Whirlpool WPW10207398 Bake Element OEM Part

I determined the hidden bake element below the oven cavity was not working, because the bottom of the oven was cold during normal use. If you have a built-in microwave + oven combination (mine is KitchenAid Model No. KEMS308SSS05), this is a difficult repair. The engineer who designed this oven should be invited to succeed elsewhere. It is impossible to access the bake element from the inside of the oven, so the How To video associated with this part will not help you. I had to remove the oven from the wall. To avoid having to lower a heavy oven to the floor, I used a cart with adjustable shelves, onto which I slid the oven and rolled it away from the cabinet. You could also use a moving dolly stacked with wood blocks. This made it easy to turn the oven around so I could open the back, and due to how low the bake element is positioned, having the oven 18" off the ground made it easier to see what I was doing. Before taking the oven out, I recommend removing the lower metal trim piece, so you don't accidentally bend it while making repairs. Also take off the oven door, racks, and microwave turntable. Once out of the cabinet, I removed the lower rear service panel, disconnected the bake element electrical connectors, and opened the compartment leading to the bake element. I folded down the metal of the compartment, which was sharp, so I wore gloves. Then, I cut a slit in the insulation the width of the new bake element, and used a putty knife to move it out of the way (there is no opening in the insulation, which is wrapped all around the oven - terrible design). I wore a mask during this part, because the cutting produced a lot of fiber debris. I removed the four screws from the metal plate holding the bake element in place; they are hard to find, hidden in the insulation (one on the far left, two in the center, one on the far right). Then, I worked the old element out. It was completely deformed, so I had to twist it back and forth and press down on the bottom of the compartment to get it out. I transferred the metal plate from the back of the old bake element to the new one. Sliding the new element in was straightforward, but getting the four screws for the metal plate back in was a pain. It took me several minutes to line up the holes. I also had to keep pushing the insulation out of the way. I closed everything up and voila, my oven was reaching bake temperatures again.

I replace the bake element. The element is hidden, so replaced through the back. I had to cut through the insulation then bend a thin aluminum cover after removing the exterior cover plate. It was not difficult - only time consuming, but I was taking my time because documentation is limited and this was my first repair of a hidden element. The oven is 8 years old. I was shocked how badly warped the old element was from use. My ohm meter needle didn't move at all, so there was zero continuity. No wonder if it didn't work. I wonder if the element being inserted into a narrow slot shortens the life expectancy. I made myself a calendar reminder to replace it in five more years.

Replaced bake and broil elements on an oven that was 6 years old. The bake element was completely broken and warped when we removed it. The broil element was still working but had "split" the outer sheath in couple of places so replaced it since it was only a matter of time before it went.

Called for some tech help. Got advice on how to check the element and ordered the part. We received it as promised. Installed it just in time for some more cookies.

Replace the hidden bake element. Requires removal of a few back panel and lots of screws. Will need to cut the insulation (tuck up/down), to allow old removal and new install. Removal of old is tedious. Installation of new is not as tough, because you know what it takes.