Electric stoves are a staple appliance in most homes, relied upon for daily cooking. However, like any electrical appliance, electric stoves can encounter problems that hinder their operation and stop them working properly. Diagnosing the causes of an electric stove failure can help owners pinpoint the issue and determine whether they can repair the stove themselves or will need professional assistance.
Some of the most common reasons an electric stove may stop working properly include:
– Power supply issues
– Problems with the stove’s wiring
– Malfunctions with heating elements
– Defective thermostat
– Faulty control panel/buttons
– Issues with the anti-tip bracket
Identifying the specific problem causing an electric stove failure is the first step toward getting the appliance back in working order. While some problems are quick fixes, more complex issues with wiring or heating elements may require the expertise of a trained appliance repair technician.
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Checking Power to the Stove
The first place to start troubleshooting an electric stove is to check whether the stove is actually getting power. If the stove’s clock, display and lights are not turning on, there is likely a problem with the power supply to the appliance.
To check for power issues:
- Make sure the household circuit breaker for the kitchen/stove has not tripped. Flip the breaker to the “off” position, then back to the “on” position to reset it.
- Check that the wall outlet the stove is plugged into is working, by plugging in a lamp or other small appliance. Make sure the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch that could have been turned off.
- Inspect the power cord and plug for any damage. Make sure the cord is firmly plugged into the outlet and the connector at the rear of the stove.
- Check the fuses or circuit board on the stove itself. Unplug the stove before accessing internal parts. Replace any blown fuses with new fuses of the same size.
If none of these steps restore power to the electric stove, the stove may have an internal wiring issue or problem with its power supply unit. This will require a technician’s expertise to diagnose and fix.
Testing the Stove’s Wiring
Issues with the internal wiring of an electric stove are another common cause of operation failures. Problems like loose connections, burned wires or damage from spills/leaks can keep power from reaching the stove’s heating elements and other components.
Checking the wiring involves:
- Visually inspecting wires for damage. Look for cracked insulation, exposed copper and loose or disconnected connectors.
- Wiggling wires and connectors while the stove is partially disassembled. See if this temporarily restores function to some burners/elements, indicating a loose connection.
- Testing wires for continuity using a multimeter. This can detect “breaks” in continuity that point to damaged wires.
Replacing damaged wiring in an electric stove requires disassembling the unit to access wiring harnesses and connectors. This complex repair is best left to trained technicians with experience working on major appliances. Do not attempt to replace wires unless qualified to work with 240-volt electric systems.
Checking the Heating Elements
Electric stove tops use coiled metal heating elements under each burner to produce heat. These elements can fail or burn out over time, preventing the stovetop burners from heating up properly.
To test the heating elements:
- Turn on each burner individually and observe whether the element gets hot. No heat indicates a bad element.
- Visually inspect each element for cracks, breaks or deformities. Damaged coils or elements with large gaps will not heat properly.
- Use an ohmmeter to check the resistance of each element. Out-of-range resistance readings indicate a defective element.
Individual stove heating elements can often be replaced without replacing the whole cooktop. After disconnecting power, remove the screw or brackets holding the bad element in place and replace it with a new element of the same size and wattage.
Electric Oven Heating Element
Similar to the stovetop elements, a faulty heating element in the oven can cause failure. If the oven won’t reach the set temperature or heats unevenly, the bake and/or broil elements may need replacing. These elements are typically more challenging to access and replace than stovetop elements.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat controls power to the heating elements to maintain the oven at the desired temperature. A defective thermostat can result in an oven that won’t heat up or becomes too hot.
Problems with the thermostat can include:
- Thermostat stops sending power to the elements once the oven preheats. This results in the oven not staying at temperature.
- Thermostat allows too much power to the elements, causing overheating.
- Thermostat reading is no longer accurate, causing inconsistent heating.
If the oven won’t maintain a steady temperature, it’s best to have a technician test and potentially replace the thermostat. Repairing or replacing oven thermostats requires disconnecting power and working with high-voltage parts.
Key Stove Control Panel Issues
The control panel is the user interface for operating an electric stove. Common issues include:
- Non-responsive buttons/touchpads – If the control buttons don’t respond, the issue may beFailed membrane switches or loose button connectors.
- Faulty control board – The printed circuit boards in modern stoves control power to components. Bad solder joints or electrical issues on the board can disable burner operation.
- Display problems – If the digital display is not working, the display unit or its wiring may be defective.
Repairing control panels often involves electronics troubleshooting and soldering skills to locate and fix connection issues or damaged components. Technicians use schematics from the manufacturer to safely test and replace control boards, displays and associated parts.
Anti-Tip Bracket Concerns
Freestanding electric ranges require an anti-tip bracket installed on the back wall to keep them stable when opening the oven door. If this tipping prevention device is missing, damaged or improperly installed, it can allow the range to tip forward dangerously when weight is applied to the oven door.
If the electric stove begins shifting position or seems unstable, immediately check that the anti-tip bracket is engaged with the back of the stove. If not, slide the range forward carefully and re-install the bracket at the proper height. Also check for damage to the bracket or stripped wall anchors.
Conclusion
Electric stoves contain complex components wired to deliver powerful 220/240-volt electricity safely to the heating elements. Identifying and correcting the specific failure causing a stove malfunction requires systematic troubleshooting and sometimes specialized skills and tools. While some repairs like replacing a bad heating element may be DIY-friendly, fixing issues with oven thermostats, control panels and internal wiring is often best left to experienced appliance technicians. Calling in a professional service technician ensures proper diagnosis and repair of potentially dangerous electrical issues within the stove.
| Common electric stove problems | Possible causes | DIY fix? |
|---|---|---|
| Burners not heating up | Defective heating element, loose wiring connection | Yes |
| Oven not heating properly | Bad heating element, faulty thermostat | No |
| Stove doesn’t power on | Tripped circuit breaker, power cord issue | Yes |
| Burners spark but don’t ignite | Weak/defective igniter | Yes |
| Control panel doesn’t work | Failed membrane panel, defective control board | No |