It’s hectic to see elements of your oven burning out; you may even think there is a problem with the electricity supply. After using your oven for an extended period under high temperatures, it’s possible for the appliance to keep burning out.
Therefore if yours isn’t heating up, our article will provide the answers and I am sure by the time you are through reading it, your problem would have been solved. Faulty oven elements are the common causative for such an issue, interfering with the normal functioning of the appliance. This implies that you are not allowed to use the oven for cooking anymore.
Before opting for element replacements, you should think of the whole oven first. Sometimes replacing the faulty elements can be the best solution, but before you reach there, please go through this article. The cost required for element replacement and installation charges can be heavy for you. Let’s go fishing!
Definition of oven heating element
I know some people are using ovens, but don’t understand most of their parts. The baking coil is what is referred to as the heating element in an electric oven. These components are connected to the oven’s back wall and placed on the lower part. On the top is a frying component.
On the other hand, the electric range features burner coils and it’s straightforward to replace the stove coil. You simply have to remove the existing one and then plug the new model.
How to know if the element of your oven keeps burning out
You have to be more attentive to your oven so that you act on the spot whenever something goes wrong. When the oven elements burn out, there will be an apparent appearance. Sometimes the indication may be bright patches or spots, resembling something burned out. After coming across such a symptom, just understand that something has gone wrong with the oven’s heating element; it keeps burning out.
Below are some clear indicators that your oven’s heating element is broken. Try focusing on the following points for inspecting common signs;
Sky-rocketing electricity bills: You have been paying reasonable electric bills in your house, but all of a sudden things have changed. You are now incurring some extra cost and wondering where it could be emanating from. It’s now time to start thinking of the oven, maybe the heating element is burning out. A problematic oven will automatically give rise to unrealistic electricity bills.
An experienced electrician should help you affirm that the problem is emanating from the oven and nothing else.
Blisters, cracks and burns on the element: Here is another trick that you can use to determine whether your oven heating element is burning out or not. Therefore, you should pay much attention to spot cracks, blisters, or burns on the item. For such instance, you may be forced to unplug the component so that you carry a thorough inspection.
In case you meet any kind of blisters, cracks, or burns, then just know the oven’s heating element has burned out. This technique for finding burned out oven heating elements is more practical and won’t consume much of your knowledge and time.
Alterations of the bright orange color: Whenever you think that the heating element of your oven is burning out, monitor alteration on its bright orange color. If the color changes, even slightly, just know that the element keeps burning out. Whenever you see a bright orange color, just know that the component is heated to the fullest.
Subject it to something like 350 degrees (F) for a period of 10-15 minutes and still maintain the color; the appliance works properly. If the bright color of the heating element starts fading, just know that the heating element has already or has started burning out. For such an instance, replacing the component serves the best way to go and you can decide to do it yourself or seek the help of an expert.
Dirty oven: You can also realize that your oven heating element is overheating once the entire unit becomes dirty. Cleaning the top sometimes may not solve the issue; there might be some dark spots on its surface. Therefore, you are advised to try cleaning up the oven before replacing any element. On occasions where the grime becomes implanted but thick, you have to substitute the parts.
Food is partially cooked or not properly cooked: It’s abnormal for your oven to cook food partially, when you expect to enjoy your delicious meal. The short-cut to pin this issue down is by substituting the appliance’s heating element with something better. While replacing the heating element, don’t forget to substitute the existing temperature sensor too. Remember, it’s possible to test the temperature accuracy of the oven and set it based on the need.
While opting for a replacement, don’t forget to go for those with similar specifications to that of the existing one.
What to do after realizing the oven heating element has burned out
Reviving the normal functioning of the oven heating element is a bit tricky, since it only requires a replacement. If any element is burned out, the best thing is to opt for a replacement. There are several options in the market if you are looking for a replacement.
Causes of oven fires
Before we deeply get into the business, it’s advisable to have some basic understanding on how an oven operates. Have a look at the following causes of oven fires;
Food remains: It’s possible for your oven to hold some food remains that can easily catch fire. Such an occurrence is scary and may cause accidents. Maybe you should consider checking and removing food residues from the oven before using it.
Cooking fatty or greasy food: Here is another reason why your oven may burn out. Preparing something with a large amount of fat or grease is dangerous since the substance may splatter, causing fire. Consider cooking food substances to minimize fat or grease ratio.
Forgetting something in your oven: Yes, you should remember to remove an object from the appliance once you are through with cooking. The substance will result in burning food and may cause fires.
Batter overflow: This issue happens mostly when baking, whereby the batter overflows when and causes small fires. The excess batter will drop to the bottom, resulting in a small fire.
Bizarre self-cleaning process. These appliances tend to clean themselves, though on specific features. The elements may catch fire.
Tips to avoid oven fires
There are various actions that you can put into place to avert oven fires. Some of these options include;
- Subject your oven to the proper cleanliness process. You should always learn to leave your appliance clean after use, ready for the next task. Alternatively, you can clean it before using.
- Use a big baking tray when making pastries. Whether it is cakes or pastries, you are advised to place a big tray beneath your baking pan.
- Remove your cooked food from the oven; don’t leave it for an extended time.
- Covering foods that can splatters is another best idea to avoid oven fires. Once through with roasting, you should uncover the oven after something like 30 minutes to completely drain hot greases.
If you are already in the situation; oven fire, below are some tricks you can do to end the fire. Some of the steps are simple and practical;
- Don’t open the oven door; leave it closed
- Power off the appliance and allow the fire to burn on its own
- If it stops, open your house windows and if it refuses to go off, leave the house and seek assistance.
- If it stops, wait for a few minutes and get out the hot pan from the oven
- Wait for the smoke to escape completely and then inspect for the fire cause.
FAQs;
Does my element catch fire?
Yes, and this shows that the element is worn out. After any oven fire, cleaning or replacing the element is highly recommended. Failure to replace the item means that you won’t cook food anymore.
What are some causes of burning out of the oven heating element?
Older elements sometimes may cause your oven elements to burn out. More so, there might be food build-ups that catch fire, increasing the size of the flame. Watery conditions can also encrust blades, preventing transfer to the water. Therefore, the element will overheat and burn out.
What are the components of my oven element?
In the oven, there are coils both at the bottom and top of the oven. The coils are what we call heating elements. The coils are essential in offering the oven, required amount of heat to work on your food.
Final words
Make use of this article because it contains a lot of information concerning the oven element that keeps burning out. We have also provided some tips on how you can determine if the elements are problematic. Besides, there are some simple tricks to do away with such an issue.
