Your cooktop is one of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen. When a burner stops heating, heats too much, or will not turn off properly, it can disrupt your daily cooking and raise real safety concerns. Whether you have a gas, electric, or induction model, recurring issues are a clear sign that you may need a professional cooktop repair service. Below, we explain the most common cooktop problems we see in homes across Philadelphia and nearby New Jersey communities, what these issues usually mean, and how Appliance Repair Brothers provide reliable cooktop repair that restores safe, efficient operation. If you want to learn more or schedule service, you can always go directly to our dedicated Cooktop Repair Service page.

Use these quick links to jump to each section:

• Burners not heating or only heating sometimes
• Uneven heating, hotspots, and poor temperature control
• Common gas cooktop problems
• Common electric and induction cooktop issues
• Cracked glass and cooktop surface damage
• Why choose Appliance Repair Brothers for cooktop repair
• How to schedule your cooktop repair service

Burners not heating or only heating sometimes

One of the clearest signs you need cooktop repair is when one or more burners stop heating correctly. You might notice that a burner stays completely cold, only heats occasionally when you wiggle the knob, or cuts out in the middle of cooking. These symptoms can happen on gas, electric, or induction cooktops and almost always indicate that a component needs professional attention.

On electric cooktops, a burner that will not heat often points to a failed heating element, a defective infinite switch (the control behind the knob), or a wiring issue between the element and the control. In some cases, the burner may glow but never reach the proper temperature, or it may heat briefly and then shut off. Our technician will test the element, switches, and wiring with appropriate tools to identify exactly where the fault lies.

On gas cooktops, a burner that will not light or keeps going out may have clogged ports, a weak or dirty igniter, or problems with the gas supply to that specific burner. If you hear clicking but do not see a flame, or if the flame lights and then immediately goes out, those are strong indicators that the ignition or flame-sensing systems need service. Our cooktop repair service includes cleaning the burner heads, checking igniters, and verifying proper gas flow to restore reliable ignition.

Uneven heating, hotspots, and poor temperature control

Even when all burners technically work, your cooktop may still have problems if it is not providing consistent heat. You might notice that food burns around the edges while the center stays undercooked, that water takes much longer than usual to boil, or that small adjustments to the knob suddenly cause big changes in temperature. These issues are frustrating for everyday cooking and can be especially noticeable when simmering sauces or searing meats.

For electric cooktops, uneven heating can be caused by worn elements that no longer distribute heat evenly, or by infinite switches that are no longer regulating the power correctly. The result is poor temperature control and unpredictable behavior when you try to adjust heat levels. On gas cooktops, uneven flames, yellow tips, or weak flame on one side of the burner often point to partial clogs in the burner ports, misaligned burner caps, or issues with the burner head itself.

Induction cooktops have their own unique issues. If an induction zone heats inconsistently or shuts off when you move the pan slightly, the problem may lie with the internal induction coil, the pan detection system, or the control electronics. Our technicians are trained to diagnose these modern systems, ensuring that the cooktop senses compatible cookware properly and delivers smooth, controllable heat.

Common gas cooktop problems

Gas cooktops are popular for their precise, immediate heat control, but they require careful maintenance and safe, professional repair when problems arise. Some of the most common gas cooktop issues we see in Philadelphia and New Jersey homes include:

• Burners will not ignite – You may hear repeated clicking but never see a flame. This can be caused by a dirty or misaligned igniter, a wet or clogged burner head, or problems with the spark module.
• Flames are weak, yellow, or uneven – This often indicates blocked burner ports, improper air-gas mixture, or low gas pressure. Yellow flames can also mean incomplete combustion and should be checked for safety.
• Burner keeps clicking even when lit – A faulty ignition switch, moisture around the igniter, or internal electrical problems can cause continuous clicking and should be addressed to avoid damage and annoyance.
• Gas odor or hissing sound – If you ever smell gas or hear a hissing sound near the cooktop, turn off the burners, ventilate the area, and avoid using open flames. Contact a professional right away. Our gas cooktop repair service includes careful leak checks, inspection of gas connections, and verification of safe operation.

Because gas appliances involve open flame and fuel lines, it is especially important not to ignore strange smells, unusual flame behavior, or ignition problems. Our technicians follow strict safety procedures and use the right test equipment to ensure that your gas cooktop operates safely and efficiently after repair.

Common electric and induction cooktop issues

Electric and induction cooktops provide smooth surfaces and sleek design, but they also come with distinct sets of issues that require professional diagnosis. With electric glass-ceramic cooktops, you may notice that one radiant element no longer glows, that a dual or triple element only works on one ring, or that certain temperature settings do not respond properly. These symptoms often indicate failed elements, faulty controls, or damaged wiring.

Error codes and unresponsive touch controls are also frequent complaints. Many modern cooktops use touch-sensitive panels instead of traditional knobs. If the panel stops responding, certain zones will not turn on, or error messages appear on the display, the problem may stem from the user interface board, the main control board, or even moisture or cleaning liquid that has seeped into the control area. Our cooktop repair service includes checking seals, testing control boards, and ensuring that all safety locks and child lock features function correctly.

Induction cooktops introduce additional considerations. If a burner works only with certain pans, shuts off randomly, or makes unusual buzzing or pulsing noises, the issue may be related to pan compatibility, coil problems, or internal electronics. Induction units are more complex internally than traditional electric models, so having a qualified technician diagnose and repair these systems helps protect your investment and restore the precise control that makes induction cooking attractive.

Cracked glass and cooktop surface damage

A cracked or shattered glass cooktop surface is both a cosmetic and functional problem. Even small cracks can spread over time due to heat and weight, and they can create sharp edges that are unsafe to touch. In some cases, continued use of a cracked surface can allow spills and moisture to reach the electrical components underneath, leading to further damage or electrical shorts.

If your glass cooktop has visible cracks, chips around the edges, or areas that have discolored and bubbled from overheating, it is important to have it inspected. In many situations, the glass or ceramic top can be replaced while keeping the internal components, which is often more economical than purchasing a completely new appliance. Our technicians will examine the extent of the damage, verify that the elements and wiring below are still in good condition, and provide an estimate for replacing the top as part of a professional cooktop repair service.

Our team also inspects support brackets, insulation, and mounting hardware when the cooktop surface is removed, ensuring that everything is secure and properly aligned before the new top is installed. Afterward, each burner is tested for correct operation, so you can return to cooking on a smooth, safe surface.

Why choose Appliance Repair Brothers for cooktop repair?

Homeowners in Philadelphia and nearby New Jersey communities rely on Appliance Repair Brothers for cooktop repair service because we combine technical know-how with straightforward, friendly communication. When you choose us to repair your gas, electric, or induction cooktop, you can expect several important advantages.

• Local experts who understand how important a reliable cooktop is for everyday cooking and respond quickly when something goes wrong.
• Experienced technicians trained to work on a wide variety of brands and models, from basic four-burner units to high-end, multi-zone induction cooktops.
• Clear, upfront pricing with a detailed explanation of what is wrong, what is needed to fix it, and how much it will cost before any work begins.
• Quality parts and professional procedures that follow manufacturer guidelines and focus on long-term reliability and safety.
• Respect for your home – we protect surrounding countertops and cabinets, work carefully around your kitchen, and clean up our work area when the job is done.

Our goal is to restore your cooktop to safe, predictable performance so you can cook with confidence every day, without worrying about burners that fail, temperatures that jump around, or ignition problems that won’t go away.

How to schedule your cooktop repair service

If your cooktop burners are not heating, heating unevenly, making strange noises, failing to ignite, showing error codes, or if you see visible damage like a cracked glass surface, it is best not to ignore the problem. Cooktop issues rarely improve on their own, and continuing to use a malfunctioning unit can lead to more expensive repairs or safety risks. A timely visit from a professional cooktop repair service can protect your home, your appliance, and your peace of mind.

To schedule service with Appliance Repair Brothers, you can call our office during business hours to speak with a member of our team and choose a convenient appointment window, or you can use the online request form on our Cooktop Repair Service page to contact us at any time.

Once your appointment is confirmed, a skilled technician will arrive, carefully diagnose the problem, explain your options in clear terms, and provide a detailed plan to repair your cooktop. With our help, you can get back to cooking safely and comfortably on a cooktop that responds the way it should, every time you turn it on.