Oven Element Replacement Cost

Looking to find out how much it costs to replace an oven heating element?

An oven heating element replacement costs between £80 and £170 in the UK, depending on the type of element, your oven’s brand and model, and whether you hire an appliance repair technician or an electrician. The job typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and most elements are designed to be swapped out without replacing the entire oven.

In this guide, we will cover the full cost breakdown for cooker element replacement, including supply prices for fan, grill, and base elements, labour rates and timescales, additional charges you could face, and how to hire a qualified electrician through MyJobQuote.

So, if you want to know how much it costs to replace a cooker element, keep reading.

How Much is Cooker Element Replacement?

The average cost for an oven heating element replacement is between £80 and £170, including parts and labour. The brand and model of your cooker, the type of element needed, and whether the oven is freestanding or integrated all affect the final price.

The type of element to be replaced and the amount of work required to fit it all add to the cost. Some heating elements are easily accessed, while others are trickier to remove.

In general, however, the part is designed to be replaced and can often be done in a matter of minutes.

Cooker Element Replacement Prices

Understanding the differences between various ovens is useful, especially when you are encountering a problem. This knowledge can help you identify which element is faulty and get your oven up and running again.

A conventional single oven uses both top and bottom heating elements. The upper element is often used as a grill and provides top-down heat. Meanwhile, the bottom element is the primary heat source and usually concealed beneath the floor of the oven.

If your grill is still functioning but the oven fails to reach its set temperature, the bottom element is likely the problem. Diagnosing the fault in a single, conventional oven is easier than in a double oven, which is more complex.

Double ovens feature two compartments in a single unit. They can be used independently at different temperatures or simultaneously, if you need to cook a lot of food at once for special occasions.

Conventional double ovens have top and bottom elements, while a fan oven will also contain a circular, convection element in the back of the compartment. Therefore, you may have between four and six heating elements in total. Diagnosing faults in these ovens can be harder and more time-consuming, increasing the repair price.

A built-in oven often needs to be taken out of the cabinetry housing in order to carry out repairs, adding to the labour costs and timeframe. Other components, such as the circular element in the rear of the oven, can be replaced just by removing the oven door.

True fan ovens have a ring element around the fan, which circulates the heat to evenly cook food. Multi-function ovens feature top and base heating elements as well as the circular element.

The cost of replacing an element in a multi-function oven can vary depending on which one is faulty. The fan and grill elements are easier to access in most cases than the bottom element.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Cooker Element Replacement

The average labour cost for an oven heating element replacement is between £40 and £80 per hour for an appliance repair technician, or £30 to £70 per hour for an electrician. Most replacements take 1 to 2 hours.

Your location is one of the biggest factors affecting the labour cost. London and the southeast typically have the highest rates due to greater demand and higher overheads. Integrated ovens also cost more to work on because the appliance may need to be removed from its housing first.

If the job involves hardwiring a replacement oven or rewiring, a registered electrician is required, and the labour costs and timescales will increase significantly.

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Cooker Element Supply Costs

The supply cost for a replacement oven element ranges from £10 for a compatible part to over £100 for a premium brand-specific component. The table below shows what you could expect to pay for each type of element.

Fan Oven Element

A fan oven element is a circular heating coil that sits behind the rear panel of the oven and works with the fan to distribute heat evenly. Compatible replacements cost £10 to £15, genuine manufacturer parts run up to £25, and premium brands such as Miele could charge close to £100.

Grill Element

A grill element is fitted at the top of the oven compartment, providing intense, direct heat for grilling and browning food. Compatible grill elements cost £10 to £20, while brand-specific parts from manufacturers such as Smeg could cost £80 or more.

Bottom/Base Element

The base element is the primary heat source in most ovens, located beneath the metal oven floor and used for baking and roasting. A compatible replacement costs £10 to £15, branded parts from Whirlpool or Hotpoint range from £25 to £45, and high-end brands such as Neff could charge up to £70.

Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the oven, and a faulty one could cause the element itself to fail through overheating. Universal thermostats cost £15 to £25, branded models from manufacturers such as Bosch range from £25 to £45, and premium brands such as Lacanche charge £70 or more.

Control Board

A faulty heating element could damage the oven’s control board through an electrical surge, significantly increasing the overall repair cost. Control board replacements typically range from £120 to £220 for brands such as AEG, Smeg, and Siemens. If the total repair cost exceeds 50% of a new oven’s price, replacement is often the better option.

Additional Costs

In addition to the parts and labour expense, you will often incur extra costs when you need to replace a cooker element. Some you may anticipate, but others can be a surprise. Let’s take a look at some common things that you may not automatically think to budget for.

Emergency or Same-day Call-out Charges

Breakdowns have a habit of occurring at the most inconvenient times. Whether it’s your car, dishwasher or oven, it may be necessary to call out a repair engineer or electrician as an emergency or for a same-day repair.

An emergency call-out offers 24/7 coverage, and as a result, you’ll pay a premium for the service - in the region of £80-£180 depending on where you live. London prices are higher than in other parts of the UK, often starting at £150.

Same-day call-outs are not exactly cheap, but cost less than an emergency call-out. They are not as urgent as an emergency call-out, but you’ll still pay between £80 and £150. This price typically includes the first hour of work, such as diagnostics.

Multiple Part Replacements

Other components such as the thermostat or control board could also be faulty, increasing the total repair cost. A thermostat adds £15 to £70 to the total oven repair cost, while a control board could add £120 to £220.

If dated wiring is discovered during the inspection, a rewire may also be necessary, which significantly increases the overall cost.

Costs for Appliance Inspection or Diagnosis

A diagnostic visit costs between £50 and £120, but most electricians include the first hour of inspection in their call-out fee. Where the repair engineer has to order the part and return at a later date to install it, the two visits will be charged separately, in most cases.

Removal/Disposal of Old Parts

As electricians have to dispose of trade waste at licenced sites, they may charge to get rid of your old parts, such as the faulty heating element. This will either be included in your quote or be billed separately, while some tradespeople will incorporate it into their service. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) must be disposed of correctly.

Cost Factors for Cooker Element Replacement

Several factors affect the cost of replacing an electric cooker element, including the brand and model, the availability of the part and whether your oven is built-in or freestanding.

Type of Oven and Element

The cost of an oven heating element replacement varies significantly by make and model. High-end brands such as Miele, Neff, and Smeg cost more to repair because their parts are more expensive and often brand-specific.

Brand and Availability of Parts

Many ovens are compatible with generalised elements - making it easier and cheaper to replace this vital part.

However, most manufacturers recommend using genuine parts during repairs. While this may cost more initially, the part has better long-term value as it is made to original specifications, ensuring a perfect fit.

Regional Labour Rates

Labour rates for oven repairs are highest in London and the southeast, where electricians could charge £50 to £70 per hour compared to £30 to £45 in the north of England.

Higher living costs, greater demand, and overheads such as parking and congestion charges all contribute to the increased in these areas.

Freestanding or Integrated Cooker

The cooker element in a freestanding appliance is easier and quicker to access and replace than an integrated model. The extra work needed to remove it from its housing and get to the heating element in a built-in oven pushes the cost of repair up.

Building Regulations Related to Cooker Element Replacement

Typically, cooker element replacement doesn’t require Building Regulation approval. However, if other work is carried out as part of the repair, including altering or extending the wiring, it may be necessary.

Part P of the Building Regulations applies to any new, replaced or altered electrical work, including rewiring.

The work must comply with the regulations and be carried out by a registered electrician who is Part P certified. This type of project must never be a DIY task or undertaken by an appliance repair person who is not Part P certified.

If you just want to replace a cooker element with no additional electrical work, it is something you can do yourself with care. The most important part is to make sure that you isolate the oven from the electricity supply during the repair.

Types of Cooker Element Replacements

Below you will find descriptions of the different types of cooker elements, how they function and which type of appliance they are typically found in

Fan Oven Element

A fan oven has a circular element located in the rear of the oven, which sits around the fan. Together, they distribute heat evenly throughout the oven.

It should not be confused with a fan-assisted oven, which has top and bottom elements and a fan which blows the heat around but doesn’t have a circular element. Only true fan ovens and multi-function ovens feature this type of round heating element.

Pros:

• ✔ Provides even heat distribution
• ✔ Reduces cooking times by about 25%
• ✔ Faster pre-heating
• ✔ Energy efficient, as they use lower temperatures than conventional ovens

Cons:

• ✖ Noisier in operation
• ✖ Baked items may be drier than when cooked in a conventional oven

Top (Grill) Element

The top element in an oven is often used for its grill function as well as providing top-down heat. As the name suggests, it’s fitted to the top of the oven compartment and works in conjunction with a base element and often a fan element to cook food. All ovens, apart from true fan ovens, have a top/grill element.

Pros:

• ✔ Contributes to the overall heat production of the oven
• ✔ Works as a grill for browning food
• ✔ Easy to access for repair

Cons:

• ✖ On its own, a top element is not sufficient to heat the whole oven
• ✖ Grease and fat can accumulate on the top element, causing smoking

Base Element

The bottom or base element in an oven is located beneath the oven’s metal floor. It is the primary heat source for roasting, baking and crisping the underside of foods such as pizza or pastries. This element is also used for the self-clean function in many ovens. All ovens except true fan ovens have a base element.

Pros:

• ✔ It’s the main source of heat
• ✔ Provides gentle radiant heat for cooking, baking and roasting
• ✔ Plays an important role in the oven’s self-cleaning function

Cons:

• ✖ Difficult to access for repair
• ✖ Higher risk of wear and tear as the oven’s primary heat source

Circular Elements

A circular element is typically fitted around the fan of a fan oven in the rear wall of the compartment. The heat it generates is blown around the interior of the oven to evenly cook food. It is found in fan ovens and multifunction ovens, where it combines with top and bottom elements.

Pros:

• ✔ Easy to locate and remove
• ✔ Provides evenly distributed heat
• ✔ Offers faster cooking times

Cons:

• ✖ High risk of damage due to constant expansion and contraction at high temperatures
• ✖ Can dry out certain foods, such as cakes

Dual or Multi-Function Heating Elements

Dual or multi-function elements take the essence of a conventional oven with its top and bottom heating elements and combine it with the added efficiency of a fan oven and its own circular element. The combination of these three elements provides a multi-function oven with a wide range of applications.

Pros:

• ✔ Adapts to all types of cooking, such as roasting, baking, and crisping
• ✔ Rapid pre-heating
• ✔ Even heat distribution

Cons:

• ✖ ore components mean a greater risk of part failure
• ✖ Higher purchase cost compared to a conventional oven

Alternative Types of Repairs or Upgrades

A dated oven or one which frequently develops faults can end up costing you a lot in repairs. Or you could replace it. So, what are your options?

Replacing the Entire Oven

In general, if the cost of fixing your oven is more than half the price of a replacement, it’s not economically sensible to repair it. The age of the oven also has a bearing. Typically, if it’s less than 10 years old, it may be worth paying for the repair, depending on its complexity.

On the other hand, if the oven is more than 10-12 years old, a newer model is likely to be a better option.

Upgrading to a More Energy-Efficient or Modern Cooker

When it’s not economically viable to repair your oven or safety becomes an issue, you can take the opportunity to upgrade to a modern cooker.

An induction hob is fast, energy-efficient and easy to keep clean, while a retro range cooker offers a classic farmhouse look. A double oven increases your cooking capacity and is a great option for large families.

Installing a Separate Grill Unit or Multi-Function Oven

Rather than fitting a new oven, you could instead have a separate grill unit or even a toaster oven which sits on your worktop - ideal for single people or couples.

If you have a large family, a multi-function oven combines the top and bottom elements of a conventional oven with a fan element for maximum cooking versatility.

Comparing Gas and Electric Options

Of course, you could always swap your electric cooker for a gas alternative. Or like many people, enjoy the responsiveness of a gas hob and the convenience of a modern electric oven.

There are lots of options, from separate units to a combined appliance with dual fuel configuration.

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Hiring Contractors Checklist for Cooker Element Replacement

Before hiring an electrician or appliance repair technician for your oven element replacement, make sure you cover the following:

• Experience —Check that the contractor has specific experience with electric ovens and your oven’s brand.
• Qualifications —Verify their electrical qualifications through the Registered Competent Person Electrical website, ECS, NICEIC, or NAPIT.
• What's covered? —Ask whether the quote includes a call-out fee, diagnostics, parts, and labour.
• Warranty —Confirm if there is a warranty on the parts fitted and on the workmanship (typically 1 year for both).
• Compare quotes —Get at least 3 detailed quotes from MyJobQuote to compare pricing and what is included.
• Read reviews —Check reviews and past job ratings on their website, social media, and third-party sites.
• Are parts included? —Ask whether they will source the replacement element or if you need to provide it.
• Is disposal included? —Confirm whether disposal of the old element is included in the price.

MyJobQuote makes it quick and simple to connect with qualified and vetted electricians, saving you time and eliminating the stress of searching multiple websites.

Removing a Cooker or Element

Even when you hire a professional, it helps to understand the removal process so you know what to expect.

Removal Process

The oven must be isolated from the power supply before any work begins. Depending on the element type and oven model, access is gained from the front or the back. Fan elements are usually accessible from the front by removing the rear panel inside the oven. Base elements are most often accessed from the rear, and care must be taken not to damage the protective insulation. Grill or top elements are exposed inside the oven and simply unscrew.

It is good practice to photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything, so you can reattach everything correctly when fitting the new part.

Disconnecting the Appliance

The oven can be isolated using the dedicated red cooker switch on the wall and by turning off the circuit breaker in the consumer unit. A multimeter should be used to confirm that no power is reaching the appliance before starting work.

FAQs