Can a Stove Top Be Transferred to Another Stove?

Safety First

• Electric ranges utilize a 240-volt, 30-amp power connection, which must be treated with the utmost care. Before performing any repairs on your range, you must disconnect the power source, either by unplugging it from the wall or turning off the breaker in your home's service panel. Failing to disconnect the power to your range can have fatal consequences.

Compare Models

• While there are many range brands, most are manufactured by either General Electric, Whirlpool or Frigidaire. Often, ranges manufactured by the same company, which may appear to be different brands, share components. Kenmore ranges are manufactured by all three companies so use caution, if you're replacing a Kenmore stove top with another Kenmore stove top, as they may not be manufactured by the same company.

Burner Attachment

• While most stove tops are secured to the range with screws under the front portion of the panel, which are visible when the oven door is open, the main difference is the method used to attach the burners. There are two ways of attaching the burners to the underside of the range: cross-braces and burner brackets. The two methods are not interchangeable without many additional components, which include cross-braces, brackets and, in many cases, the burners themselves.

Brackets

• Because often one stove top may fit many models of ranges, it is sometimes necessary for the manufacturer to install brackets on the bottom of the stove top to ensure a proper fit on the range. If you purchase a new stove top, be sure to compare the placement of the brackets on the underside of your old stove top and, if necessary, transfer them to the new stove top. The brackets are secured by either Phillips, Torx or hex head screws, depending on the make and model of range.

Check the Parts Diagram

• To quickly determine if the stove tops are compatible, visit an online appliance replacement parts retailer and search for the model number of each range. Many of these websites provide exploded parts diagrams for virtually all makes and models of appliances, which allow you to see the exact stove top required for your range and view the bracket placement and burner attachment methods. The model number is located on a sticker on the range, typically on the door or door jamb.