4 Common Electric Coil Problems

An electric coil stove.
  • 2 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 85
What You'll Need
Surface element switch Heating Element
What You'll Need
Surface element switch Heating Element

The electric coil has remained a popular kitchen cooktop over the years. Electric cooktops consist of one or more coiled heating elements. They are powered by electricity. Electric cooktops are affordable and can be acquired without much of a strain on the budget. Installation is a simple process. It can be undertaken with ease by enthusiastic homeowners. However, like most appliances, there is a downside to the electric coil stove cooktops. Below are 4 common problems.

1. Coil Fails to Heat

Most homeowners with electric cooktops will experience this problem at some point. The main cooker switch and surface element switches will be turned on but the coil doesn’t heat up. This can be vexing especially when you’re doing heavy cooking which demands that all the coils be utilized. The problem may be in the plug-in area. It is best to examine your cooktop before you call in a repair person. Be sure all switches are turned off. Pull out the faulty burner and examine it carefully. Most electric coil cooktops are fitted with burners that can be easily unplugged and replaced. Fit the burner in a different plug-in area. Turn on switches to check if it works. Replace the original burner receptacle if the burner works. If it doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the burner which is probably faulty.

2. Damaged Coils

An electric coil stove.

Over time, the burners tend to become worn out. Damages become evident. Blisters, bubbles, and cracks may develop on frequently used burners. If a burner breaks into two or shows signs of wear and tear, you’ll have to replace it. Unfortunately damaged or worn-out burners cannot be repaired. This adds to your home maintenance costs, especially if your electric cooktop is frequently used for heavy cooking.

3. Loose Coils

This is a more common problem for those who use their cooktops heavily. It also occurs when large pots and pans are used on smaller-sized coils. Frequent stir-activity of the food contents also contributes to loose coils. Eventually, loose coils will lose their connection to the terminals. The coil will fail to heat. It is best to use the appropriate size cooking vessel on each coil. This helps to ensure that the burner remains firmly fitted while in use.

4. Inability to Adjust Heat

An electric coil stove.

Electric coils sometimes fail to adjust to the desired heat level issued by the burner switch. You may find that once a specific burner is turned on, the heat level cannot be adjusted. It goes to the highest level and remains in this mode as long as it is on. Inability to adjust heat while cooking can be frustrating especially when cooking foods that require “simmer” mode. This occurrence may be linked to a faulty surface element switch. Turn off all the burner switches. Unplug the burner and fit it into a different receptacle. Turn on the cooker and adjust the burner switch to different levels. This will help you determine if the switch is faulty. Replace all faulty switches.