Top 10 Most Common Cooktop Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my electric cooktop turn on?

If your electric cooktop won’t turn on at all, start with the power supply. Make sure the cooktop is plugged in (for corded units) and check your breaker panel for a tripped circuit. Reset any tripped breaker once. If it trips immediately again, stop and call a technician.

Next, confirm the control lock or “child lock” isn’t turned on—many modern cooktops won’t respond until this is disabled. Also verify that you’re using compatible cookware on induction models, as they may appear “dead” with non-magnetic pots.

Call a professional if: the breaker keeps tripping, you smell burning, see scorch marks, or suspect a faulty internal wiring, control board, or terminal block.

2. Why is my electric burner not heating evenly?

Uneven heating usually points to a damaged element, poor pan contact, or voltage issues. First, test with a flat-bottomed pan and a different burner. If the other burner heats evenly, the problem is likely with that specific element or its switch.

For coil tops, inspect the coil for hot spots, bubbles, or breaks. On smooth glass or induction, uneven heating can happen when the pan is warped or too small. Also clean any spills under the element or on the sensor area, as residue can affect temperature sensing.

Call a professional if a specific burner always runs too hot or too cold, or cycles erratically, as the issue may be with the infinite switch, sensor, or control board, not the element itself.

3. Why won’t my gas cooktop ignite or stay lit?

If your gas burner won’t ignite, first check that the burner cap is seated correctly. A misaligned cap is a very common cause. Next, verify gas is turned on and try another burner to see if the problem is single-burner or whole-cooktop.

Clean the igniter area: food debris or grease around the little white or metal tip can block the spark or flame. Use a toothbrush or soft brush to clean around the ports. If the burner lights but won’t stay lit, the flame sensor or thermocouple may be dirty or failing.

Call a professional immediately if you smell continuous gas, hear hissing with no ignition, or the problem affects multiple burners.

4. Why do the igniters keep clicking even when the burner is lit?

Continuous clicking is annoying—but also a helpful warning. It usually means moisture, spills, or a stuck ignition switch. If you recently boiled over a pot or cleaned heavily, moisture may be shorting the switches.

Unplug the cooktop or switch off power at the breaker. Remove burner caps and gently dry the area with a soft cloth. Let the cooktop air-dry for several hours; some people use a fan to speed things up.

If clicking continues after drying, the issue may be a failed spark module or stuck igniter switch inside the control knob.

Call a professional when:

• Clicking persists after 24 hours of drying
• More than one burner clicks randomly
• You notice burning smells or visible arcing under the top

5. Why is my glass cooktop cracked or chipped?

Glass-ceramic cooktops can crack from impact, extreme heat changes, or improper cookware. Common causes include dropping a heavy pot, sliding cast iron across the surface, or spilling something very cold on a very hot area. Hairline cracks can grow over time, especially around the hottest zones.

Unfortunately, cracks are not repairable with DIY fillers or glue. Continuing to use a cracked glass top can expose internal components to spills and pose a shock risk.

Always call a professional or manufacturer service to replace the glass surface. Do not use the cooktop if you see a deep or spreading crack.

6. Why does one burner get too hot or won’t turn off?

If an electric burner stays on high, even on low settings, the infinite switch (or control switch) is often the culprit. This component regulates power levels; when it fails, it may send full power regardless of the knob position.

Immediately turn off the cooktop power at the breaker if a burner won’t shut off—this is a fire risk. For gas cooktops, a burner that flares too high may have incorrect gas pressure, a blocked air shutter, or a misadjusted valve.

Do not keep using a misbehaving burner, especially unattended.

Call a professional when:

• The burner only works on high
• Heat does not respond to knob changes
• A gas flame is excessively high, yellow, or noisy despite cleaning

7. Why is my gas cooktop flame yellow or uneven?

A healthy gas flame should be mostly blue with small yellow tips. A yellow, orange, or flickering flame usually means incomplete combustion, often from clogged ports or an air-to-gas imbalance.

First, turn everything off and let the burner cool. Remove the burner cap and clean the ports with a soft brush or pin, avoiding enlarging the holes. Ensure the cap is dry and seated properly. Check for grease buildup under the cap and around the base.

If flames stay yellow after cleaning, or multiple burners show the issue, call a professional—you may have a gas pressure, regulator, or conversion problem that affects safety and efficiency.

8. Why is my induction cooktop not recognizing my pan?

Induction cooktops only work with magnetic cookware. If the cooktop displays an error (often a blinking light or “U”/“F” code) and doesn’t heat, test your pan with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick firmly, the pan isn’t induction compatible.

Even with the right material, pans that are too small, warped, or not centered may not be detected. Move the pan to the center of the cooking zone and try a different, flat-bottomed pot.

Other causes include locked controls, overheat protection kicking in, or a faulty pan sensor.

Call a professional if:

• The cooktop refuses all compatible pans
• Error codes persist after a reset (power off at breaker for 5–10 minutes)
• Only specific zones never detect any cookware

9. Why does my cooktop have a burning smell or smoke?

A brief smell or light smoke is normal on a new cooktop or right after a deep cleaning, as protective oils or residues burn off. However, recurring or strong burning smells can signal wiring, insulation, or component issues.

First, confirm the smell isn’t just spilled food or grease. Turn off burners and, once cool, clean thoroughly around elements, burner bowls, and under caps. If smoke or smell comes from under the surface, especially without visible spills, stop using the cooktop.

Immediately call a professional if you see sparks, localized melting, or if the breaker trips along with the burning smell.

10. Why do the controls or touch panel stop responding?

For electronic and touch controls, the most common issues are control lock, moisture, and software glitches. Check your manual for the control lock symbol and try the unlock sequence (often holding a specific key for 3–5 seconds).

If the panel is wet from cleaning or steam, dry it gently and wait a few minutes. Then try a power reset: switch the breaker off for 5–10 minutes, then back on. If only some buttons work, or the display is dim, the issue may be a failing touch board or control module.

Call a professional when:

• The panel is completely dead with power confirmed
• Buttons activate on their own (ghost touches)
• Error codes reappear after multiple resets

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Cooktop Running Smoothly

1. Clean spills quickly: Once surfaces are cool, wipe up boil-overs and grease to prevent clogs, stains, and odors.
2. Use proper cookware: Flat-bottomed, appropriately sized pans improve efficiency and reduce stress on elements and glass.
3. Avoid impact and dragging: Lift heavy pots instead of sliding, especially on glass-ceramic and induction tops.
4. Check burners monthly: Inspect gas ports for clogs and electric coils for damage or discoloration; clean as needed.
5. Ventilate while cooking: Use a range hood or fan to reduce moisture and grease buildup around igniters and controls.
6. Schedule periodic professional checks: Every few years (or if you notice changes in performance), have a technician inspect gas pressure, wiring, and seals for safe, reliable operation.