surface elements question

[payrion]

ive been looking at elements and was wondering if anyone has used the surface elements for heating the oven? If so is there any pros or cons to doing this. Im wanting 4000 watts for my small oven build and i was looking at 4 of the 8" round 1000 watt surface elements recessed in the floor with a recirc fan mounted top outside of the oven.

[JTW37]

Don't know why they would work. They are elements. I've also thought about using them and still have several from my other builds. Just not sure how or if I want to do that, at least yet. But I think you would be fine with them.
Anybody else??

[ed_denu]

My only question is if the surface elements normally receive 120 or 240 volts? If they normally receive 120 volts, then enabling them with 240 would probably shorten their life considerably.

But, if they are rated 240 volts, then there would be no reason I can think of as to why they wouldn't work. Elements are just big resistors, apply voltage and they heat up.

[payrion]

the ones i found are 240 rated. i might make some recessed pans and put 4 of them in there.if i dont like the way they work at least ill have the wires already pulled to change them out. We will soon see!!

[CarWiz]

Range top elements are normally 240v. I've never seen 120v elements used in a range top. But even if they were 120, you could run them paired in series. The small ones are around 750 watts and large are around 1000 watts. Watts are watts. They should work.

[Ricklesss]

I was just going to ask this very same question regarding stove top burner elements!!
Decided I'm going to do it, unless somebody see's a problem.
I'm needing 9000W for my 3' X 3' X 6' oven, but wanting 4 elements so I can divide it in half for small jobs with a removable wall.
4 regular baking/broiling elements=9000 is hard to find...
But (6) Whirlpool 6" elements @1500Watts=9000, so perfect.
They are cheap too at 7 bucks plus shipping! Shipping is almost the same price...
The link is:

Range Burner Surface Element 6" Small MP15YA for 660532 - eBay (item 350167827327 end time Mar-19-09 14:55:49 PDT)

Ricklessssss

[JTW37]

I don't know why those wouldn't work, but have you checked the sticky for links to the standard oven elements? Although the price for those is good compared to $27 and higher. Go for it and let us know how it works out for you.
Good Luck.

[Ricklesss]

I don't know why those wouldn't work, but have you checked the sticky for links to the standard oven elements? Although the price for those is good compared to $27 and higher. Go for it and let us know how it works out for you.
Good Luck.

JTW37,
Just so you know, your one of the guy's who has really motivated me!
I've read most every post you've written!
I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for it, with those stove top elements.
They just LOOK more robust, too, all squat and compact and all...
Actually, one advantage, too, me thinks, is the fact that those "chrome trays" that the elements fit into on a range, well they could so easily be fit flush into a the sides of the oven, just by cutting out a circle, and screwing it down...
Now, I just have to figure out what to do about the "divideable oven" thing is gonna fly....I'll make a new thread...
I'll let everybody know when I "get er' done".
Thanks everybody!
RicklesssssssS

[JTW37]

Thanks for the flowers, but there are those that are brighter then me about this stuff and have helped me along the way as well. I like the idea with the burner bowl. I've kept all my stove top elements figuring I may find a use for them someday.

[bikerdad46]

Hello Ricklesss
I know this is a old post. But did you use the stove top elements and if so how did they work out? I am planning on making an enclosure (29" wide 30" tall and 12" to 14" deep with a vent in the top) to sit on top of my old oven with 2 holes in the bottom for the stove elements to heat the oven. I have 2 racks to cure and possibly 4 more that will not fit in my oven.
Did the elements work OK
Thanks
bikerdad46