Frigidaire Range Oven Bottom: How to Remove and Replace

The oven bottom in your Frigidaire range acts as the base of the oven cavity, helping distribute heat while baking. With frequent use, it can become warped or cracked, affecting cooking performance.

The good news? Replacing it is a simple DIY task. If you’re ready to tackle this repair, follow these steps to get your oven back in shape.

Why Replace the Oven Bottom?

The oven bottom helps food cook evenly by spreading heat from the bake burner. If it’s damaged, you might notice uneven temperatures, which can affect baking results.

It also catches spills and drips from bubbling casseroles or melting cheese. Without it, food debris can settle in hard-to-clean areas, leading to buildup over time.

What You’ll Need

• Replacement oven bottom (Part #316400603)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Towel
• Safety goggles (optional)

Safety First

Before starting, take precautions to stay safe while working:

• Turn off the power: Unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid electric shock.
• Let the oven cool: If it was recently used, wait until it has fully cooled.
• For gas ranges: Shut off the gas supply before beginning.
• Keep the workspace clear: Remove obstacles, and keep children and pets away.
• Work in a well-lit area: This makes handling parts easier.
• Handle parts carefully: Use gentle pressure when removing or installing components to avoid damage.
• Wear protective gloves: This helps protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
• Be mindful of wires: If working near electrical components, use non-conductive tools or insulating gloves for safety.

How to Replace the Oven Bottom

Below are the steps to safely remove and replace the oven bottom.

Removing the Oven Racks

1. Turn off the oven and unplug it from the power supply.
2. Grab hold of the first oven rack and slide it forward until it stops.
3. Lift the rack to remove it from the oven cavity.
4. Set the rack aside on a countertop or table lined with a towel.
5. Repeat the process to remove the second rack.

Removing the Old Oven Bottom

6. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two screws at the back of the oven bottom.
7. Lift the back of the old oven bottom.
8. Slide the old oven bottom out of the oven cavity.

Installing the New Oven Bottom

9. Place the front edge of the new oven bottom under the lip on the front of the oven cavity.
10. Secure the new oven bottom using the two screws.

Reinstalling the Oven Racks

11. Slide each oven rack back into the oven cavity.

Restoring Power and Gas Supply

12. Plug the oven back into the power supply.
13. If you have a gas range, turn the gas supply back on.

Also Read: How to replace Frigidaire oven bottom 316400603

How to Extend the Life of Your Oven Bottom

Taking care of the oven bottom can prevent early damage and keep your range in better shape for longer. Follow these tips:

• Use a drip tray: Placing a baking sheet or foil-lined tray on a lower rack can catch spills and reduce buildup.
• Clean spills quickly: Wipe up messes as soon as the oven cools to prevent stains and baked-on residue.
• Avoid harsh cleaning tools: Wire brushes or steel wool can scratch the surface, leading to wear faster.
• Use oven liners carefully: If using liners, make sure they are heat-safe and placed according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Keep an eye on heavy dishes: Excessive weight on the oven bottom can cause it to bend over time.

Key Takeaways

A damaged oven bottom can affect how your food cooks and make cleaning more difficult. Replacing it is a simple fix that doesn’t take much time. With a few basic tools, you can get your oven back in shape without calling a repair service.

Since swapping it out is quick and easy, there’s no reason to delay. A solid oven bottom helps heat spread evenly, making cooking more reliable and cleaning less of a hassle. Keeping up with small maintenance steps can help prevent damage in the future.