How to Replace W10276482 Oven Bake Element on Whirlpool, Maytag & KitchenAid Ranges — Step-by-Step

Your oven's sitting at 250 degrees when you set it to 350. Or maybe it won't heat up at all anymore. When the bake element fails in ranges like the Amana AER5715QAW or Whirlpool WFE525S0HV, you'll see uneven baking, longer preheat times, or complete heating failure. The W10276482 bake element is the workhorse at the bottom of your oven cavity — and it's one of the most straightforward parts you can replace yourself.

This replacement works across Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Jenn-Air electric ranges. It replaces part numbers WPW10276482, AP6018421, 74011117, and W10144689. Most people finish this repair in under 30 minutes with just a screwdriver and a nut driver.

What You Need Before Starting

Tools required:

• 1/4-inch nut driver or socket wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Work gloves (element edges can be sharp)
• Flashlight or phone light

Repair time: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: EASY

You don't need any special skills for this one. If you can turn a screwdriver and identify two wires, you're good to go.

Safety First

Turn off power at the circuit breaker — not just the oven controls. Electric ranges pull 240 volts, and that bake element connects directly to your home's electrical system. Flip the dedicated breaker for your range in your main panel. If you're not sure which breaker it is, turn off the oven at the control panel, then flip breakers until the clock display goes dark. Leave that breaker off for the entire repair.

Step 1: Remove the Oven Racks and Access the Element

Pull out all your oven racks so you've got clear access to the bottom of the oven cavity. You'll see the bake element — it's the wide, flat metal loop sitting on the floor of the oven. Look toward the back wall where the element disappears into the oven cavity. That's where you'll find the mounting screws.

Most Whirlpool and Maytag models have two screws securing the element bracket to the back wall. On some KitchenAid ranges like the KERS202, there might be a center support screw as well.

Step 2: Disconnect the Mounting Hardware

Use your 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the mounting screws at the back of the oven. There are usually two hex-head screws holding the element bracket in place. Keep these screws — you'll reuse them with the new element.

Once the screws are out, gently pull the element forward about 3-4 inches. It'll pivot out from the back wall. Don't yank it — the wires are still connected behind the bracket.

Step 3: Disconnect the Wire Terminals

Behind where the element enters the oven wall, you'll see two wire terminals. They're usually slip-on connectors that push onto the element's prongs. Grip each wire connector (not the wire itself) and pull straight off. If they're stuck after years of heat cycling, wiggle them gently side to side while pulling.

Take a quick photo with your phone before you disconnect anything. The terminals usually aren't color-coded, but it doesn't matter which wire goes where on a bake element — it's not polarity-sensitive. Still, a photo gives you a reference point.

Step 4: Install the New W10276482 Element

Slide the wire connectors onto the terminals of your new element. Push them on firmly until they're fully seated — you should feel them click or bottom out on the terminal. Give each connector a gentle tug to make sure it's secure.

Carefully guide the element back into position, aligning the mounting bracket holes with the screw holes in the back wall. The element should sit flat against the oven floor without forcing it. If it's twisted or sitting at an angle, pull it back out and make sure the wires aren't caught or pinched.

Reinstall the mounting screws and tighten them snug — not gorilla-tight, just firm. The element needs to be secure but the bracket is thin metal that can strip if you overtighten.

Step 5: Test the New Element

Put your oven racks back in place. Go flip the circuit breaker back on. Set your oven to 350°F and watch through the oven window. Within 2-3 minutes, you should see the new element start to glow red from the center outward. It should heat evenly across the entire element coil.

Let it run for 5 minutes. You might notice a slight burning smell — that's normal manufacturing oils burning off the new element during first use. Open a window if it bothers you, but it'll disappear after the first heating cycle.

Testing After Installation

Once your oven's been running at 350°F for about 20 minutes, use an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature. It should read within 25 degrees of your set temperature. If you're seeing accurate temps and even heating, you're done.

Bake something as your real-world test — a pan of biscuits or a frozen pizza will show you immediately if your oven's heating properly again. You should see even browning across the entire pan, and your preheat times should be back to normal (typically 8-12 minutes to reach 350°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my bake element is actually bad?

Visual inspection tells you most of what you need to know. Look for blisters, bubbles, or separated coils in the element. If it's physically damaged, it's done. For elements that look fine but don't heat, set your oven to bake and watch the element. A working element should glow red within 2-3 minutes. If it stays dark, doesn't glow evenly, or trips your breaker when the oven heats, the element's failed. You can also test continuity with a multimeter — a good element reads between 15-50 ohms depending on wattage.

Will this W10276482 element fit my specific model?

This element fits dozens of Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Jenn-Air electric range models including AER5715QAW, WFE525S0HV, KERS202BWH, and many others. Check your model number (it's on a sticker inside the oven door frame or on the back panel) against the compatibility list on the product page. If your old element is stamped with part numbers WPW10276482, AP6018421, 74011117, or W10144689, this is your replacement.

Can I replace just the bake element if my broil element still works?

Absolutely. The bake and broil elements are completely separate components. If your broiler works fine but your oven won't bake properly, you only need to replace the bake element. They operate independently on separate circuits, so one can fail while the other keeps working. Just replace what's broken — no need to do both unless both have failed.