[andyatthepond]

Our oven has not been baking well so I pulled the bottom cover off to expose the lower heating element and found that it had melted in half, pretty ugly. I have never had an oven do this before. I am prepared to replace the element, but I want to make sure that I should not be worried that something caused the element to melt. I don't want to put a new one in only to have the same problem or brake something else in the process. Thanks for your help.

[denman]

I cannot find any info on this unit, please check the model number.

It is not uncommon for an element to burn out the way you describe.

One thing to be aware of is that when they do burn out like this they can also burn out the control board.

[andyatthepond]

Originally Posted by denman

I cannot find any info on this unit, please check the model number.

It is not uncommon for an element to burn out the way you describe.

One thing to be aware of is that when they do burn out like this they can also burn out the control board.

Thank you for your help. I am pretty sure that the model number is correct (Thermador PD304BS), I bought it in 2005. I am planning to put the new heating element in and watch it to make sure it appears to be functioning properly. Do you have any other suggestions? Should I bite the bullet and get an appliance repairman to look at it? Thanks.

[denman]

Do you have any other suggestions?
It is not difficult to replace.
Just be sure to unplug/remove power from the unit when doing this as one side of the element is often still live even with the element turned off.
It is also a good idea to make sure the element is an exact match especially the part that goes into the back of the oven. I have seen on this forum where a person replaced the element and did not check this and the element shorted to the back panel of the stove.

Should I bite the bullet and get an appliance repairman to look at it?
I really cannot comment on this but if you feel uncomfortable doing this that may be the way to go.