First check the element visually for any signs of damage i.e. cracks, splits, holes or any unusual twiting or bulging. If you find any replace it & see if it heats up. If it looks ok then you really need a multimeter to test it. If you have one, put it on ohms range, remove one of the wires from the element & put the two probes from the test meter on either end of the element. You should get a reading. Maybe around 30 - 40 ohms but it depends on the particular element. It may be more or may be less, it doesn't really matter. The important thing is that you get a reading. No reading or an extremely high reading means the element is no good.
Roger, May 2009
