It looks like it just plugs in, but in the instruction booklet it just says that the element can be raised (not specifically unplugged and removed) for cleaning underneath it--and when we tried to remove it, we couldn't get it to budge.
We didn't want to ruin any wiring in the plug, though, so we didn't really crank on it....
Our electric coop actually does appliance repair, so maybe they'll have a spare
And instructions on how to get the blasted (literally :laughing) thing out! Thanks, qmc!