Electric Stove Cooktop Not Working: Reasons & Solutions

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.

1. Electric Cooktop Range Won’t Turn On

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.

Next Steps

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.

2. Electric Coils Won’t Heat

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.

Next Steps

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.

3. Cannot Adjust Temperature 

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. 

Next Steps

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.

4. Electric Burner Turns On and Off

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.

Next Steps

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.

How to Extend Your Electric Stove’s Life Span

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.