The present invention relates to a self-regulating electrical resistance heating element, to an appliance containing same, and to processes for their manufacture. The self regulating electrical resistance heating element (10) comprises a substrate (12) comprising an electrically conductive coating (12a) which serves as a first electrical contact (18) on one side of the composite metal oxide layers. Disposed on said electrically conductive layer (12a) is a first metal oxide (14) which has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. Overlaying the first metal oxide layer, and in electrical series thereto, is a second metal oxide layer (16) having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance and overlaying this layer is a second electrical contact (20). The second metal oxide layer (16) having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance is applied to the element in a manner which ensures it's resistive characteristics are not altered.