Heating Element Failure

When dealing with Heating Element Failure, the loss of heat in an appliance due to a broken or worn‑out heating component. Also known as element breakdown, it can affect ovens, electric hobs, dishwashers and many other household machines. A typical Oven Element, the metal coil that radiates heat inside the oven cavity is one of the most common culprits. Likewise, a faulty Thermostat, the temperature sensor that tells the controller when to turn the element on or off or a dead Control Board, the electronic brain that manages power delivery to the heating element can produce the same symptom: no heat.

What Triggers a Heating Element to Give Up?

Most failures are the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, moisture ingress or ordinary wear. In an electric hob, the heating element failure often shows up as a dead zone on the cooking surface, because the coil beneath that spot has oxidized or cracked. Microwave ovens suffer a similar fate when the Magnetron, the component that generates microwave energy burns out; while not a traditional heating element, its loss of power mirrors the same heat‑loss problem. Dishwashers rely on a small heating coil to dry dishes; when that coil fails, dishes come out wet and the appliance may display an error code.

Three semantic triples illustrate the relationships:

  • Heating element failure encompasses oven element breakdown.
  • Thermostat malfunction triggers heating element failure.
  • Control board damage often causes heating element failure.
Understanding these links helps you pinpoint the root cause faster. If the oven still powers on but never heats, start by testing the element with a multimeter. A reading of infinite resistance means the coil is open. If the element checks out, move on to the thermostat and then the control board. For hobs, a simple visual inspection for burnt spots can save a trip to the technician.

Safety is non‑negotiable. Always unplug the appliance before probing any component, and wear insulated gloves. If you spot a cracked element, replace it rather than trying to patch it—patches can cause hot spots and fire hazards. When the thermostat or control board is at fault, most homeowners prefer professional help because the replacement involves delicate wiring and calibration.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that walk through diagnosis steps, compare repair versus replacement costs, and share real‑world tips from our Hinckley technicians. Whether you’re tackling a stubborn oven coil or wondering if your dishwasher’s heating element is beyond repair, the collection gives you practical guidance to make an informed decision.