Abstract: An energy efficient heating element (10) is set forth which includes a resistance wire (15). The wire (15) has a diameter at 20.degree. C., d, and has a generally sinuated configuration defining a plurality of loops (30). The wire (15) is bent backwards centrally (32) to form first (34) and second (36) generally parallel sections with the loops defining alternately inwardly facing (38a) and outwardly facing (38b) concavities (38a,38b) which have respective interior sections (40a,40b) and mouths (42a, 42b). The interior sections (40a,40b) generally have diameters of at least about 3d at 20.degree. C. The mouths (42a,42b) have dimensions of less than the diameters of the interior sections (40a,40b) but at least about 2d at actual operating temperature. The closest approaching portions of loops (30) are separated by at least 2d at operating temperature. The wire (15) defines a generally continuous body (44) of thickness, d, at 20.degree. C.