An electric stove top is a common appliance found in most homes. The burners on an electric stove connect to heating elements under the surface that get hot when electricity runs through them. This allows pots and pans placed on the burners to heat up and cook food.
Like any appliance, electric stove burners can suffer wear and tear over time. Burners may not heat up properly or at all. Fixing malfunctioning electric stove burners is possible in many cases. This guide will cover common electric stove burner problems and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Page Contents
Common electric stove burner problems
There are a few common issues that can occur with electric stove burners:
- Burner not heating – The burner does not heat up at all when turned on.
- Burner not heating evenly – The burner heats up unevenly, with hot and cool spots across its surface.
- Burner only heating on high setting – The burner only provides heat when turned to the highest heat setting.
- Burner makes clicking noises – The burner makes repeated clicking or popping noises when turned on.
- Burner sparks – The burner emits sparks when turned on.
- Burner glows red or orange – The burner glows red or orange when heating, indicating it is overheating.
These issues point to problems with the burner itself or the electrical connections powering it. The specific problem will determine the steps needed to fix the burner.
Tools and materials needed
Fixing a malfunctioning electric stove burner will require some basic tools and materials:
- Screwdrivers – Both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in various sizes.
- Socket wrench and sockets – To remove burner mounting screws.
- Wire cutters/strippers – For access to and repairing wire connections.
- Multimeter – To test components for continuity.
- Steel wool or sandpaper – For cleaning burner contacts.
- Replacement igniter or burner – For burners needing new parts.
Having these tools on hand will allow you to troubleshoot, gain access to, and repair electric stove burners and their electrical connections.
Safety tips
When attempting to fix an electric appliance like a stove burner, safety should always be the top concern:
- Turn off power supply – Turn off the stove’s circuit breaker before attempting any repairs.
- Allow burner to cool – Allow the burner to cool completely before handling to avoid burns.
- Disconnect from power – Unplug the stove or disconnect the electrical line leading to the burner.
- No loose connections – Make sure any wire connections are securely fastened.
- No frayed wires – Do not use burners with frayed or damaged wires.
- Reassemble properly – Replace all removed safety shields and components.
Observing safety precautions will help avoid electrical shocks, burns, and other injuries while servicing an electric stove burner.
How to troubleshoot common electric stove burner problems
Burner not heating
If a burner is not heating up at all when turned on, the problem could be with the burner itself or the electrical power supply:
- Broken burner or element – The heating element inside the burner may have broken. Visually inspect the burner for cracks or damage. Test for continuity with a multimeter.
- Burner not getting power – There may be a problem with the power supply to the burner. Check that the stove is plugged in and the circuit breaker or fuse is not tripped.
- Faulty power cord – The power cord leading to the burner may be damaged, preventing power from reaching the burner. Inspect the cord for damage.
- Bad surface burner switch – The switch that controls power flow to the burner when turned on/off may be defective. Test the switch with a multimeter.
Burner not heating evenly
If the burner heats unevenly with hot and cool spots, it could be caused by:
- Dirty or blocked burner – Food spills, grease, and other debris on the burner can block heat transfer. Clean the burner thoroughly.
- Burner not level – If the burner surface is not evenly level, it can heat unevenly. Check that the burner lays flat.
- Damaged heating element – Cracks or gaps in the heating element prevent even heat disbursal. The element may need replacement.
Burner only heating on high
A burner that only heats up when set to high could have the following issues:
- Bad power connections – Loose wire connections leading to the burner can prevent proper power supply on lower settings. Check and tighten connections.
- Defective surface burner switch – The problem may lie with the burner’s switch that controls heat settings. The switch may need replacement.
- Faulty wire or element – Damaged wires or a deteriorating heating element may only allow power on the highest setting. Inspect these components.
Burner making clicking noises
Clicking or popping sounds from the burner are typically caused by:
- Dirty or corroded burner plugs – Build up on the burner receptacle plugs can cause arching and clicking noises from poor connections. Clean the plugs thoroughly.
- Defective surface burner switch – A worn out switch can create clicking noises as it struggles to transmit power. The switch may need to be replaced.
- Damaged power cord – A shorted wire inside a damaged cord can create intermittent connections and clicking sounds. Inspect the power cord.
Burner sparking
If a burner is emitting sparks or arcing when turned on, the likely causes are:
- Poor connection – Dirty or loose plugs at the burner receptacle can create sparks from arching. Clean and tighten connections.
- Cracked insulation – Compromised wire insulation exposes wires near the burner. This can spark. Replace any damaged wires.
- Wrong burner installed – Using a burner not designed for the stove can lead to sparking from poor connections. Use manfacturer approved burners.
Burner glowing red or orange
A burner glowing red or orange typically signals the burner is severely overheating. Potential causes are:
- Damaged or defective element – Cracks in the element can lead to overheating failures. The element will likely need replacement.
- Improper burner installation – If the burner is not fully seated in the receptacle, overheating can occur from poor contact. Check positioning.
- Incorrect burner – Using a burner not approved for the stove can lead it to overheat. Replace with compatible burner.
How to fix and replace common electric stove burner problems
Replacing a defective burner element
If testing confirms the burner’s heating element has failed or is cracked, follow these steps to replace it:
- Turn off power supply to stove and unplug it.
- Remove mounting screws to detach burner from stove top.
- Disconnect wires from element terminals.
- Remove retaining clips or screws to detach defective element.
- Install new element of same model and reconnect wires.
- Reinstall burner and test for proper operation.
Replacing a faulty surface burner switch
For a burner that is not heating properly due to a bad surface switch, replace it by:
- Turn off power to stove and remove burner mounting screws.
- Label and disconnect wires from switch terminals.
- Remove switch mounting screws and detach switch.
- Install new switch with matching wire terminal layout.
- Reconnect wires to proper terminals.
- Remount burner and test operation.
Cleaning dirty burner plugs and receptacles
To clean dirty or corroded burner plugs and stove receptacles:
- Remove burners from receptacles by detaching mounting screws.
- Clean burner plug prongs with steel wool or emery cloth.
- Clean receptacle holes with cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.
- Use vacuum or compressed air to clear any remaining debris.
- Reinstall burners, ensuring they are level and seated firmly.
Tightening burner wiring connections
Loose wiring can prevent burners from functioning properly. Tighten connections by:
- Unplug stove or turn off power supply.
- Remove mounting screws to access underside of burner.
- Tighten any loose wire nuts and terminal screws.
- Inspect wire insulation for damage and replace if compromised.
- Reinstall burner and test operation.
Replacing a damaged power cord
For a burned or damaged power cord:
- Unplug power cord and disconnect it from range.
- Remove mounting hardware to detach cord from range.
- Install replacement cord following wiring diagram.
- Securely attach new cord with mounting hardware.
- Plug in range and test burner operation.
Preventing future electric stove burner problems
Proper use and maintenance helps prevent issues with electric stove burners:
- Clean burners regularly – Prevent buildup by cleaning after spills and routinely removing burners to clean.
- Avoid banging pots – Sliding rather than dropping heavy pots helps prevent cracking the element.
- Do not overload burner – Heating too many pots can cause overheating failures.
- Check for level positioning – Make sure burners are evenly positioned to avoid uneven heating.
- Monitor function – Note any unusual sounds, uneven heating, or other functional issues and address them promptly.
- Unplug when cleaning – Always unplug range before cleaning to prevent electric shocks.
Carrying out simple preventive maintenance and monitoring burner operation can add years to a burner’s lifespan.
Know when to call a professional
While many stove burner repairs can be done at home, some issues are best left to qualified appliance technicians:
- Complex disassembly required – If burner access requires major range disassembly, it likely needs a pro.
- Major electrical issues – Sparking, smoking, or other major electrical issues should be addressed by electricians.
- New stove installation – Only certified professionals should handle the initial installation to ensure proper operation and safety.
- Gas stove repairs – Any repairs to a gas stove or oven should only be performed by qualified technicians due to gas safety concerns.
Seeking professional service may cost more upfront but can prevent improper repairs that compromise safety or your appliance warranty.
Conclusion
Electric stove burners can often be repaired at home by troubleshooting issues, replacing worn parts, and properly cleaning connections. Basic hand tools, a multimeter for testing, and manufacturer approved replacement parts are typically all that is needed. However, more complex electrical issues, gas appliances, and major disassembly may require hiring an appliance repair technician.
Applying safety precautions, regular maintenance, and prompt attention to any functional issues can maximize the lifespan of your electric stove burners.