What is an electric heating element?

An electric heating element is generally made from nichrome and can come in the shape of either a coil, ribbon or wire strip. When electricity is introduced into the heating element, its internal temperature increases and grows red hot as it begins to radiate heat outward.

The material used to make a typical heating element, nichrome, is an alloy that is made up of 20 percent chromium and 80 percent nickel. This alloy doesn't oxidize at high temperatures and has a melting point at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. As of 2015, heating elements can be used as either a bare attachment or inside a ceramic material to add to its durability.