Surface Area Loading of Electrical Resistance Heating Element is the electric power per unit surface area. The suitable surface loading is related with the material, size, structure, working temperature, abstraction of heat. While there is a difference on surface loading between industrial furnace and home appliance, so we can not define a general value.
It is possible to design an Electrical Resistance Heating Element in a variety of sizes all of which would in theory give the desired wattage load or power density dissipated per unit area. However, it is essential that the load on the surface of the element is not too high as the transfer of heat by conduction, convection or radiation from the element may not be rapid enough to prevent it over-heating and failing prematurely.
The suggested surface loading range for the type of appliance and Electrical Resistance Heating Element are shown below - but this may need to be lower for an element working with more frequent operating cycles, or at nearly its maximum operating temperature, or in harsh atmospheres.