Electric cooktops are the modern version, replacing the conventional gas cooktops. These can mostly be found in newly built homes around the world, appealing to homeowners who desire something new and unique. Electric cooktops are easier to deal with as they do not become sticky due to oil, dirt, and grease, etc. Plus, they are designed to equally prepare food from all angles. But they can run into problems like any other appliance such as not heating up properly. You should call in an appliance repair expert for fixing cooktop and stove top issues. Below are some reasons why your electric cooktop is not heating up and how to fix it.

Check The Power Source

The first thing you need to do if your electric cooktop is not heating up or getting hot enough is to check the power source. Sometimes, the power to the cooktop may not be sufficient for the unit to function properly. Plus, electricity surges can also heat up and damage the power switches, which will make it difficult for the power to reach the unit properly.

Try plugging in the electric cooktop into another power socket and inspect the previous one. If there are any signs of burning or a foul smell, it most likely means the power socket has gone bad. If the electric cooktop functions perfectly in the new socket, it means the power socket was the problem.

In such a case, you will need to replace the power socket and opt for a high-quality replacement. Modern smart switches are able to detect power surges and are designed to automatically shut off power to protect the expensive kitchen appliances.

Loose Or Burnt Wire

If the power socket wasn’t a problem, you will need to inspect the wiring network inside the stove top. To access it, you will need to consult the user manual. Once you are inside the unit, check for any burnt or loose wires. You will have to use a flashlight to observe closely and ensure everything is in perfect condition.

If there is a loose wire, simply connect it properly and ensure a tight connection. But if a wire happens to be burnt, you will need to replace it. Such cases mostly take place with older electric cooktops, as the wires tend to break down with time. In this case, you should consult a household appliances expert for help.

But if the unit happens to be new, you will need to consult the warranty and contact the manufacturer for replacement.

Burned Out Heating Element

One of the drawbacks of owning an electric stove top is that it won’t show any unusual signs before malfunctioning. Electronic items simply turn on or do not at all when it is time for repairs or replacements. This can make the situation even more complicated, with you having no idea of what went wrong.

So, if you turn on your electronic cooktop and notice it is not heating up, it most likely is the burned-out heating element. The heating elements utilize electricity to heat up. If the heating element is not heating up for some reason, you will need to access it.

Then again, consult the user manual and use the right tools. But, before you can take out the heating element, you should try cleaning it as dirt, oil, and other factors can sometimes hinder its performance. Plus, it will also offer a better view while inspecting the heating elements.

Once you have accessed the heating elements, check for signs of breaks, blistering, or bubbling. Depending on the make, model, and variant of the electric cooktop, you will need to inspect it from different angles to determine if there is something wrong.

The best way to check if a heating element is broken is by using a multimeter. But you might have a difficult time taking apart all the components to access the heating elements. This means you should consult an expert and entrust them to fix the cooktop.

Heating element issues are common in ovens as well. They are difficult to replace so consult an oven repair Northern VA professional for component replacement.

Faulty Infinite Switch

Electric cooktops comprise different components that work together to prepare meals. The infinite switch, being one of the most important, is directly connected to each heating element to turn on or off when required. But it is also designed to regulate voltage, which in turn regulates the heat.

Once the electric cooktop reaches its desired temperature, it will stop supplying power. It tends to be a continuous cycle that keeps repeating itself during the cooking process. If you doubt the performance of the infinite switch, you can try swapping it with a new one.

But, keep in mind, it is a tedious process and will take a bit of effort to check each selector switch. If found faulty, contact the manufacturer to send you an exact replacement.

Check The Circuit Breaker

The flow of electricity to your electric cooktop passes through the circuit breaker. It might be that all the electronic appliances in the kitchen are connected to the circuit breaker. This is due to the fact that circuit breakers protect the equipment by cutting off the electricity supply when there is a surge or fluctuation.

Circuit breakers come with fuses inside that burn in such cases. If the electric cooktop is not functioning normally, you should check the circuit breaker and the fuses. If the fuses seem normal, you can turn on the circuit breaker and see if the electric cooktop functions properly.

But if you notice the other appliances not turning on as well, connected to the same circuit breaker, it means there is something wrong with the circuit breaker itself. Try replacing the fuse or consult an expert if the situation seems a lot more complicated.

Lack Of Maintenance

You might think that electronic cooktops do not require much maintenance as compared to conventional gas cooktops. You are right to a certain extent, but that does not mean maintenance is not needed. With time, dirt, dust, oil, and food leftovers can easily make their way inside the cooktop, hindering its performance.

That said, it is important that you thoroughly clean the unit at least once a week or month, depending on the usage. If time is an issue, you should get it professionally maintained. Professional maintenance is not just limited to cleaning but also fixing potential issues before they worsen.

This helps keep the unit running without any complications for years until replacement. Make sure you pick an expert who is licensed and certified by the state. Some states or regions have strict regulations pertaining to dealing with electronic appliances, as they can be a hazard.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an electric cooktop can be made easy if you follow the tips mentioned above. Although most electric cooktops follow the same design or functionality from the inside, it may vary in your case. Instead of panicking, you should take your time and be patient while troubleshooting the process. If the problem persists, you should contact a cooktop repair Alexandria expert for inspections and repairs.