How To Fix Your Electric Stove Burners

A common problem in the kitchen is when an electric stove burner stops working. This is something that can be easily fixed once you determine the cause. Many people are intimidated by electrical appliances and think repairs can only be made by professional repairman.  Fixing an appliance, especially an electric stove burner, is something most people can do themselves.

Step One - Inspect the Burner

Before you do anything with the stove, pull it out from the wall and unplug it. Lift up the burner that is not working and check to see whether it is hardwired to the stove or is a plug-in type. There are two different repairs for each type so knowing which kind of burner you have will help you determine the correct method for fixing it.

Step Two - Clean off Prongs

The easiest problem to fix is to clean off the prongs that plug into the burner receptacle. Take a piece of wire scrubbing pad or coarse sandpaper and rub the prongs to remove any surface rust or dirt. Reinstall the burner to see if it works. If it does, then you are done. However, it is does not work, try another burner in its place. If that one works, then you will need to replace the non-working burner. If the prongs are burned or pitted, then you may need to replace the burner and the receptacle because burning and pitting indicate a problem with the receptacle.

Step Three - Replace Hardwired Burner

If the burner is hardwired into the stove, pull out the burner until you see a white insulator with clips. Open the insulator and gently pry the two clips until they pop off. Remove the screws that hold the wire to the insulator. Exchange the burner with another and reassemble the wiring. Turn on the burner to see if it works. If it does, then you need to replace the first burner.

Step Four - Replace Receptacle

If a plug-in type burner is burned or pitted, then you will need to replace the burner and the receptacle. Replace the burner by simply plugging in the prongs. Replacing the receptacle is a little more involved. Disconnect the old receptacle by holding down the steel spring or by unscrewing it. Lift the cooktop to access the wiring. Prop the cooktop open, using the thin metal brace, while you work on the receptacle.

Remove the receptacle and wrap the wires with tape so you can tell which ones you need to install to the new receptacle. Cut the wires and purchase a new receptacle from a hardware store. Strip the ends of the wires with a wire stripper. T

wist the corresponding wires together with the ones from the stove to the new receptacle. Use wire nuts to secure the wires. Reinstall the receptacle with the screw or steel spring. Turn the stove on and test the new burner.