The bake element in your electric Whirlpool range produces the heat needed to bake and roast your favorite dishes. Over time, regular use can cause it to wear out or fail completely.
You might need to replace your bake element if:
- The oven does not heat up
- The element glows unevenly or not at all
- Preheating takes much longer than usual
With a few basic tools, a replacement part, and some patience, you can complete this repair yourself and get your oven working properly again.
What You Will Need
- A new bake element (make sure it is compatible with your specific Whirlpool model)
- A Phillips head screwdriver
Safety First
Before you begin the repair, safety is very important. Keep these tips in mind:
- Disconnect the power. Always unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker to prevent electric shock.
- Let it cool down. If the oven has been used recently, allow it to cool completely before you start working.
- Work carefully. Moving slowly helps avoid mistakes and injuries.
- Use good lighting. A well-lit workspace helps you see and reach everything clearly.
- Clear the area. Keep your workspace organized and free of obstacles. Make sure children and pets stay away.
- Stay dry. Do not work on electrical parts with wet hands or in a damp environment.
- Check the manual. The user manual may have model-specific instructions or safety guidelines you should follow.
- Handle parts carefully. Avoid using force when removing or installing parts to prevent damage.
- Wear protective gloves. Insulated gloves protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Be cautious with wires. Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or wear insulating gloves if you must handle them.
- Take photos. Before disconnecting any wires, take a picture or label them to make reassembly easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Replacement
Replacing a bake element is straightforward, but there are common mistakes that could make the job harder. Watch out for these issues:
- Forgetting to cut the power before starting the work
- Touching live wires or terminals without protection
- Forcing parts into place rather than fitting them gently
- Misplacing screws or hardware needed for reassembly
- Forgetting to take photos or notes before disconnecting wires
- Using the wrong size or shape element for your model
- Over-tightening screws and damaging the mounting brackets
- Skipping a test run after installing the new element
How to Replace the Bake Element in a Whirlpool Electric Range
Here are the steps to replace the bake element in your Whirlpool electric range.
Preparation
- Unplug the range from the power source or turn off the circuit breaker connected to the appliance.
- Open the oven door all the way until it lies flat.
- Press the two hinge pins toward the oven cavity to lock them into position.
- Lift the oven door straight up and off the hinges and set it aside.
Removing the Old Bake Element
- Locate the two screws holding the bake element to the back wall of the oven.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws.
- Gently pull the old bake element forward to expose the two wires connected to its terminals.
- Disconnect the two wires from the old bake element.
Installing the New Bake Element
- Connect the two wires to the terminals on the new bake element.
- Push the new bake element back into position against the back wall.
- Reinstall the two screws to secure the new bake element.
Reassembling the Oven
- Align the oven door hinges with the hinge slots on the oven frame.
- Carefully lower the oven door onto the hinges.
- Open the oven door all the way so it lies flat again.
- Push the hinge pins back toward the oven cabinet to unlock them.
- Slowly close the oven door.
Finishing Up
- Plug the range back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Test the oven by setting it to bake to confirm the new element works correctly.
Also Read: How to fix a slow preheating electric range with a hidden bake element
Final Thoughts
Getting your Whirlpool oven back in action is easier than it might seem when you take it step by step. With a little care and the right tools, swapping out the bake element is a project you can tackle without calling in a professional. Taking your time, staying safe, and following the right steps will save you a lot of trouble later. Once the new element is installed and your oven heats up like it should, you will be glad you handled it yourself. Now you are ready to get back to cooking and baking without any more delays.