Amana stoves are known for their reliability and efficient cooking capabilities. When the heating element in your Amana stove needs replacement, you can save time and money by doing it yourself. This article offers a clear and concise guide on replacing the heating element in your Amana stove, whether you’re a seasoned technician or a homeowner looking to tackle this task.
Safety First:
- Before you begin, unplug the stove or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Allow the stove to cool down if it was recently in use.
- Identifying Your Amana Stove Heating Element
Amana stoves typically come with either coil heating elements or smooth-top radiant heating elements. Identifying the type of element in your stove is the first step:
Coil Heating Elements: These are traditional, visible, and have a coil-like appearance. They are relatively easy to replace.
Smooth-Top Radiant Elements: These elements are sleek, glass or ceramic surfaces with the heating element underneath. They provide more modern aesthetics but can be a bit more complex to replace.
- Replacing Coil Heating Elements
If your Amana stove has coil heating elements, follow these straightforward steps:
2.1. Remove the Drip Pans:
- Lift the coil element and remove the drip pan beneath it.
2.2. Disconnect the Wires:
- Carefully disconnect the wires from the old coil element, noting their positions for reconnection.
2.3. Unscrew or Lift the Element:
- Coil elements are typically secured by screws or clips. Unscrew or lift the old element carefully.
2.4. Install the New Element:
- Place the new coil element in the same position and secure it with screws or clips.
2.5. Reconnect the Wires:
- Reconnect the wires to the new element, ensuring they match their original positions.
2.6. Replace the Drip Pans:
- Put the drip pans back under the coil elements.
- Replacing Smooth-Top Radiant Elements
If you have smooth-top radiant elements, the replacement process is slightly different:
3.1. Lift the Element:
- Carefully lift the old radiant element from the stove. It may be held in place by a retaining bracket or clips.
3.2. Disconnect the Wires:
- Gently disconnect the wires from the element, remembering their positions.
3.3. Install the New Element:
- Place the new radiant element into the same location and secure it with the retaining bracket or clips.
3.4. Reconnect the Wires:
- Reconnect the wires to the new element, ensuring they match their original positions.
- Testing and Safety Checks
Before using your stove again, test the newly installed heating element:
Turn on the corresponding burner and ensure that the new element heats up evenly.
Verify that all wire connections are secure and correct.
- Maintenance Tips
To maintain the longevity and efficiency of your Amana stove’s heating elements:
Clean your stove regularly to prevent damage from spills and residues.
Use flat-bottomed cookware to avoid scratching the glass surface of smooth-top radiant elements.
Conclusion
Replacing the heating element in an Amana stove can be a manageable DIY task with the right guidance. Whether it’s a coil element or a smooth-top radiant element, this guide provides the essential technical details and steps for an effective and safe replacement. If you encounter difficulties or are uncomfortable with the process, consider consulting a professional technician to ensure the proper functioning of your stove.