What you need to do before ordering a replacement
Before you buy a new burner element, you need to identify which type your stove uses and confirm the exact model. Most glass top stoves have one of two designs: a coil element that sits on top of the glass, or a smooth-top element that sits underneath. The element that failed will tell you which one you have.
Find your stove's model number—it is usually on a sticker inside the oven door frame or on the back of the unit. Write it down. Then search online for your brand and model number plus "replacement burner element" or "cooktop element." You will see the exact part you need, along with the part number. Order from the manufacturer, a major appliance parts retailer, or a local appliance shop. The element itself costs between $25 and $75 depending on the brand and size.
Before the new element arrives, turn off the breaker that controls your stove at the electrical panel. This is a safety step you cannot skip. Leave it off until the replacement is complete and the stove is back in use.
Key Takeaways
- Locate your stove's model number on a sticker inside the oven door, then order the exact replacement element for that model.
- Turn off the breaker controlling the stove at the electrical panel before you touch any part of the burner or element.
- Coil elements lift straight up and out; smooth-top elements require you to remove a clip or screw underneath the glass.
- The new element slides or clips in the same way the old one came out—no wiring or soldering is needed.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after turning the breaker back on before using the stove, and avoid touching the glass top until it cools completely.
Removing a coil element that sits on top of the glass
If your stove has a coil burner sitting visibly on top of the glass surface, removal is straightforward. The element is held in place by a terminal block—a small connector underneath the glass that the coil plugs into. You do not need tools for this step.
Lift the coil element straight up and away from the stove. It will come free from the terminal block. Set it aside on a clean, dry surface. Do not force it; if it does not lift easily, check underneath to make sure nothing is catching it. Once the old element is out, the terminal block will be visible in the burner well.
Wipe the terminal block and the area around it with a dry cloth. If there is any corrosion (a white or green crusty buildup), gently clean it with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Do not use water. This ensures a good connection for the new element.
Removing a smooth-top element under the glass
Smooth-top elements sit underneath the glass surface and are held in place by a clip or a single screw. You will need a flathead screwdriver for this job. Reach underneath the glass from the side of the burner well—you do not need to remove the glass itself.
If your stove uses a clip, slide the clip to the side or lift it up to release the element. If it uses a screw, turn the screw counterclockwise until it is loose enough to lift the element out. Once the clip is moved or the screw is removed, gently pull the element toward you and lift it out of the well. The element may be warm even if the stove has been off for a while, so be careful.
Set the old element aside. Look at the well where it sat and check for any debris, corrosion, or loose parts. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth. If the clip or screw is bent or corroded, you may need to replace it—ask the parts retailer whether it comes with the new element or if you need to order it separately.
Installing the new element
The new element installs in reverse order. For a coil element, line up the prongs on the bottom of the coil with the terminal block and push straight down until it seats firmly. You should hear or feel a slight click. Do not force it; if it does not go in smoothly, lift it and check that the prongs are aligned correctly.
For a smooth-top element, slide it into the well from the side until it is fully seated, then find the clip or tighten the screw. The element should not move or rattle. If it does, the clip is not tight enough or the screw needs another quarter turn.
Once the element is in place, visually inspect the connection. For coil elements, the prongs should be fully inserted into the terminal block with no gaps. For smooth-top elements, the clip should be flush against the element or the screw should be snug. Do not overtighten a screw—just tight enough that the element does not move.
Testing the new burner before regular use
Turn the breaker back on at the electrical panel. Wait at least 30 minutes before testing the stove. This gives any moisture that may have entered the connection time to dry out.
Set the burner dial or control to the lowest setting and turn it on. Watch for the element to glow red within 30 to 60 seconds. If it glows evenly across the entire coil or surface, the installation is successful. If only part of it glows, or if it does not glow at all, turn it off when ready, turn off the breaker again, and check that the element is fully seated.
Let the element run on low heat for two to three minutes, then turn it off and let it cool. Once it is cool to the touch, test it again at medium heat. If it works at both settings, your replacement is complete. Avoid using the burner at high heat for the first 24 hours—this allows the connection to stabilize.
Common mistakes that prevent the new element from working
The most frequent problem is a loose connection. If the element does not glow when you turn it on, the first thing to check is whether it is fully seated. Turn off the breaker, wait five minutes, then lift or unclip the element and reseat it firmly. This fixes the problem about 80 percent of the time.
A second common issue is corrosion on the terminal block or clip. If the old element had been failing for a while, rust or white buildup may have formed on the connection points. Clean these with a dry cloth or eraser before installing the new element. If corrosion is heavy, the terminal block itself may need replacement—contact the parts retailer or a local repair technician.
Do not use water to clean any part of the connection. Water can cause corrosion and short circuits. Use only a dry cloth. If you accidentally splash water on the terminal block, turn off the breaker and let it dry for at least two hours before turning it back on.
When to call a repair technician instead
If the new element does not glow after you have reseated it twice and cleaned the connection, the problem may not be the element itself. The issue could be a faulty control switch, a broken terminal block, or a wiring problem inside the stove. These require a technician with a multimeter and knowledge of your stove's electrical system.
If you smell burning plastic or see scorch marks around the terminal block or clip, do not attempt further repair. Turn off the breaker and call a technician. These signs indicate an electrical fault that could damage the stove or create a fire hazard.
If your stove is still under warranty, check the warranty paperwork before replacing the element yourself. Some warranties require that a certified technician perform the repair, and doing it yourself may void coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a burner element from a different brand or model?
No. Burner elements are model-specific because the terminal blocks, clips, and electrical connections vary by manufacturer. Using the wrong element can cause it to not fit, overheat, or fail to work at all. Always order the exact part number for your stove model.
How long does a glass top stove burner element usually last?
Most elements last five to ten years with normal use. They fail sooner if the stove is used at high heat constantly or if water or food debris gets into the connection. Coil elements tend to last longer than smooth-top elements because they are simpler and have fewer moving parts.
What if the element glows but does not get hot?
This usually means the element itself is failing internally, even though the connection is good. The element may have a broken wire inside the coil or a defect in the heating element material. Order a replacement and install it the same way you would a completely dead element.
Do I need to turn off the breaker if I am just replacing a coil element?
Yes, always turn off the breaker before touching any part of the burner or element, even if it is just a coil sitting on top. The terminal block is live whenever the stove is plugged in, and touching it while the breaker is on can cause a serious shock.
Can I use my stove while waiting for the replacement element to arrive?
Yes, you can use the other burners normally. Just avoid using the burner with the failed element. If you need to use all four burners, you can temporarily use a portable electric cooktop or hot plate while you wait for the replacement.