procedures outlined earlier in this blog to find the best part for your oven. These parts can vary, so taking the same considerations as you would for your stovetop coils will be important.
Most baking elements will feature the same connections and fittings as stovetop coils. However, this is a crucial part and should only be installed by a certified technician. An incorrect installation could result in excessive heat, which could be disastrous.
Of course, before you walk away from your repair, check your work thoroughly and test the element several times. Ensure that it properly engages and disengages, draws heat quickly and accurately, and maintains this performance consistently. Monitor the new part over the next few uses to ensure proper functionality.
We stock parts for all major brands. Our expert team is here to simplify your part shopping process to get your appliance back to premium performance in no time. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website: www.a-1appliance.com or pick up the phone and give us a call at 1-800-841-0312.