Stove Element Issues: What’s Wrong and How to Fix It

If your burner suddenly goes cold or heats unevenly, the element is probably the culprit. Stove elements are the heart of an electric cooktop, converting electricity into heat. When they misbehave, meals suffer and frustration grows. This guide shows you the main reasons elements fail, quick checks you can do at home, and clear advice on when a professional repair is worth it.

Why Your Stove Element Fails

Most failures stem from three causes: wear and tear, electrical faults, and cooking habits. Over time the metal coil or ceramic surface cracks from repeated heating cycles. A cracked element will show dark spots, flicker, or stop heating altogether.

Electrical problems are another common source. Loose connections at the terminal, a tripped breaker, or a shorted wire can make the element look dead even though it’s still in good shape. Check the plug and the circuit breaker first – a simple reset often restores power.

Finally, cooking habits can shorten an element’s life. Using oversized pots that block airflow, letting pots boil dry, or slamming the knob from high to low can stress the coil. These actions cause uneven heating and eventually lead to burnout.

DIY Fixes and When to Call a Pro

Start with a visual inspection. Turn off the stove, unplug it, and look for obvious cracks, corrosion, or burnt marks. If the element looks intact, use a multimeter set to ohms. A healthy element reads between 10 and 30 ohms; a reading of ∞ means it’s open and needs replacement.

If the element tests fine, move to the wiring. Tighten any loose terminal screws and ensure the connector pins are not bent. A quick reseat often solves intermittent heating.

When you find a damaged element, replacement is straightforward. Most electric cooktops use a plug‑in coil that slides out of the socket. Purchase the exact model number – it’s usually printed on the back of the element – and snap the new one in. Re‑assemble, plug in, and test each burner.

Call a professional if you encounter any of these red flags: the stove won’t power on at all, you smell burning when you turn a knob, the element is sealed behind glass, or you’re unsure about handling live wires. A licensed technician can safely check the internal circuitry, replace sealed elements, and verify that the appliance complies with safety standards.

Regular maintenance helps avoid future issues. Clean the cooker surface after each use, keep the area around the element free of food debris, and avoid slamming the controls. A quick visual check once a month catches early cracks before they cause a breakdown.

Stove element issues don’t have to ruin your dinner plans. By spotting the signs early, testing with a multimeter, and swapping out a faulty coil, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly. When in doubt, let a qualified repair service handle complex electrical faults – it saves time, money, and safety risks.