Fix Bake Element Burnout on Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ

Hi there, I’m Drew Callahan. With over 80,000 miles traveled across North America in three different rigs, I’ve had my fair share of hands-on experience repairing appliances in every type of climate, from the heat of the deserts to the cold of the mountains. The Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ electric range is a model I’ve seen frequently, and bake element burnout is one of the most common repairs I’ve tackled. The good news is that this is a straightforward fix that most homeowners can complete with confidence.

Drew Callahan — Appliance Repair Enthusiast

Experience: Over 15 years fixing residential & commercial appliances • Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Bake element burnout

This step-by-step repair guide is designed to walk you through fixing bake element burnout on your Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ (Electric Range). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in about 1–2 hours, saving you the cost of a service call.

The part you likely need: The bake element that fits without rewiring hassles — Beaquicy W10779716 Oven Bake Element – Replacement for on Amazon →

🔨 Pro Tip from Drew

When replacing the bake element on the WFE550S0LZ, make sure to order part number W10779716. Also, double-check that the two wire harness connectors haven’t melted back into the rear oven wall cavity. This is a common gotcha that can turn a simple swap into a bigger job if you’re not careful.

Part of our Top 20 Oven Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all oven repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ is experiencing a bake element burnout, you may notice one or more of the following signs during preheating or baking cycles:

The oven fails to reach the set temperature or takes unusually long to preheat
A visible burn mark, blister, or hole appears on the lower bake element
The oven displays an F7 or F1-E0 error code on the control panel
Food bakes unevenly or the bottom of dishes remains completely uncooked

Typically, bake element burnout is caused by normal wear over time, electrical surges, or a short circuit within the element itself, resulting in a broken heating coil that can no longer conduct heat properly.

Safety First

Unplug the oven from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Multimeter
Work gloves (heat-rated)
Flashlight

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First things first, unplug the range to eliminate any shock risk from the 240V circuit. Open the oven door and closely inspect the bake element along the oven floor, looking for a visible burn hole, arc spot, or collapsed section — any of these confirms the element has failed rather than a control or wiring issue. A healthy element has no breaks or blistering, so even a small hole indicates a definitive failure.

Step 2

Remove the oven racks to give yourself clear access to the back wall where the element mounts. Use a ¼” hex driver to back out the two mounting screws securing the element bracket to the back wall — these are the only fasteners holding the element in place. Set the screws aside somewhere they won’t roll away, as they are easy to lose.

Step 3

Gently pull the element forward toward you; the wire harness behind the back wall has just enough slack to expose the two spade terminals. Before disconnecting anything, take a photo of the terminal positions so you can replicate them exactly on the new element — reversed polarity won’t damage the element, but it’s good to prevent confusion. Use needle-nose pliers to pull each spade connector straight off the element tabs, avoiding tugging on the wire itself to protect the harness.

Step 4

Set your multimeter to Rx1 (resistance) and probe both terminals of the old element to confirm the diagnosis. An open reading — infinite or OL resistance — confirms the element filament has broken and needs replacement. A reading showing some resistance with continuity means the element may still be intact and the fault could lie elsewhere, such as the element relay on the control board.

Step 5

Press each spade terminal firmly onto the corresponding tab of the new element until it seats fully — a loose connection will arc and damage the new part quickly. Feed the element back through the opening in the oven wall and align the mounting bracket, then drive the two ¼” hex screws snug. Be careful not to overtighten, as these screws thread into a ceramic or porcelain boss that cracks easily under excess torque.

Step 6

Plug the range back in and set Bake to 350°F, then watch the element for the first few minutes. The element should begin glowing a uniform orange-red across its full length with no dark cold spots, which would indicate a partial break or a poor terminal connection. Preheating to 350°F should complete within 10 to 15 minutes; a significantly longer preheat suggests a wiring or control issue beyond the element itself.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ (Electric Range) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, you may be dealing with a failed main control board, a defective temperature sensor, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. In these cases, it’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas models, do not attempt work on the gas valve, burner orifices, or supply line — that work is restricted to a licensed gas fitter in most jurisdictions.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

A replacement bake element for the Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ typically costs between $20 and $60 in parts alone. Hiring a professional appliance technician will usually run $150 to $300 once you factor in the service call and labor fees. By tackling this repair yourself, you can save over $100 while restoring your range to full working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the bake element is burned out and not another component?

A burned-out bake element typically shows visible damage like cracks, holes, or scorch marks on the element itself. If the element looks intact, test it with a multimeter for continuity before replacing it.

Is it safe to replace the bake element myself on the Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ?

Yes, replacing the bake element is a manageable DIY repair as long as you disconnect power to the range at the breaker first. Always confirm the unit is fully unplugged before touching any internal components.

How much does a replacement bake element cost for this model?

A compatible bake element for the Whirlpool WFE550S0LZ typically costs between $20 and $50 depending on the supplier. Using the exact part number from your owner’s manual ensures a proper fit.

Recommended Products

These are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Exact Replacement Element That Fits the WFE550S0LZ Without Guessing

Once you’ve confirmed the bake element is actually burned out (and not just a sensor issue), you need the correct W10779716 part number—and I’ve learned the hard way that aftermarket equivalents from reputable suppliers work just as well as OEM and cost less. This is the part you’ll order, and having it on hand means you’re ready to get your oven back in service the same day.

What works

The Beaquicy version carries the exact same specifications as the genuine Whirlpool part and has consistent compatibility across WFE, KitchenAid, and Maytag models with this element type—I’ve installed dozens without a single fitment problem.
Delivery is usually 2–3 days, which beats waiting for the official OEM part, and the terminal connections are pre-formed correctly so you’re not wrestling with crimps or adjustments during installation.
At roughly half the cost of the genuine Whirlpool version, it performs identically in normal baking temperatures and shows no signs of premature failure in the field repairs I’ve done.

What doesn’t

If you want the official Whirlpool box for warranty documentation purposes (rare, but it matters to some), you’ll need to order the OEM version instead—the aftermarket equivalent works identically but carries only the seller’s warranty.
Amazon’s search results sometimes pull up incompatible elements for similar model numbers, so always verify the W10779716 part number is listed in the product details before checkout.

I’ve had homeowners order a sensor thinking their element was fine, only to find out later the element itself was burned and they wasted money on the wrong diagnosis—so make sure you physically inspect the element coil first for visible breaks or severe blistering before ordering. Beaquicy W10779716 Oven Bake Element – Replacement for Whirlpool Kitchen-Aid Maytag Range

Beaquicy W10779716 Oven Bake Element – Replacement for

I’ve installed this dozens of times—costs half the OEM price, arrives in days, installs without fussing.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Post Views: 7