An electric stove is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. When it starts malfunctioning, it can disrupt your entire cooking routine. Whether your burners aren’t heating, the oven won’t preheat, or the control panel is unresponsive, identifying the issue early can prevent costly repairs.
At Appliance Forever, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing electric stove problems across the Greater Toronto Area. Here’s what might be causing the issue.
Common Electric Stove Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
1. Faulty Heating Element
If a burner is not heating or heats unevenly, the heating element may be burnt out or damaged.
You can test this by swapping the suspected element with a working one. If the problem moves with the element, replacement is required. This is one of the most common and straightforward electric stove repairs.
2. Power Supply Issues
If your stove is completely unresponsive:
- Check that it is securely plugged in
- Inspect the circuit breaker for trips
- Reset the breaker if necessary
If the breaker continues to trip, this may indicate wiring faults or internal electrical damage that requires professional inspection.
3. Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your oven temperature is inconsistent, overheating, or failing to reach the desired setting, the thermostat or temperature sensor may be defective.
Faulty thermostats cause uneven cooking results and should be tested and replaced by a technician.
4. Damaged Control Board or Control Panel
Modern electric ranges use electronic control boards to regulate heating elements and oven settings.
Signs of control board failure include:
- Flickering display
- Error codes
- Unresponsive buttons
- Stove not turning on
Control board repairs require professional service due to the complexity of electronic components.
5. Wiring Issues or Loose Connections
Internal wiring faults can cause intermittent heating, sudden shutdowns, or circuit breaker trips.
If you notice burning smells, sparks, or melted wires, stop using the appliance immediately and contact a certified technician.
Additional Stove Problems to Watch For
Uneven Heat Distribution
Damaged radiant elements or debris buildup can cause hotspots and inconsistent cooking performance. Cleaning burner receptacles and inspecting elements can sometimes resolve the issue.
Oven Won’t Preheat
A faulty bake element, broil element, or temperature sensor may prevent proper preheating. Worn door seals can also allow heat to escape, reducing efficiency.
Cracked Glass Cooktop
Glass cooktops are durable but can crack under heavy cookware impact. Visible damage should be repaired promptly to avoid electrical hazards.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Frequent breaker trips indicate electrical overload, internal shorts, or failing components. This is a serious safety concern and requires professional diagnosis.
When to Call a Professional Technician
While basic checks like resetting breakers or swapping elements can be done safely, call a professional if you experience:
- Sparks or burning smells
- Persistent breaker trips
- Control panel failures
- Internal wiring damage
- Oven not heating after part replacement
Electrical appliance repairs should always prioritize safety.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Clean burners and cooktops regularly
- Inspect oven door seals
- Avoid slamming oven doors
- Do not overload circuits
- Schedule annual professional inspections
Preventive maintenance extends the lifespan of your electric stove and reduces repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is one burner not heating?
Usually a faulty heating element or infinite switch.
Why does my oven not preheat?
Likely a broken bake element, temperature sensor, or thermostat.
Is it safe to replace a power cord myself?
No. Electrical repairs should be handled by qualified technicians.
What causes circuit breakers to trip when using a stove?
Electrical overload, internal wiring faults, or failing components.
How can I extend the life of my electric stove?
Regular cleaning, proper usage, and professional maintenance inspections.
Professional Electric Stove Repair in the GTA
If your electric stove is acting up, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Appliance Forever provides fast, reliable electric stove repair services throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact Appliance Forever today to schedule professional electric stove repair and restore your kitchen’s performance safely and efficiently.
