The spadelike terminal pins of a conventional plug-in surface heating element for a domestic range of the electric type are received in a socket member hingedly mounted to the range by a clip structure including a spring-biased pin joint. The clip structure allows the heating element, normally nested within and supported by a drip pan, to be tilted upwardly and then unplugged from the socket to permit ready removal of the drip pan for cleaning purposes. Spring-biasing of the clip structure aids in retaining the heating element at its normal position within the drip pan. The spring-biased pin joint is shielded from the radiant heat generated by the heating element to minimize the deteriorating effects of repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles.