Common Cooktop Problems Your Appliance May Exhibit

We all hope our home appliances work well all day, every day, but as products age, and sometimes for no particular reason that we can tell at all, issues crop up and repairs are required.

With so many appliances in our kitchens, this is where we’re likely to notice something “on the fritz.” If you’re aware of your stove playing up lately, it could be time to call in a tradesperson. Here are some of the common cooktop problems you need to know about.

It Won’t Turn On

The first clear sign that your cooktop is experiencing an issue is if you can’t get it to turn on at all. First, check the appliance is properly plugged in at the wall, and the powerpoint switched on. Also, test the outlet to confirm that’s not the problem. Try to plug something else into the socket if you can reach it. Plus, check your breaker box to see if you’ve popped a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.

If you’ve tried these things to no avail, it’s time to call an experienced technician for the stove repair work. When cooktops don’t turn on, it’s often because the internal components aren’t working. A licensed electrician or tradesperson will examine the unit to see if this or something else is the issue. Keep in mind, though, that if the appliance is over 15 years old, it may have simply worn out.

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No Heat

Sometimes a stove turns on, but the coils won’t actually heat. This leaves you unable to use the appliance since for the cooktop to cook your food, the coils must heat. There are various reasons why heat doesn’t happen. Often it’s due to loose connections between the coils and the cooktop’s electronics. Sometimes removing and cleaning the coils will fix the issue, especially if food has spilled over and clogged up areas around them.

Another reason why your stovetop might not be producing any heat is if the machine’s internal ignition switch, which is what actions the burners to heat, isn’t working. This can require complex repairs, so always get a professional to do the work.

Heat Isn’t Adjustable

When cooking, we regularly have to adjust the heat to cater to different parts of the cooking process and for different types of foods and liquids. As a result, if your cooktop’s temperature is no longer adjustable, this is a big problem. The issue usually arises because of a defective infinite switch.

This switch regulates the power that goes to the burner. If it’s faulty, there’s no regulation in the supply of power, so you end up with a completely on or off cooktop. Repair people are used to having to replace this component, so it should be a fairly straightforward fix. Do note, though, that sometimes heat stops being adjustable when the internal ignition switch plays up, which may be more problematic.

Sparks Flying

Another signal that you need to repair or replace your cooktop is if sparks start flying from it. Properly working stoves never produce sparks, and this occurrence is dangerous and could lead to a fire, so switch off the machine as soon as this occurs. It’s a sign that the heating element in the cooktop is damaged. This result may have arisen due to the element having to try to handle excessive weight or temperature.

In other cases, sparks shoot out from a cooktop because of loose wire connections around the coil burners. Never touch your stovetop when you see these sparks as they could cause a fatal electric shock.

Worn Out Electric Coils

It’s not something many of us expect, but the fact is that electric coil burners can actually wear out with time, before the machine goes kaput in general. Be on the lookout for common signs of this situation, such as cracks, blisters, or bubbles on the coils.

These parts are irreparable, so you’ll need to replace them. To ensure your machine works correctly, buy new coils from a reputable firm, or order them through your preferred service company. Be sure that when you or a technician fit the replacement coils, they are the correct fit. Smaller-than-needed coils might create a safety hazard.

Most of us use our cooktops regularly in our kitchens. As such, as soon as we start seeing issues with these machines, it’s essential to call in a repair person to inspect them. Not only does doing this mean we’re back “cooking with gas” sooner, but it also helps to extend the life of our machines.