Parts of an oven: a quick guide
Shop the latest deals on select Whirlpool major appliances Shop Now
Are you curious about the different gas or electric parts of your oven that help you cook, broil and bake? This guide will help you learn more about the oven rack, broil element, bake element and other oven parts, where they’re located and how they function. Below, you’ll also find answers to some common questions about replacement parts and accessories for your Whirlpool® Oven or Range. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for model-specific information.
What are the parts of an oven?
Select an oven part to learn more.
Select an oven part to learn more.
1. Broil element
The broil element is typically found at the top of the oven cavity and provides direct heat to the top of food for broiling. If your oven’s broil element doesn’t turn on, or if you see any signs of visible damage, then you may need to call a service professional. Consult your owner’s manual for more troubleshooting tips.
2. Oven rack
The oven rack holds cookware and bakeware inside the oven and can be moved up or down prior to cooking. A broken or uneven oven rack can prevent food from cooking properly.
Maintenance Tip: Regularly cleaning your oven racks can prevent unpleasant odors in your kitchen and undesirable flavors in your food.
3. Bake element
Your oven’s bake element is the main heat source for most oven functions. Located at the bottom of the oven, the bake element is also frequently used for the self-cleaning feature in self-cleaning ovens. Just like broil elements, if your oven’s bake element doesn’t turn on, then you may want to call a service professional. Consult your oven’s use and care guide for more troubleshooting tips.
4. Convection fan
If your model has convection, its convection fan circulates warm air around the oven cavity to help promote even cooking. The convection fan is usually found on the back wall of convection ovens, which are different from conventional ovens. If you suspect your convection fan is not running, or may not be functioning properly, contact a service professional.
5. Fan blade
If your oven model has convection, the fan blade is a part of your oven’s convection fan and helps the fan create airflow throughout the oven. If your oven’s fan blade doesn’t appear to be functioning properly while in Convection Mode, you should consult a service professional for further diagnosis and repair.
6. Convection baffle
If your model has convection, your oven’s convection baffle encases the convection fan, typically located on the rear wall of the oven cavity. If you suspect there is a problem with your oven’s convection baffle, consult a service professional.
7. Light bulb and assembly
The light bulb and assembly provide light inside your oven cavity and are often found near the top. If your oven’s light doesn’t turn on, check your oven’s use and care guide for further instructions for your specific model.
9. Vent tube
Your oven releases heat and moisture through the vent tube, which is usually found at the top of the oven cavity. If you suspect that your oven’s vent tube is having issues, consult a service professional.
10. Gas oven ignitor
The gas oven ignitor, which is not found in electric ovens, ignites the oven’s heating burner. It’s typically located inside the oven and near the burner tube at the back. Consult a service professional about issues with your oven’s gas oven ignitor.
How do I know when it’s time for oven replacement parts?
If your oven isn’t functioning properly, including the bottom drawer, or repeatedly displays an error message, it might be time to replace one or more oven parts. Consult your owner’s manual or the Whirlpool Product Help website for more troubleshooting tips to help you identify the issue with your oven. If the issue persists, consider contacting a service professional. You can schedule service for Whirlpool® Ovens and Ranges directly through our website.
Which oven parts can I use with my Whirlpool® Appliance?
We recommend using only Whirlpool® replacement parts for your specific oven model to repair your oven. Using non-Whirlpool® replacement or repair parts in your oven can cause damage that may not be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I replace oven parts myself?
Depending on the part that needs to be replaced and your level of experience with repairs, you may want to consult a service professional or attempt to repair the oven yourself. Our Home Appliance Parts & Accessories site can help you gauge the level of skill required to replace a particular part. We recommend scheduling a repair service for any project outside your experience level such as working with a malfunctioning gas oven.
Shop the latest deals on select Whirlpool major appliances Shop Now
Shop Whirlpool® ovens and ranges
Whirlpool brand has a range for every home. Get started making your favorite recipes in an oven with smart features or convection technology in a range of finishes and fuel types.
More ways to care for your oven
What is a broiler and how can you use it?
Have you ever wondered how restaurants achieve the perfect charred finish on meats, vegetables and oven-baked bread?
Why would you calibrate your oven?
Sometimes ovens are "designed" to run slightly cooler or hotter than their specified temperatures to improve performance.
Can you put aluminum foil in the oven?
On its face, it seems like a strange question. After all, many recipes recommend covering or wrapping your food in aluminum foil while it cooks.
home heartbeat
Ready for more tips, home hacks and appliance guides?
