Do Elements Go Out on a Glass-Top Cooktop?

Element Failure

• Glass-top cooktops are electric cooktops; however, the elements are not visible -- they are underneath the ceramic glass. The elements can fail on a glass-top cooktop just like they do on an ordinary electric cooktop, although they often last longer than visible electric coils. Glass-top elements are more expensive to purchase and install. They work by resisting the flow of electricity to them, so if there is an electrical problem, the element may burn out or stop working.

Thermostat Problem

• Most glass-top stovetops have a thermostat that lights when the element is hot. In some cases, the thermostat contacts may stick so that the thermostat fails to light or the light fails to turn off. This problem doesn't affect the element -- it will still get hot if the thermostat light doesn't turn on or off -- however, you can't fix the thermostat without installing a new element.

Testing the Element

• If you suspect an element in your glass-top cooktop isn't working properly, you can test it with a multimeter. Unplug the stove before doing any work on it. After opening the stove, find the wires that connect to the element. Disconnect these wires, and attach the multimeter to them to test the resistance level. If it gives a reading of "zero" or "infinity," something is wrong with the element, and you need to get it replaced.

Working on the Stove

• A glass-top cooktop can be complicated to disassemble and work on. Usually you have to uninstall it from the wall before you can work on it. Once you pull it out of the wall, you can put 2-by-4 pieces of wood underneath it to support it while you work. Unscrew and open the top of the cooktop to access the elements, wires and switches. Make sure you unplug the stove before you do any work on the electrical wiring.