How to Replace an Oven Element: A Complete Guide for New Zealand Homes

If your oven has stopped heating properly, or you’ve noticed uneven cooking or sparking, there’s a good chance one of your elements has failed. The good news is that in most cases, replacing an oven element is a straightforward job. With the right part and a little care, you can bring your oven back to life without needing to call in a technician. This guide explains the different types of oven elements, how to know when they need replacing, and step-by-step instructions on how to do it safely at home.

Understanding the Different Types of Oven Elements

When people search for “how to change an oven element” or “how to replace a grill element,” they’re usually dealing with one of four common types of heating elements. Each has its own role in cooking, so it’s worth knowing which one you’re working with before starting:

• Stove top coil elements: Found on older-style electric stoves, these are the exposed coils that heat your pots and pans directly. They plug into sockets and are easy to replace when they burn out. If you need the bowls underneath them, we also stock a range of oven spill and drip bowls to keep your stovetop tidy.
• Top grill elements: These sit at the top of the oven cavity and provide direct radiant heat for grilling and browning. A popular replacement is the Fisher & Paykel Elba top grill element, which is a hinged design that makes installation easier.
• Bottom bake elements: Located under the oven floor, these provide the steady, radiant heat needed for traditional baking. A common example is the Simpson Westinghouse lower bake element, which is concealed beneath the cavity floor for easier cleaning.
• Fan-forced elements: Positioned around the oven’s fan at the back, these distribute hot air evenly for consistent results. A well-known replacement is the Westinghouse and Electrolux fan element, used in many fan-forced ovens across NZ.

There are also elements, such as the Fisher & Paykel Elba grill bake element, which are quite popular in NZ oven models.

Signs Your Oven Element Needs Replacing

Wondering if your oven problem is due to a faulty element? Some of the most common symptoms include:

• The oven doesn’t heat up at all, even though the light and fan work.
• Uneven cooking, where food is burnt on one side and undercooked on the other.
• Visible damage to the element, such as cracks, bulges, or breaks.
• Sparking, smoking, or glowing only in patches instead of evenly.
• Tripping the circuit breaker when you turn the oven on.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s highly likely the affected element needs replacing.

How to Replace an Oven Element: Step-by-Step

Replacing an oven element is not complicated, but it does require care. Here’s a general guide:

1. Unplug the oven: Always disconnect power before working on any electrical appliance. If it’s hardwired, switch it off at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove oven shelves: Take out all trays and shelves to give yourself space to work.
3. Locate the faulty element: Depending on the type, it will be at the top, bottom, or rear of the oven cavity.
4. Unscrew the element fixings: Most elements are held in place by two screws or brackets.
5. Disconnect the wiring: Carefully pull the element forward and detach the wires. It’s a good idea to take a photo first so you know how they reconnect.
6. Install the new element: Connect the wires to the new part, slide it back into position, and secure it with screws.
7. Test the oven: Reconnect the power and check that the oven heats evenly without unusual sounds or smells.

Most element replacements take less than 30 minutes, even if you’re not especially handy with tools.

Why Use Genuine Oven Elements?

While generic parts exist, they often don’t provide the same fit or performance. Genuine elements are designed to match your oven model exactly, ensuring the correct heat output, safe installation, and long-lasting durability. Using the right element also prevents issues with poor seals or uneven heating that can occur with non-genuine parts.

Finding the Right Element for Your Oven

Because oven elements are model-specific, the safest way to get the correct part is by checking your appliance’s model number. Once you have it, you can:

• Search on our website: Enter your model number into the search bar and browse the results until you find the correct element.
• Shop by category: Explore our full range of oven elements to see options for bake, grill, fan, and stovetop elements.
• Ask us directly: If you’re unsure, get in touch with our team and we’ll confirm the right part for you.

Final Thoughts

An oven that doesn’t heat properly can bring cooking to a halt, but in many cases the fix is as simple as replacing the element. Whether it’s a fan-forced oven that won’t circulate heat evenly, a top grill that’s stopped browning, or a concealed bottom bake element that no longer produces steady heat, the solution is quick and affordable. By using a genuine part from our oven elements collection, you can restore your appliance to full working order and keep your meals cooking just the way they should.