Signs It's Time To Replace Your Stovetop Burners

When you buy new kitchen appliances like a fridge, dishwasher, stove, or microwave, you hope they'll last a long time. No one enjoys replacing their kitchen instrument, especially a few weeks after you bought it, but repairs are necessary if you've had it for years. Some appliances, like stovetop burners, won't give you clues they need to be replaced, so it's vital to keep an eye on them over time. If you notice red spots on the coils, burner corrosion, or burner cracks, you'll want a professional to assess them and determine if they need to be replaced. 

There are two types of stovetops: gas and electric, which means they have different signs to look out for. The most common sign to note for both is if they're heating up slowly. A kitchen is the most essential part of a home; without working appliances, it complicates daily living. Rather than waiting for your stove to give out altogether and buying a new one, replacing burners that don't work or fixing them right away will save you money in the long run.

Each burner is powered by its switch when using an electric stove. You will use a few burners more frequently than others, so watch out for those. While electric burners naturally glow red when they're on, if they develop any breaks or red spots on the coils, discontinue using them and replace them. The red spots indicate that the burner will give out soon, so it's vital to stop using them. You could cause the switch to stop working or overheat the burners.

On the other hand, if the switch is fully functioning, but the burner isn't heating up, then it needs to be replaced. You'll also want to check the circuit for that burner to ensure it works because it could interrupt proper functionality. Even if the burner is on low heat, not having an adequate temperate causes the food to be undercooked, leading to food poisoning.

It's best to seek a professional to look at the stovetop burners. A professional will be able to repair what's necessary. However, if you notice a deep red spot, replace the coil yourself. Burner coils are between $10 and $30, while stove repairs can be between $100 and $430.

Cooking can be messy; you spill a few ingredients, or splatters happen when you're stirring, and that's okay. We're all human; messes are normal. However, cleaning up the mess as soon as it happens is crucial to prevent horrible burner corrosion. The liquids that spill onto the burners will cause them to corrode, which makes them rust. As soon you see any rust, replace your burner. Rust deteriorates the metal, which isn't healthy for your food. While some rust can be ignored for a short time, eventually, it'll be time to replace the burner.

Even if you're on top of cleaning your gas stovetop once a week, you can't scrub away rust and make the burner brand new. Regardless of your stove type, burner corrosion can occur on gas and electric stoves. Again, contact a professional to check out your stove if you're unsure if you should replace your burners; they'll be able to offer insightful advice. Or, replace them even if you're unsure, just to be on the safe side.