Electric Stove Fix: Simple Steps to Get Your Stove Working Again

If your electric stove has stopped heating or the burners are acting weird, you’re not alone. Most problems are caused by a few easy‑to‑check issues, and you can often fix them without calling anyone. Below we’ll walk through the most common reasons a stove fails and give you clear, step‑by‑step fixes you can try right now.

Why Your Electric Stove Might Not Be Heating

First, figure out what’s actually wrong. The most frequent culprits are:

• Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. A sudden power surge can shut off the stove’s circuit.
• Burner heating element failure. Over time the coil can wear out or crack.
• Faulty thermostats or temperature sensors. If the stove thinks it’s already hot, it won’t turn on.
• Loose wiring or bad connections. Vibration from daily use can loosen wires inside the control panel.
• Control board problems. Modern stoves have electronic boards that can glitch.

Knowing which of these is likely will save you time and prevent unnecessary parts purchases.

Step‑by‑Step Fixes You Can Do Today

1. Check the power. Go to your breaker box and look for a switched‑off breaker or a tripped safety switch. Flip it back on and see if the stove responds. If the breaker trips again, you probably have an electrical fault and should call a professional.

2. Test the heating element. Most electric stoves let you remove the burner coil. Unplug the stove, take out the element, and give it a visual inspection. Look for cracks, black spots, or broken wires. If you have a multimeter, set it to continuity and touch the probes to the element’s terminals. No beep means the element is dead – replace it.

3. Reset the stove. Some models have a reset button hidden behind the control panel. Press it for a few seconds after the stove has cooled down. This can clear a minor electronic glitch.

4. Clean the contacts. Over time, food particles and grease can build up on the connection points under the burners. Use a dry cloth to wipe them clean. A little baking soda paste can help remove stubborn residue—just be sure it’s completely dry before you re‑assemble.

5. Inspect the wiring. If you feel comfortable, remove the back panel (after unplugging) and look for loose or frayed wires. Tighten any loose screws and replace any damaged wires. If you see burnt marks, stop and call a licensed electrician.

When to call a pro. If you’ve tried the steps above and the stove still won’t heat, the problem is likely in the control board or a hidden sensor. Those parts need a qualified technician to diagnose safely.

Fixing an electric stove is often a matter of diagnosing the right part and swapping it out. With a few basic tools—a screwdriver, multimeter, and a bit of patience—you can save a lot of money and keep your kitchen humming. If you ever feel unsure, don’t risk a shock; call Bridgewater Appliance Fixers for quick, reliable service.