Replacing the baking coil in an electric oven is an important maintenance task that ensures your oven continues functioning properly. With some basic tools and safety precautions, it can be a straightforward DIY project. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Understanding Electric Oven Coils
Electric ovens contain either bake coils or bake elements that heat up to high temperatures during use. These coils convert the electrical current into heat energy that cooks your food.
Over time, these coils can burn out, break, or become less effective at conducting heat. Replacing old and worn-out bake coils restores even heating efficiency to your electric oven.
Types of Electric Oven Bake Coils
There are two main types of bake coils found in most electric ovens:
Round Coil
- Made of coiled metal wire surrounding a ceramic core
- Often exposed at the bottom of the oven
- Less expensive and easier to replace
Flat Ribbon Coil
- Made from a flat, wide ribbon of coiled metal
- Usually covered by a metal floor panel in the oven
- More expensive but tend to last longer
Inspect your oven to determine which style of coil needs replacement before ordering a new one.
Safety Precautions
Replacing an oven coil involves working with electrical connections and high heat elements. Take the following precautions:
- Unplug the oven – This prevents electric shock while handling wires.
- Allow oven to cool – Coils can remain extremely hot after use. Allow several hours for the oven to cool completely before beginning work.
- Wear oven mitts – Use properly insulated mitts or gloves when touching hot oven surfaces.
- Avoid touching coil wires – The wires providing electricity to the coil can still contain residual charge. Avoid direct contact with the wires.
- Working slowly and carefully – Don’t rush and pay close attention to avoid burns or cuts on sharp metal surfaces.
- Turn off power supply – Locate the circuit breaker for the oven and switch it to the OFF position.
Taking these basic safety steps will prevent injuries and make the coil replacement process safer.
Gathering Tools and Supplies
Replacing an oven coil requires just a few common tools and supplies:
- Socket wrench set – For removing bracket bolts and accessing wiring connections
- Wire cutters/strippers – For safely removing old wiring from coil terminals
- Voltmeter – To confirm power is off before working (optional)
- Replacement coil – Match the shape and power rating of original coil
- Wire nuts – For reconnecting wiring to new coil terminals
- Metal brush – For cleaning bottom oven surface before installing new coil
- Gloves – Oven mitts for protection from hot surfaces
- Vacuum – For cleaning out debris from oven bottom
- Masking/painter’s tape – To hold new coil in place temporarily
Before starting, gather these simple items and verify the new replacement coil is the correct type for your make and model oven.
Step-by-Step Coil Replacement
With the proper safety gear, tools, and new coil ready, you’re prepared to replace the baking coil using the following steps:
Disconnect Power and Remove Old Coil
- Shut off circuit breaker – Locate the breaker supplying power to the oven and switch it to OFF.
- Unplug oven – Unplug the power cord from the outlet as an extra precaution.
- Remove oven racks – Take out all racks to provide more room for the repair work.
- Remove lower panel – The lower trim panel covering the coil usually pops off with careful prying.
- Loosen bracket bolts – Use a socket wrench to loosen bolts holding the coil brackets in place.
- Disconnect wires – Carefully detach the old wiring from the coil terminals using wire cutters.
- Remove coil – Lift the old coil out of the oven cavity once loosened from brackets.
- Clean oven surface – Use a metal brush and vacuum to remove debris from the exposed oven floor.
Install the New Replacement Coil
- Position new coil – Place the new coil in the exact same position as the old one and hold it temporarily with tape.
- Reattach brackets – Tighten bracket bolts to secure the coil properly to the oven floor.
- Reconnect wires – Attach the power supply wires to the terminals on the new coil using wire nuts. Follow the color coding from the old connections.
- Inspect connections – Gently tug wires to verify they are securely fastened to the terminals.
- Replace lower panel – Put the trim panel back into position, fastening it securely to the oven.
- Restore power – Reconnect power at the circuit breaker and plug oven back in.
- Test operation – Allow oven to preheat empty to confirm the new coil is heating properly.
Follow all safety precautions until certain the new coil is installed correctly and functioning normally.
FAQs About Replacing Oven Coils
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about replacing electric oven bake coils:
How often should oven coils be replaced?
Most standard oven coils last 5-10 years with regular use before needing replacement. Check coils periodically for signs of damage or reduced heating capabilities.
Where can I find the correct replacement coil?
Match the coil shape, size and power rating (wattage) to your existing oven model. Check appliance parts stores online and search using your exact oven brand and model number.
Is it safe to replace an oven coil myself?
With proper precautions for electrical and burn hazards, most homeowners can replace a coil safely. Unplug power, allow cooling, and work carefully. Consider hiring an appliance pro if uncertain.
How do I determine if my oven coil is bad?
Signs of a failing coil include longer preheating times, uneven baking, hot/cold spots in the oven, visible damage, or cracking/separation of coil wire.
Can I just rewrap or repair a damaged coil?
It’s best to replace the entire coil assembly. Rewrapping coils is time consuming and may not restore proper heating performance. New coils provide the best heat efficiency.
Should I replace both oven coils at the same time?
If both coils are working, only replace the malfunctioning one. Consider replacing both at once if they are older or you notice reduced heating capacity in both coils.
My oven makes noises when heating, do coils cause this?
Metallic clicking, pinging or popping noises during oven operation are usually caused by expansion and contraction of metal parts, not defective coils. Noisy coils usually indicate loose connections.
How can I prevent damaging my new replacement coil?
Avoid dropping or bending coils during cleaning. Don’t scrub aggressively near coils. Ensure oven is cool before wiping debris away around exposed coils. Handle carefully.
Can I upgrade to a higher wattage coil for more power?
Always match replacement coil wattage to the original oven specifications. Exceeding the rated coil power can overload wiring and electronics resulting in a fire hazard.
Conclusion
Replacing an aging or defective bake coil restores heating efficiency to your electric oven so it provides even cooking results. Take appropriate safety precautions, turn off power, remove the old coil, clean the oven floor, install the replacement coil, reconnect wiring, and test operation before regular use. Follow the step-by-step guide and use the proper tools to make the repair process quick and hassle-free. With a small DIY investment, you can get your oven performing like new again.