Are you frustrated because one of the burners on your electric stove is not working? Don’t worry, fixing an electric stove burner is easier than you might think.
Usually a broken coil element and loose burner connection make the electric stove one burner not working. To fix this you just need to change that coil and tighten the connections. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will walk you through the process of identifying and fixing the issue, step by step.
Key Takeaway
4 Reasons Why Electric Stove One Burner Not Working
Here are the possible reasons and the solutions why one burner on electric stove not working:
1. Loose Burner Connection:
The connections between the burner element and the stovetop may become loose over time. As there are multiple burners in an electric stove, losing a connection can make your stove heat up unevenly.
To fix this you have to access the burner coil inside the stove. Check if the burner connection is loose. If the connections are loose, tighten them.
Watch this video to have a clear idea of how to remove an electric stove burner.
2. Burnt out/ Broken Coil Element:
If your electric stove one burner not working the most common reason is the burner coil is burnt out or broken. And when it happens the circuit cannot be closed and it won’t produce heat to cook. A defective coil is frequently caused by damage, wear and tear, or spills and grease.
To check if the coil is broken, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to read volts and measure the voltage across the control board terminals. The voltage should be within the range specified in the stove’s owner’s manual.
Here is a video to check the coil element.
If you see a visible broken part, change it.
3. Power Surge and Voltage Fluctuation
The density and the purity of the coil elements cannot be the same. This is why sometimes sudden power surges can break a burner coil easily. And makes your electric stove burner not work.
Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power grid problems, or even turning on a large appliance, such as an air conditioner or refrigerator.
When a voltage fluctuation occurs, it can cause the electric stove’s heating elements to receive too much or too little voltage. And eventually makes the coil element break.
To fix this you have to call an electrician to check your home’s electrical system. Use surge protectors for your electronic stove to equal the sudden power surges and voltage drops.
4. Dirty or Greasy Components:
If food or grease gets on the heating elements, it can be burnt out. Most of our foods contain salt and they are highly conductive. If food gets stuck inside any of the circuit connections, it will make a short circuit and destroy the burner.
To solve this issue you have to clean the food that got inside of the stove. Before going inside, make sure you unplug the stove and give it some time to cool down. And don’t try to fix it by yourself without proper gear.
How to Fix Electric Stove One Burner Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Disconnect the Burner
If one of your electric stove burners is not working, start by disconnecting it from the receptacle. Check if the terminal is loose by gently wiggling it.
To be thorough, unplug the terminal, inspect it for any damage, and then plug it back in securely.
Loose connections can often be the cause of a malfunctioning burner.
Step 2: Inspect the Burner Receptacle
Inspect the burner receptacle for any signs of damage. Food spills, liquid drips, or grease can often damage the receptacle, affecting the flow of voltage to the burner.
Look for any signs of burning or other types of damage. If the contacts are badly damaged, it’s best to replace the receptacle with a new one.
Step 3: Check the Burner Coil for Damage
For coil top stoves, it’s relatively easy to identify if the coil is broken or damaged. Inspect the coil for any visible breaks or blistering. If you notice any damage, change the coil.
- If you’re unsure whether the coil is damaged or not, you can swap the suspect burner with one of the working burners on your stove. If the suspect burner works when plugged into a different receptacle, it confirms that the coil is not defective.
- For ceramic stovetops, once you have accessed the coil, carefully check it for any breaks or damage. If the coil is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter to check the burner for continuity.
Touch the multimeter probes to the burner’s terminal, and if there is no continuity, it confirms that the burner needs replacement.
Step 4: Check for Loose or Burnt Wiring
Occasionally, the wiring underneath the stove can become damaged, leading to a malfunctioning burner.
- Lift the stovetop to access the wiring and connectors.
- Check for any signs of damage, such as burnt wires or loose connections.
- If you find any damaged components replace them.
Step 5: Determine if the Burner Switch Has Failed
If the burner, receptacle, coil, and wiring are all in good condition, the issue might lie with the burner switch.
To determine if the switch is defective:
- Swap the suspect burner with a working one on your stove. If the working burner fails to operate when connected to the suspect burner’s receptacle, it indicates a faulty switch.
Depending on the type of stove you have, you may need to remove the stove’s rear panel to access and replace the defective switch.
Related Post: Electric Stove Knob Won’t Turn: Reasons and Basic troubleshoots
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs
How much does it cost to fix an electric stove burner?
Depending on the stove, it takes usually $100 to $400 to fix the burners.
Can an electric stove burner be fixed?
Yes, you can fix the electric stove burner. You can change a bad burner coil. First, disconnect the terminal wires with a screwdriver and then replace the coil.
Is it better to repair or replace a stove?
If the stove is fixable, it makes no sense to replace the stove. Electric stoves can last around 10 to 13 years easily. However, if you use a very old electric stove, it is better to replace it with a newer one.
What causes stoves to go out?
Faulty wirings, burnt wires, and extreme power surges can destroy the inner components of an electric stove. And if any of these happens, your electric stove can die forever.
What is the lifespan of an electric stove?
Electric 13 to 15 years.
