Posted by Orin Trask
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If your oven is heating unevenly, taking forever to bake, or simply won’t heat at all, the culprit is often the oven heating element a metal coil that converts electricity into heat inside an electric oven. Replacing it isn’t rocket science, but the cost can vary a lot depending on whether you go the DIY route or call a professional appliance technician a licensed tradesperson who services kitchen appliances. In this guide we’ll break down the price of the part, labor rates in Wellington and beyond, and give you a step‑by‑step plan to fix it yourself if you feel confident.
In an electric oven a kitchen appliance that uses electricity rather than gas to generate heat for cooking, the heating element is the visible coil at the top (broil) and/or bottom (bake) of the cavity. When you turn the oven on, electricity flows through the coil, heating it to temperatures of up to 260 °C (500 °F). The hot coil then radiates heat into the oven chamber.
Elements are generally made of a nickel‑chromium alloy called nichrome. They’re designed to last several years, but everyday use, power surges, and age can cause the coil to break or become corroded, resulting in a cold or uneven oven.
Prices depend on three main factors: brand, size, and where you buy it.
When you factor in shipping (usually NZ$10‑NZ$20 within the country), the replace oven heating element cost sits roughly between NZ$80 and NZ$200 for most homeowners.
Below is a quick side‑by‑side comparison. It’s not just about the dollar amount - consider time, risk, and warranty implications.
| Aspect | Do‑It‑Yourself | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Part price | 70‑130 | 70‑130 (same part) |
| Labor | 0 (your time) | 80‑130 per hour |
| Total average cost | 80‑150 | 150‑260 |
| Time required | 1‑2 hours | 0.5‑1 hour (plus travel) |
| Risk level | Medium (electric shock if mishandled) | Low (licensed professional) |
| Warranty impact | May void OEM warranty | Preserves warranty |
If you have a basic toolkit, feel comfortable working with electricity, and your oven is out of warranty, DIY can shave off NZ$50‑NZ$120. Here’s the checklist before you start:
That’s it! Most homeowners finish in under two hours. If you hit a snag, the next section explains when to quit and call a pro.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet you can print or save to your phone:
Check the model number on the old element or in your oven’s user manual. The size is usually listed as 25 cm (standard) or 35 cm (large). If you can’t find it, search the oven’s make and model online - most manufacturers list the exact part number.
If your oven is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, only an authorized service centre should do the work. Doing it yourself may void the warranty, meaning you’ll bear the cost of any future repairs.
No. Gas ovens use a flame‑based burner, not a resistive coil. Mixing the two can be dangerous and will never heat properly.
Wear insulated gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask if you’re working in a cramped cavity. Make sure the area is well‑ventilated.
With normal household use, a quality OEM element can last 8‑12 years. Aftermarket versions may be slightly shorter, especially if they’re cheaper alloys.
1. Verify your oven’s brand and model.
2. Compare part prices at local stores and online marketplaces.
3. Decide whether you have the tools and confidence for a DIY swap.
4. If you choose DIY, follow the step‑by‑step guide above and keep the safety checklist handy.
5. If you’d rather not risk it, call a reputable professional appliance technician and request a quote that includes the part.
Either way, you’ll have a functional oven back in the kitchen without the guess‑work of a half‑cooked roast.