At a Glance:
Common Cooktop Repairs Homeowners Face
When is Better to Replace or Repair a Cooktop?
Quality Cooktops to Replace Your Old Model
Cooktops can break in a variety of ways. You might decide to boil pasta one day and realize that your stove won't turn on, but there could be a variety of reasons why. On the other hand, your cooktop might work but the burners could become unreliable or take longer to heat up. What cooktop repair you might be dealing with, the consequences are the same: food is harder to prepare and you feel increasingly frustrated by the process. So, what do you do?
There are two options available to you when your cooktop starts acting up: You can try to repair it or you can replace it entirely. There are multiple unique factors that point to the right decision. Use this guide to learn whether cooktop repair or replacement is right for you.
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Shop NowCommon Cooktop Repairs Homeowners Face
The cooktop you have will determine the problems you experience with the make and model. While many problems are covered under warranty, you might notice that more problems occur as your cooktop gets older. Here are a few common cooktop issues that vary based on the heating source.
- The cooktop ON light won’t turn off. Even when the burners are off, the heating indicator light won’t turn off. This is usually a simple electrical issue because the light is stuck. This is a common issue with electric models. Relatively speaking, this is a cheap fix that can be done by users.
- The gas cooktop won't stop clicking. This often occurs because something is blocking the ignition system. Food or grime will coat it over time and cause problems. This is usually another simple cooktop fix that doesn’t require professional appliance repair.
- The gas cooktop won’t ignite. This is another problem with the ignition system. The gas stove won’t light and there is no clicking whatsoever. In most cases, this will require replacing a part. If you’re not confident in doing the job yourself, this would a repair to let the professionals handle.
- The stove burner won’t turn off. This is a problem with electric and induction systems. A single burner won’t turn off because the heating elements are fused together. The burner needs to be replaced, which might be more of an advanced project for the typical homeowner—time to call in the pros.
- There is a faulty heating element. In this case, the electric heating element won’t turn on or work consistently. It needs to be replaced, and we recommend letting a trained technician do the job to avoid safety concerns from improper hookup.
- There are scratches on the glass cooktop. These are just cosmetic issues but they can be frustrating. If you have a range, you can look into glass stovetop replacement, although the price for replacing a glass stove top so might outweigh getting a new cooktop altogether.
There is good news for homeowners in search of cooktop repair: Many of these common issues are easy to fix. An experienced handyman and electrician should be able to do the job. Most stove repair costs fall around $100 to $430. Gas cooktops will cost slightly more to repair than electric ones, while induction cooktop problems will be the most expensive ones to repair.
When is Better to Replace or Repair a Cooktop?
Every home is unique and the problems with your cooktop will come with different repair costs. However, you can use the checklist below to evaluate whether or not it is worth it to invest in cooktop repair.
✔ Look up the age of your cooktop. Most cooktops last around 10 years. Even if you repair one issue, a new problem might crop up soon because of aging. The older the model, the more practical it is to buy a new one.
✔ Secure multiple repair quotes. Contact one to three professionals to learn about the cost to repair your cooktop. Make sure these estimates factor in parts and labor.
✔ Check how much you paid for it. Don’t let the cost to repair cooktop appliances outweigh its value. It might be worth it to just buy a new one if your repair costs are high. Also, factor in depreciation. Remember: Your cooktop’s value decreases with use and time.
✔ Shop around for replacements. Consider the price of a cooktop in today’s market. How much of the repair costs would cover a new model?
Your stove top repair isn’t just about restoring your current model to its normal performance levels. Using these criteria, you might realize that it is time to upgrade to a newer model with more features. You might decide to use this cooktop problem to get a new appliance or switch to an induction model.
Quality Cooktops to Replace Your Old Model
If you want to forgo cooktop repair in favor of buying a new stove, make sure you find a model you can trust. Here are a few options to replace your old cooktop with durable, high-quality appliances that are built to last.
Frigidaire Gallery® 30" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Shop This Frigidaire Gallery Gas Cooktop
This model comes with five total burners in various sizes. The largest burner has 18,000 BTUs of power which allows you to boil water quickly and prepare food fast.
While this is a reliable model, it also comes with several features that make it easy to prevent and repair common gas cooktop problems. You can easily remove the grates and clean the burners to prevent issues with the ignition elements. Each burner cap is dishwasher safe, so you can maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness. The knobs are also in the front of the stove for easy access and troubleshooting. Overall, more than 95% of customers would recommend this model, proving it to be a reliable cooktop users will get a lot of use out of.
Featured Frigidaire Gallery GCCG3048AS review: “I love this new cooktop. The burners are a more controlled heat than my old cooktop. The simmer burner is great for keeping something warm and not burning it.”
Wolf® 36" Stainless Steel Professional Gas Cooktop
If you decide against a cooktop fix, consider buying a luxury stovetop for your home. This gas model by Wolf comes with five total burners and controls on the right-hand side. You can stir your food and check on your sauces while adjusting the heat levels with your free hand. You can also choose whether you buy this cooktop with a natural gas hookup or a setup for liquid propane.
Wolf is a trusted brand that designs commercial-grade appliances for residential homes. This means you can use the cooktop daily without worrying about it wearing out in the next few years. In fact, Wolf manufactures appliances built to last at least 20 years.
Samsung 30" Black Electric Cooktop
Shop This Samsung Electric Cooktop
Many of the top stovetop brands on the market are tracking ceramic cooktop problems so they can develop models that don’t have the same issues. Samsung is known for developing quality appliances that last, which means you might not experience the same issues as your current model. For example, cosmetic scratches are one of the most common glass stove top problems. By investing in durable glass that is meant to be used daily, your cooktop can look just as good in five years as it does today.
This model was also the 2021 award winner for one of the best induction cooktops on the market, so you know its performance stands above the rest. Or you can take the multiple 5-star ratings this model boasts for their word.
Featured Samsung NZ30A3060UK review: “This is the best cooktop I have ever had. It boils water so fast. Its so easy to use and so easy to keep clean. Love it!”
Oftentimes, the best cooktop is the one that lasts for years. After you search for “cooktop repair near me,” and learn how much it costs to repair your stove, check out East Coast Appliance for alternatives. We offer a wide variety of cooktops that can match any budget and use any heat source. See whether your repair costs would be better spent on a new model instead.
FAQs
Can you repair a cooktop by yourself?
Some minor repairs with cooktops can be done by homeowners; however, make sure you feel comfortable taking on these tasks. You are handling dangerous elements in the form or electricity and gas. It is safer to call a trained, certified professional to take on the work – even for small repairs.
How do you fix scratches on glass cooktop surfaces?
While deep scratches are nearly impossible to fix on glass cooktops, smaller knicks can be buffed out with a light abrasive such as baking soda with water or Bar Keepers Friend.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Cooktops at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop cooktops online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you decide whether it is better to choose between cooktop repair or replacement for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
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