Unfortunately, electric stove burners, otherwise known as cooktop surface coil elements, will wear out over time. This is just a result of the element doing its job of heating up to boil a pot of water or cook food in a frying pan.
Stoves And Ovens
While gas ranges tend to last an average of 15 years, electric ones average about 13.
Over time, there can be a loss of electrical efficiency, perhaps complete failure, and tragically, even fire. If your electric stove isn't performing as it should, don't put off dealing with it. The fix may be cheaper than you think! And the improvement in your appliance's performance will save you both time and money.
Generally, if a electric burner is not working on your range then either the element has failed or the control switch has failed. The burner elements will need to be tested for resistance and if they test good then the switch will need to be replaced else the element will need to be replaced.
You can replace a bad burner block by disconnecting the terminal wires with a screwdriver and screwing in an oven burner replacement. See your unit's manufacturer's instructions for diagrams and additional instructions.
Consider the Age of Your Range
Gas ranges have one of the longest life expectancies of any major kitchen appliance: about 15 years. Electric ranges are not too far behind, usually lasting about 10 to 13 years, depending on how well they are maintained.
Many factors, including wear and tear, electrical problems, or physical damage can cause broken or damaged burners. If you continue to use the stove with a broken burner, it can cause further damage to the stove or even pose a fire risk.
Signs that your gas stove is not working properly include smelling gas, the burners not lighting, strange noises, poor temperature control, or the flame color changing to red, yellow, or orange rather than blue.
The type of fuse used in electric ranges is usually the plug-type. This type has a threaded metal base (similar to a light bulb's base) and a flat top marked with an amperage rating. The fusible link is visible through a glass window in the top. Visually inspect the fuse to see if it has blown.
Depending on power setting and number of burners in use, burners on an Electric Cooktop may shut off as a precaution to avoid overheating. Turn the home circuit breaker to the unit off for 30 seconds and back on again. Retest the unit operation.
It's Dangerous
Depending on the temperature you use, leaving the stove on too long can melt temperature dials. In a scarier scenario, the longer an electric stove runs unattended, the greater the chance of an electrical breakdown and possible fire.
It's fairly easy to tell when your stove needs to be replaced — it will stop heating up evenly and you may have difficulty cooking your food. On top of that, older stoves can end up consuming more energy than newer models, so replacing an older stove can end up saving you on your energy bill!
The most common issue is that no power is getting to the burner or coil. This could be a tripped breaker, a blown a fuse, or a defective switch. If there is power going to the burner, but it still doesn't work, then there might be an issue with the burner or coil itself, and it will need to be replaced.
Unfortunately, electric stove burners, otherwise known as cooktop surface coil elements, will wear out over time.
Cons. Electric stoves have slower temperature response times, leading to potential overcooking or undercooking.
Range or Stove, 13-15 years:
Good everyday care will help extend the useful life, such as cleaning the stove after every use and regularly checking the burners.
In other words, a $212 repair on a low-end electric range rarely makes financial sense after the first few years; you're better off putting the money toward a new $800 range. But for, say, a more premium $1,250 range, the $212 repair is often worth making for at least a decade.
That's not only a sensible option, it's a legal requirement. Only licensed electricians can install an electric cooktop, while the same applies to gas cooktops only being installed by qualified gas fitters/plumbers. This includes replacing an old cooktop with a new model.
The Heating Element May Not Be Functioning
Each of your burners has its own heating element. So when one burner is out, it could very well be the heating element. Make sure the coils are connected securely and that nothing is damaged or bent.
Somewhere in the guts of your old range, there's a series of fuses that protect the circuits. If the clock, the oven light, the receptacle, or a range-top element stops working on your stove, often the problem is a blown fuse.