At a Glance:
Cooktop Repair vs. Replacement
What Issues Indicate a Need for Cooktop Repair?
Bekins Cooktop Repair Services
Top Picks for Cooktop Replacements
If your cooktop is having issues, you’re probably wondering whether you should spend the money repairing it or outright replacing it. Cooktop repair vs. replacement is an age-old question that doesn’t always have an easy answer. In this article, you’ll learn how to tell when your cooktop might need servicing or if it’s time to start shopping for a new one.
Explore All Cooktops
Looking to replace your old cooktop? Discover options from top brands like LG, Bosch, JennAir, and more at Bekins!
See CooktopsDifferent Types of Cooktops
There are three main types of cooktops you can find for your kitchen:
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops use a gas line to produce a flame that cooks your food. A major perk to using a gas cooktop is its ability to quickly adjust the heat while cooking. By simply twisting the knob one way or the other, the gas stove can go from searing to sauteing in an instant. That’s especially true when compared to other cooktops that need time to adjust, like electric.
The downside to gas cooktops is that you can’t install one unless you have a gas line to your kitchen. Installing a gas line can be done by a plumber, but it’s still an additional expense to consider when picking which cooktop is right for you.
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops cook food using heated metal coils. These coils are often housed in a ceramic-glass surface and outlined so homeowners can see where to place their pots and pans. Though the heating element is not as controlled as a gas or induction cooktop, it’s excellent for cooking things like pasta and rice. That’s because the electric cooktop directs its heating energy to the bottom of the pot, allowing it to boil more quickly.
These cooktops are often durable. However, because of their ceramic-glass face, they can still break, scratch, or crack if handled improperly.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops look similar to electric cooktops with their ceramic-glass surface. But they behave very differently. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to turn compatible pots and pans into their own heat source. The electromagnetic current interacts with a copper wire underneath the surface of the cooktop. Through this, the cookware itself creates a magnetic current that heats it up.
These cooktops are a great substitute for those who like gas cooktops. That’s because induction cooktops have a similar quick and responsive nature to their heat control. However, just like an electric cooktop, it’s important to treat induction cooktops carefully, as improper use of the glass surface might cause unwanted damage.
Common Cooktop Issues
Here are some of the most common cooktop issues for different types of cooktops you might have in your home:
Burner Won’t Light
For gas cooktops, the burner not lighting is one of the most common problems you can have. Whether the ignitor simply isn’t producing a spark, or the ignitor isn’t clicking at all, this can often be a huge nuisance for homeowners.
One of the easiest solutions to this challenge is to use a separate lighter. As long as you can still hear the gas when you turn the knob of the cooktop, you should be able to light the burner yourself. However, that’s not always a long-term solution.
Electric Burner Won’t Heat
If you have an electric burner that won’t heat, the first thing to do is check to see if the other burners are working. If all the burners are having trouble, that likely means there’s a larger issue and you might need the help of an appliance repair specialist. However, if it’s just the one burner, it could just be a simple connection issue.
If you can access the coils on your cooktop yourself, try to see if the burner is properly connected. If you don’t have access, such as with most ceramic-glass cooktops, you’ll likely need a specialist to open the cooktop for you and check the connection themselves.
Gas Burner Heat’s Slowly
If your gas burners are heating slowly, more likely than not, your cooktop just needs a thorough cleaning. That’s because this issue often occurs due to debris clogging your burner openings. Clogged openings can cause flames to be weak and stop your burner from reaching its hottest temperature.
The best way to fix this issue is to disconnect your cooktop from its gas and power source. Then remove the grates and soak them in a mixture of hot water and soap. Afterward, scrub them thoroughly. You can even use small utensils, like toothpicks, to remove debris from hard-to-reach places. Then, put the grates back, reconnect the cooktop, and see if the issue persists.
Cooktop Repair vs. Replacement
If you’re trying to decide whether you should repair or replace your cooktop, there are some things you should consider:
Reasons To Repair Your Cooktop
Brand-new appliances can be costly. Examine the cooktop’s damage. Is it superficial? Could a piece easily be replaced? If the question to either of those answers is “yes”, it’s likely you just need a simple repair. Though cooktops might seem like complicated appliances, they’re tough, durable, and often easily fixed.
Reasons To Replace Your Cooktop
Though repairs can often be easier and less expensive than outright replacing the appliance, that’s not always the case. If your cooktop repairs outweigh the cost of a new cooktop itself, it might be time to think about replacing the unit altogether.
If your cooktop is older, you might also want to consider replacing it. For older appliances, a repair might not be worth it. You should always think about if a repair would extend the life of your appliance, or if it would simply put a band-aid over the problem until it breaks again. It’s also possible that by initiating a repair on an older model, you might find many other problems that would quickly snowball the cost of repair.
What Issues Indicate a Need for Cooktop Repair?
Sometimes cooktop issues are too big of a job to fix alone. That’s almost always true if you ever crack or break the surface of your cooktop. If you’re ever worried about attempting repairs yourself, or you need a glass cooktop repair, you should always leave it to the professionals. Besides that, here are a few common issues that often indicate a need for a cooktop repair or replacement:
Sparks When Turning On
Sparks flying from your cooktop can be a major hazard in your kitchen. If this occurs, turn off your cooktop immediately and unplug its power source if you can. Most often, this issue occurs due to frayed wires, poor burner connections, or broken coils. However, this issue can also occur from problems with the cooktop’s internal components.
Whatever the case, sparks flying from your cooktop is rarely an issue you can fix yourself. Even if you feel you can attempt to correct the issue, it’s highly recommended you seek the help of an appliance repair specialist.
Smell of Gas
If you think you smell gas coming from your cooktop when it’s not in use, you should call a repair specialist immediately. Gas leaks are no joke. If you feel have time and don’t need to evacuate your house, take a moment to turn off the gas using your main gas service shutoff valve.
The shutoff valve should be attached to the gas supply pipe coming out of the ground next to your meter. Using a wrench, turn the lever until it is crosswise to the pipe. Then, call an appliance repair specialist right away.
Undercooked Food
If you feel your cooktop is undercooking your food or taking longer than usual to cook your meals, it might be a sign of various cooktop issues. Though most often this could be a sign that your cooktop just isn’t getting enough power, it could also be a sign of danger.
If you feel your cooktop isn’t heating properly and there’s no easy answer to the problem, you should call an appliance repair specialist. They can look at the inner workings of your cooktop and make sure to fix the problem. They’ll also make sure there are no underlying issues that might pose a threat to your home.
Bekins Cooktop Repair Services
Do you live near Grand Rapids, Michigan? Stop searching for “cooktop repair Grand Haven” or “cooktop repair Grand Rapids” and call Bekins today!
Bekins has in-house certified technicians who can help you with any challenge. We’re also one of the most highly certified and awarded electronics integrators in the state. That means if your electric or induction cooktops are having trouble, we have the experts to make it right.
Here are some of the repair services that Bekins offers for different brands of cooktops:
- Wolf cooktop repair
- Jenn Air cooktop repair
- GE cooktop repair
- Thermadoor cooktop repair
- Viking cooktop repair
- Dacor cooktop repair
- Whirlpool cooktop repair
- And more when you shop at Bekins!
Need to replace your cooktop altogether? Bekins offers delivery and installation. Our teams set the standard in the appliance and electronics industry. Before they leave, our installation team also ensures your cooktop works by testing it thoroughly.
Top Picks for Cooktop Replacements
If you’re looking to replace your cooktop altogether, here are some replacement options that Bekins currently offers:
LG 36” Black Electric Cooktop
Shop the LG 36” Black Electric Cooktop
This LG 36-inch cooktop offers Steady Heat cooking elements to deliver consistent heat at any temperature. Its SmoothTouch controls also allow you to adjust the settings with a touch of a finger and provide a quick response to every temperature adjustment.
Signature Kitchen Suite 30” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Shop the Signature Kitchen Suite 30” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
This 30-inch gas cooktop includes solid brass burners that have strong searing power, as well as gentle simmering capabilities. It also includes Wi-Fi enabled elements, so you can ensure your cooktop is operating perfectly, even when you’re not home.
Signature Kitchen Suite 36” Black Flex Induction Cooktop
Shop the Signature Kitchen Suite 36” Black Flex Induction Cooktop
This high-end induction cooktop includes four inductors. Each of these zones provides up to 3,700 watts of power. But if you need even more power for your cooking, the 11-ince dual-center element can deliver up to 7,000 watts. That makes it the most powerful center induction element in the cooktop industry.
Wolf 15” Stainless Steel Transitional Induction Cooktop
Shop the Wolf 15” Stainless Steel Transitional Induction Cooktop
Wolf remains one of the leading brands in induction cooktops. Hiding under its smooth, ceramic glass surface, electricity flows through a coil to generate a magnetic field. Once you place a compatible pan on top of it, the currents instantaneously create heat.
Wolf 30” Pro Style Gas Rangetop
Shop the Wolf 30” Pro Style Gas Rangetop
This 30-inch gas rangetop is as close to commercial as you can get. With its dual stacked, sealed burner, it creates two tiers of flames for restaurant-quality sears, faster boils, and delicate simmers. The cooktop is also made in a way that any drips stay on top of the range for easy cleanup after cooking.
Ways to Save
Need a new cooktop now, but worried about the cost? Buy now and pay over time with Bekins Special Financing. Apply for a card you can use on all your appliances, electronics, and home furnishing needs.
With no annual fee, our financing option includes:
- Revolving lines of credit for future purchases
- Exclusive offers for cardholders
- 24/7 online account management
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about cooktop repair and replacement:
Is Repairing a Cooktop Worth It?
When it comes to cooktop repair vs. replacement, it almost always comes down to cost. If your cooktop is newer and the repair is fairly simple, it’s probably cheaper to fix it than replace it. However, if your repair is expensive and your cooktop is a lot older, you might want to consider replacing it entirely.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Cooktop?
The average age for most home appliances is between eight and 15 years. If your cooktop is in that age range, you might want to consider replacing it. That’s especially true because older cooktops are more prone to issues, which could be dangerous to the user.
What Are the Highest-Quality Cooktop Brands?
If you’re looking for high-quality cooktops, look no further than Bekins. We offer the highest-rated cooktops in the industry at the best rates. Some of the best cooktop brands include LG, Wolf, and Signature Kitchen.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott, started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Cooktops at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you repair your cooktop or shop new — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn more: Michigan Appliance Repair: Bekins