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Electric Stove Not Heating Up: How To Fix

Written by Oleg Chudnovski

Is your electric stove not heating up properly? Whether your appliance is fairly new or you’ve used it for years, sudden problems with heat regulation are quite common. This unfortunate issue may occur due to something as simple as clogged burners or more serious issues with internal components.

If you wonder, “Why is my stove not heating up?” we provide you with the steps to check for possible causes. Regardless of the model or make of your electric stove, this guide can help you.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Take First

If you have decided to find the reason behind your stove not heating, here are some steps you can take.

Inspect the Circuit Breaker

The easiest thing to do first is to check whether an appliance has tripped a circuit breaker. To do this, go to the fuse box, locate the breaker connected to your stove or kitchen, and check if it has been tripped. You can turn it on and see if this helps.

Clean the Burners

Electric stove burners not getting hot enough may be caused by debris or grease stuck in them. Whether you have coil burners or glass ones, you can clean them with a damp cloth. However, make sure to unplug the appliance first. Once the burners are clean, wait for them to dry, and then turn on your stove.

Take a Look at the Stove Knobs

If a burner is not working and you have manual stove knobs, make sure they are properly aligned and not damaged. You should remove all the knobs, clean them, and put them back according to the manual. Finally, you should check whether doing this helped.

Check the Wiring

While we don’t recommend you fix the wiring if you are not a professional, you can carefully check whether this is the cause of the problem. First, unplug the appliance and look for any signs of issues, such as cut, loose, black, or damaged wires. Also, check for the burning smell. If you see any of these signs, call the specialists.

Pay Attention to the Selector Switch

There is a connection between each burner and its dedicated switch, which controls the heat and voltage. You can try testing the switch by swapping the heating element with the working one. If you find out that the selector switch is the culprit, you can then replace it with a new one.

Install a New Heating Element

If all else fails, a heating element is likely at fault. In some cases, replacing individual heating elements is enough but in others, you may need to have a new stove unit installed. Don’t rush to perform repairs yourself; instead, let a technician decide whether this step is necessary.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

While sometimes you can get away with DIY repairs, it’s not always the best decision. We recommend that you reach out to authorized specialists in the following cases:

• There are problems with the wiring outside or inside the stove.
• Your appliance sparks when you turn it on.
• You notice the burning smell when the stove works.
• The appliance doesn’t switch on at all.
• There are signs of a malfunctioning control board (error codes, an appliance turning off on its own, etc.).
• You took the basic troubleshooting steps and your stove still doesn’t work.

When it comes to any electric stove damage, early intervention is key. Not letting the problem get worse will save you money and time. If you wait too long, something as insignificant as a wire getting loose can lead to frying of the control board over time. Fixing the problem early prevents safety issues, such as fire hazards.

Consider Spark Service PRO as Your Trusted Partner

Whether you’re dealing with the electric stove top not heating up or any other appliance issues, our Spark Service PRO team is here to save the day. We have over 18 years of experience repairing household and commercial appliances from all the popular brands. Our team has completed hundreds of electric stove repair projects over the years, and our technicians are fully certified.

We work on a same-day and next-day basis, so if you need your stove back as soon as possible, you can rely on us. Our technicians install only factory-approved parts, and you receive a warranty regardless of the issue.

If you need stove repair in Fort Lauderdale or surrounding areas, our Spark Service PRO team is ready to help.

Conclusion

While some stove problems can be fixed at home even if you are not a specialist, others require professional intervention. It’s best to avoid experimenting with DIYs, especially when the electric wiring is involved. Performing serious repairs without being a certified specialist can turn an appliance fix into a safety hazard. Therefore, if simple troubleshooting doesn’t help and your electric stove turns on but won't heat up, don’t hesitate to contact Spark Service PRO.