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Kitchen

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What is an Oven Element?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,046
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An oven element is a heating device found in an electric kitchen range. Much like a toaster element, the oven element converts electric current into heat, and electricity flowing through the oven element heats up the ceramic coating on the element and turns it red. As the oven element glows red, it projects heat into the oven, thus heating the appliance to the preset temperature. The only enemies of an oven element are time and contamination. Individuals should keep the element free of drips, run-over food materials and grease for maximum longevity.

Shaped like a semi-circle, the oven element simply plugs into outlets in the bottom of the kitchen oven. Most ovens will also have an element in the top of the range as well as the bottom. This upper element is the broiler in most ovens. While some ovens use a tray on the bottom as well as the lower oven element for the broiler function, the vast majority of appliances found around the world will incorporate an upper element for the broiler function.

Even in ovens with an automatic cleaning feature, care should be taken to remove the oven element and wipe it clean with a soft towel. Users should take the time to remove any debris from the bottom floor of the oven to prevent splatter onto the element. A clean element in a clean oven will provide years of service in most cases. When cleaning an oven, it is important to clean the top wall as well as the top element to ensure proper service and wear.

The electric heat provided by the element is generally so high that professional cooking appliances, even those with gas burners on the range, utilize an electric oven. This is due, in part, to the element's ability to provide consistent heat throughout the entire oven. The electric oven also has a faster recovery time when the door has been opened. This means that it takes less time normally to come back up to temperature than a comparable gas oven.

The electric oven element is typically easy to change when replacement is required. Most elements require no tools to remove—users simply pull the element out and plug the replacement into the socket. It is imperative that the oven be turned off and cooled prior to touching, cleaning or changing the element. As a best practice, it is good for individuals to wear rubber or latex gloves when handling an element to prevent the transfer of oils from the skin to the element—if no gloves are available, a clean and dry towel will typically work well.

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Discussion Comments
By Talentryto — On Oct 01, 2014

@heavanet- A mixture of white vinegar and water is also great for cleaning your closed stove elements. Simply mix about a fourth cup of vinegar with water in a spray bottle, spray the mixture on your stove, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Of course, you need to make sure that your oven is turned off before you begin this cleaning process.

Once the vinegar has had time to work on the burnt food on your oven elements, simply wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth. You can repeat this process of tough, hard-to-remove residue.

By Ocelot60 — On Sep 30, 2014

@heavanet- The best way to clean a smooth, closed stove top is to wipe it clean after each use. This will help prevent the build up you mentioned.

However, if you already have oven heating elements that are covered in burnt food, you may need an appliance cleaner that is specifically formulated for this type of oven. You can find cleaners and polishes that will remove the residue of burnt food at any store where you can buy appliances.

By Heavanet — On Sep 29, 2014

I'm looking for tips to clean a closed top electric stove. Though it is convenient to cook on, the elements on this type of stove often get burnt build-ups of food and liquid that spill on them while cooking. The residue is very difficult to remove.

By Raynbow — On Sep 28, 2014

When replacing an oven element, you should also unplug the oven, not just turn it off. This will help prevent shocks when you install the new element.

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