Cooktop repair guides for electric, gas, and induction models. Burner diagnosis, glass-top crack repair, and cost comparisons.
Cooktops come in four distinct technologies — electric coil, radiant ceramic glass, induction, and gas — and each fails in fundamentally different ways. An electric coil burner that won't heat is usually a $15 element swap. A cracked ceramic glass top on a radiant cooktop costs $300-600 to replace and cannot be safely repaired. An induction cooktop that shows an error code may have a failed power board that costs more than half the unit's original price. Our guides are organized by technology so you get the right diagnosis path for your specific cooktop type.
Glass-top cooktops (both radiant and induction) are the most popular style in newer California homes but also the most fragile. We cover the physics of thermal shock cracks, weight limits for heavy cast-iron cookware, and the cleaning products that damage the glass coating versus those that are safe. For induction-specific issues, we explain how the cooktop detects compatible cookware and what causes the common "pan not detected" error even with magnetic-base pots.
Gas cooktops share ignition and burner mechanics with gas stoves but have unique installation considerations: they require separate ventilation (usually a range hood or downdraft system), their sealed burner designs trap spilled food differently than open burners, and the electronic ignition modules differ between manufacturers. Our repair guides cover these cooktop-specific details alongside the general gas troubleshooting.
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Smart cooktops with connected induction and Wi-Fi-enabled ventilation cost more to repair. Analysis of smart induction components and repair economics.

Thermador cooktops last 15-22 years, above the 13-20 average. Star Burner igniters fail first, the glass and coils are the long-haul parts, and cleaning is everything.

Viking cooktops typically last 14-20 years. See reliability data, common failure points by age, maintenance tips, and when to budget for replacement.

Wolf cooktops typically last 18-25 years. See reliability data, common failure points by age, maintenance tips, and when to budget for replacement.

GE cooktops last 14-20 years with above-average reliability. See gas, electric, and induction failure points by age, what shortens their life, and when replacement wins.

Bosch cooktops last 15-22 years — about two years beyond the norm — with above-average reliability. See the failure-by-age data, induction care tips, and the repair-or-replace math.

Middleby recalled approximately 18,000 Viking Professional gas cooktops due to an ignition system defect that can allow gas to flow without igniting.

Whirlpool recalled approximately 115,000 electric glass cooktops across Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and JennAir brands due to a thermal stress defect that can.

Brand reputation and measured reliability part company in four specific places on this list — luxury pricing, budget tiers, fuel, and smart features. A table of the four, and which side to trust in each.

Complete cooktop failure timeline: what breaks at Year 1-3, 3-5, 5-8, 8-12, and 12+. Repair costs by age and when it is time to replace. Expert tips and costs.

Complete guide to Thermador cooktop error codes for Freedom Induction, Star Burner gas, and electric cooktops. Understand E-codes, induction diagnostics, and when to call a certified technician.

Complete guide to Thermador cooktop error codes for Freedom Induction, Star Burner gas, and electric cooktops. Understand E-codes, induction diagnostics, and when to call a certified technician.

Miele recalled approximately 8,700 induction cooktops due to a control board that can overheat during high-power cooking, creating a fire risk.

Sub-Zero Group recalled approximately 11,200 Wolf gas cooktops due to a burner valve that can develop a slow gas leak at the stem seal. Repair guide with costs.

Electrolux recalled approximately 67,000 Frigidaire and Electrolux electric cooktops due to the glass-ceramic surface that can crack during normal use.

Bosch recalled approximately 43,000 gas cooktops due to a potential gas leak at the burner valve connections. Affected models include NGM5, NGM8.

Complete guide to Dacor cooktop error codes for Modernist induction and gas models. Real F-codes, causes, fixes, and luxury appliance repair pricing.

Complete guide to Dacor cooktop error codes for Modernist induction and gas models. Real F-codes, causes, fixes, and luxury appliance repair pricing.

Complete guide to Samsung induction cooktop error codes. Learn what each code means, common causes, and how to fix temperature sensor, power, and cookware detection errors.

Complete guide to Samsung induction cooktop error codes. Learn what each code means, common causes, and how to fix temperature sensor, power, and cookware detection errors.

Complete guide to Bertazzoni cooktop error codes for induction, gas, and segmented models. Covers E1-E9, power module faults, cookware detection, overheating protection, and gas ignition issues.

Complete guide to Bertazzoni cooktop error codes for induction, gas, and segmented models. Covers E1-E9, power module faults, cookware detection, overheating protection, and gas ignition issues.

Complete guide to GE cooktop error codes. Find your error code, understand what it means, and learn how to fix it. Covers induction, radiant electric, and gas cooktops with electronic controls.

Complete guide to GE cooktop error codes. Find your error code, understand what it means, and learn how to fix it. Covers induction, radiant electric, and gas cooktops with electronic controls.

Complete repair guide for Wolf CT/CI Series (Cooktop) cooktops including CG304, CG365, CG484. Spark igniter clicking continuously and more. Learn about.

Complete repair guide for Thermador Freedom Induction CIT cooktops including CIT304KM, CIT365KM, CIT367TGS. Pan detection failure and more. Learn about.

Complete repair guide for Thermador PRL364 (Professional Gas Rangetop) cooktops including PRL364NLH, PRL366GH, PRL304GH. Star Burner igniter failure and more.

Complete repair guide for Viking VGSU/VECU Cooktop cooktops including VGSU5305BSS, VGSU5366BSS, VECU5366BSS. SureSpark igniter clicking continuously and more.
Compare electric and gas cooktop repair issues, costs, and DIY fixes. Learn when to call a professional and how to keep your cooktop running longer.
Cooktop burner not working? Follow this troubleshooting guide to diagnose the problem. Covers electric, gas, and induction cooktops with DIY fixes.