Maytag Coil-Top Stove: Replacing the Drip Pan Set

Bottom line: Swapping the drip pans on a Maytag coil-top range is a tool-free, 10-15 minute beginner job — the trick is matching the two pan sizes and seating each one in its one correct orientation. Fresh reflective pans also restore heating efficiency.

Verify ALL burners are off and the cooktop surface is completely cool before starting. Drip pans sit directly under coil elements that reach 1,500°F+ during operation. This Maytag stove guide focuses on the specific components, access methods, and sizes unique to this brand.

Tools and parts#

Step by step#

1. Size your pans and pick a finish#

Most Maytag electric coil-top ranges use two standard diameters: 6-inch for the two smaller burners and 8-inch for the two larger ones, including the Power Burner position. Measure the opening or check your model in the Maytag parts catalog. Chrome looks bright but discolors faster; porcelain resists staining and cleans more easily.

2. Pull the coil elements#

Lift each coil at its outer edge and pull it straight out of the terminal receptacle. Grip the element near the prong end and pull evenly with both hands — do not bend the element. Set each element on a towel noting its position (6-inch elements and 8-inch elements must return to their original receptacles).

3. Lift out the old pans#

With the elements off, each pan lifts straight up out of its recess. If years of baked-on residue have stuck one down, slip a cloth-wrapped butter knife under one edge and rock it side to side rather than forcing it, to protect the cooktop finish.

4. Clean the surface underneath#

This is your one easy chance at the normally hidden cooktop. Wipe away grease and debris with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. While you are in there, inspect each element receptacle for burn marks, pitting, arcing, or melted housing — a damaged receptacle should be replaced before further use.

5. Seat the new pans in the right orientation#

Each pan has a notch or flat edge that aligns to the rear of the opening. Line up the center hole over the receptacle, lower the pan into the recess, and rotate slightly until it drops flat into place. Press gently around all edges to confirm it is fully seated.

6. Reinstall the elements#

Align each element's prongs with its receptacle and push in firmly until fully seated. The coil should sit level with an even gap to the pan all around. Rock it gently — a wobble means the pan below is not seated or the element is not fully home.

7. Test each burner#

Turn each burner to medium for 30-60 seconds. The coil should glow evenly orange-red with no bright hot spots, which would signal contact with the pan. Turn off and confirm nothing rattles or vibrates. A golden tint on new chrome after first heat is normal.

If something isn't right#

• New pans won't fit: re-verify the 6-inch versus 8-inch diameter for each position and that the center cutout matches your receptacle style.
• Element tilts: the pan is the wrong orientation, not fully seated, or upside down — there is only one correct fit per opening.
• Pans rattle when hot: press all edges down until the pan sits flat; a heat-warped opening may need a gentle bend of the pan lip.

When to call a pro#

Pans are a DIY job, but a receptacle that arcs or shows burn damage is an electrical repair — clean the prongs with fine sandpaper, and if the receptacle is scorched, have it replaced before you cook on that burner again.

Worn pans that absorb rather than reflect heat cut efficiency by 10-20%, so this is worth doing. For bigger cooktop issues, see our stove repair cost guide or book a same-day repair.