Why is My Electric Stove Not Working?

Electric cooktops are known for their precise, consistent heat and efficiency. Whether yours is part of your range or a standalone model, it’s certain to have its own intricacies and potential for malfunctioning components. All our home appliances will break at some point, but if you’re faced with your electric stove not working, there are some common reasons. The best part? You can fix some of these issues yourself with basic DIY skills. In this guide, we’ll go over a few common reasons for your electric stove not working, how to fix these issues, and important safety precautions to take during the process. Not up for fixing electric stove burners yourself? Learn how a home warranty can help.

Stove Burners Not Working

If your electric stove burners are not working and causing you to eat soggy microwave leftovers, the first step (as with most electronics) is to ensure your stove is connected to a power source. You’d be surprised by how many repairs are immediately solved with this simple step! If your stove still doesn’t turn on, try plugging something else into the outlet to make sure it’s receiving power. If your cooktop is directly connected to a circuit breaker, also make sure the breaker is in the “on” position. If these steps don’t solve the problem, it may be best to call a repair technician.

Related: Oven Not Heating Up? Read our blog for troubleshooting tips.

Burner Temperature Not Adjusting

If your standalone or electric range top burners are stuck on one temperature, you’ll either be dealing with burnt food or extra-long cooking times. A faulty power switch may be the culprit in this case — it’s connected to the dial that controls power levels. It could also be a faulty internal ignition switch. Both repairs are best handled by a professional.

Cooktop is Sparking

While it can be normal to see sparks on a gas stove, an electric stovetop should never spark. This can indicate that your heating element is damaged, and you’ll want to stop using your cooktop immediately to avoid fire risk.

A heating element often can be damaged by a heavy item placed on a burner. It can also malfunction due to loose wire connections. Because this can be hazardous, it’s best for a technician to diagnose and repair.

Indicator Light Malfunction

Electronic displays and indicator lights are standard in newer electric range tops. They can make it easier to see things like oven temperature, but once you’ve gotten used to their convenience, it can be difficult to make do if these components break down. The good news is that you can easily replace control switches and burned-out bulbs (the most common cause of these lights not working) on your own with a little DIY experience.

Note: Be sure to turn off both the stove and the circuit breaker when completing stovetop repairs.

One Burner is Not Working

In an electric cooktop, each burner functions separately from the others with independent wiring, connectors, and sockets. This means one burner can experience a “blowout” while the rest are still functioning. If one of the burners on your electric stovetop is not working, it could be due to a bad connection or a malfunctioning switch.

To start fixing this issue, begin by turning off all burners and the electricity to the appliance. Carefully remove the burner from the socket and check the receptacle where it plugs into the stovetop. If you notice any rust, corrosion, debris, or other signs of wear and tear, you can try cleaning it up with household cleaners. Be sure to let it dry completely before plugging the burner back in. If this doesn’t work, try replacing the burner with a new one. If these steps don’t resolve the problem, it may be time to call an appliance repair technician to replace your socket or switch.

Note: If you have a glass-top or induction stove, may want to contact a repair technician to remove and inspect the burners, as it requires removing the entire stovetop.

Glass-Top vs. Coil-Top Stoves

While both types of electric stoves use burners, burners on glass-top models are set below the glass surface instead of on the surface. You’ll need to remove the entire stovetop using a screwdriver to access the burner coils — which will also need to be released from their metal brackets to inspect for damage.

A coil top stove is a bit simpler to troubleshoot since the burners are already accessible and out in the open — but in some cases, you may still need to remove the stove top itself, which usually lifts off and balances with supports while you troubleshoot any issue.

Pro tip: Before you begin any DIY stovetop repairs, make sure to gather the right tools: a screwdriver, a multimeter, and potentially an object to prop up the top of your stove if it needs to be opened and doesn’t have a built-in prop or support rod.

DIY Alternative: Home Warranty Coverage

Whether you’re a DIY expert or prefer to never have to deal with appliance problems, a home warranty saves you time and provides peace of mind when covered appliances break down from normal wear and tear. Learn more about what a home warranty covers and get a free quote to protect your home’s most vital systems and appliances. Get a quote now.

FAQs About Your Electric Stove

How do you fix a stove burner that won't heat up?

If your electric range top’s burner won’t heat up, start by turning off the electricity to the appliance. Then, check the receptacle and burner connections. If replacing the burner or cleaning the receptacle doesn’t work, call a professional to have it inspected.

Why is one burner not working on my glass-top electric stove?

Even just one electric stove burner not working can cause a big problem. If you’re experiencing this, it’s likely due to a bad connection or a malfunctioning switch. You can try replacing the burner or calling a technician to check out the problem.

How do I know if my electric stove burner is bad?

There are a few steps you can take to figure out if your burner is bad — first, try using a different burner in the socket. If your electric range top replacement burner lights up, it’s a clear sign that your old burner needs to be replaced. If the new one still won’t heat up, it’s time to call a professional.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.