Electric cooktop not working? Here are the reasons.
Most electric cooktops last up to 13 years.
Electric coil, switch, and control panel errors can all stop your electric stove from working.
You should inspect your electric stove at least once a year.
It costs between $200 and $500 to repair an electric cooktop.
Induction stoves are 10% more than regular electric stoves
Many homes use electric cooktops nowadays. They are safer, more energy efficient, and cleaner to cook with. However, electric stoves can fail at times. Knowing why your electric cooktop may not work can help you evaluate the situation. Sometimes, you can perform a simple repair by yourself. Meanwhile, other situations may require a professional technician.
If your electric cooktop won’t turn on, check your power connection first. Make sure the appliance is properly plugged into a functioning outlet and the power cord is not broken. You can test the outlet by hitting the reset button, and a quick inspection of the cord will tell you if there is any damage.
If everything looks normal but the cooktop still won’t turn on, there might be an internal failure, and you will need a professional stove repair technician to figure out the situation. On average, be prepared to pay $200 to $500 for an electric cooktop repair.
If you feel no heat coming off an electric coil or don’t see the stove surface turning red, there might be something wrong with the coil. If you have an older model electric cooktop that gives direct access to the coils, check for a loose connection on the malfunctioning coil. You can also unplug the problematic coil and plug it back in in case of an improper installation.
If a replacement is necessary, you can find new coils from the manufacturer’s website or most large hardware stores. Older models allow you to switch out malfunctioning coils by yourself fairly easily. However, newer models hide their coils underneath a glass stovetop, so you will need a professional to do the repair.
Another common electric cooktop malfunction is the inability to adjust the temperature. Your cooktop is either not heating up or is stuck at the highest temperature. This usually indicates a problem with the infinite switch, which is the mechanism that allows you to control the temperature.
A switch repair or replacement is complicated—and, since electricity is involved, potentially dangerous. Long story short, this repair should only be done by a licensed professional.
If your electric cooktop is turned on, but the burner seems to be “skippy” or is randomly turning off, there might be something wrong with the burner socket. The socket is a small, circular metal part underneath the electric cooktop and connects the internal wiring to the heating element. A malfunctioning socket would prevent your heating units from receiving steady, consistent electric current.
Since the socket is connected to the stove’s internal wiring, do not attempt to inspect or repair the part yourself. You can cause more damage to the stove or risk your safety. While your local electrician might be able to help, an appliance professional versed in the inner workings of the stove itself might be the best bet for this fix.
Routine maintenance can help you maximize the life span of your electric cooktop. Like most electronic appliances, you should inspect your electric stove at least once a year. It is also helpful to give your stove a deep clean once in a while to prevent burnt debris, grease, and other contaminants from building up.
Sometimes, replacing instead of repairing your electric stove might save you more in the long run. Is your cooktop reaching the end of its life span? Has it had other issues frequently over the past few months? These are all signs getting a new stove altogether might make more financial sense. Upgrading your stove also has a positive impact on your property’s value.
The answer very much depends on the type and extent of the damage, but on average it might cost between $100 and $430. Keep in mind that, while parts may be inexpensive, the real cost will likely be the labor of the professional you hire. Appliance repair technicians often cost between $50 and $150 per hour.
If you have a glass-top electric range and it cracks, chips or shatters, yes, you should be able to replace the glass without replacing the whole stove or oven. However, the cost to replace the glass cooktop on an electric stove is between $350 and $600, so if your stove or oven is already past its prime, it may make more sense to go ahead and replace the entire thing.
Many people find switching from an electric stove to a gas stove well worth the hassle. After all, gas stoves last up to 15 years, whereas most electric stoves only last up to 13 years. Plus, the sentiment and joy of cooking over a real fire is indeed irreplaceable—and offers more precise temperature controls than electric cooktops. The cost of converting an electric cooktop to a gas stove depends on whether your kitchen already has gas supplies, and the cost can range from $125 to $2,000. Also, make sure your new stove’s dimensions match the old one.
An induction stove is one of the most popular upgrade options for those tired of dealing with conventional electric cooktops. Compared to an electric stove, induction stoves are 10% more energy efficient. They’re also safer and cleaner, and they provide the precise temperature control most electric cooktops cannot offer. On average, an induction stove costs approximately $2,200. Lower-end units may be less than $1,000, whereas higher-end ranges can cost up to $6,000. A professional appliance installer could get you a better deal with contractor access to wholesale or manufacturer’s pricing.
