KitchenAid Cooktop Repair

Having trouble with your KitchenAid cooktop? We've fixed hundreds of these over the years. Most problems aren't as complicated as they first seem.

Let's figure out what's wrong and get your cooktop back in action.

Understanding Your Cooktop

KitchenAid makes several different cooktop types. Each one has its own common problems:

• Electric coil cooktops are the old-school style with exposed elements that glow red.

• Smooth-top electric have a glass or ceramic surface with heating elements underneath.

• Induction cooktops use magnetic fields to heat the pan directly without heating the surface much.

• Gas cooktops use natural gas or propane burners with grates on top.

Before starting any repair, find your model number. Look on the underside of the cooktop or along the bottom edge. Write it down. You'll need it if you end up ordering parts.

Gas models like the KCGS550 series often have igniter problems. Electric models like the KECC series typically develop element or switch issues as they age.

Gas Cooktop Problems

Gas cooktops have their own set of common issues:

• Burners won't light? Could be igniter problems, gas supply issues, or clogged burner ports.

• Weak yellow flames instead of strong blue ones? Burner ports are probably partially blocked.

• Clicking sound without ignition? The igniter is working but gas isn't flowing properly, or the spark is missing the gas flow.

• Gas smell? Shut everything off and open windows. Could be a connection leak or a burner that's partly on without being lit. Schedule cooktop repair service to have a technician check for gas leaks.

• Burner lights but won't stay lit? The thermocouple might be bad. It's the safety device that keeps gas flowing only when it senses a flame on older KitchenAid cooktops.

• Knobs are hard to turn or stuck? Food spillage has probably gotten inside the valve stems.

Electric Coil Cooktop Issues

The older-style cooktops with exposed coil elements have fairly simple problems:

• Element won't heat up? Could be a bad element, receptacle problem, or switch failure.

• Element stays on high regardless of setting? Almost certainly a bad infinite switch behind the control knob.

• Burner heats up slowly or unevenly? Element is probably going bad and needs replacement.

• Sparking from the element or receptacle? Immediately turn it off. Could be a loose connection or damaged parts.

• Drip pans rusted or dented? These are easy to replace and make the cooktop look much better.

• Element doesn't sit flat? They get warped over time or after improper cleaning. Sometimes they can be gently bent back, but replacement is often better.

Smooth-Top Electric Cooktop Problems

Glass or ceramic cooktops look great but have their own issues:

• Element won't heat? Could be the element under the glass, a relay on the control board, or a wiring problem.

• Heating is inconsistent or cycles too frequently? Temperature limiter might be faulty.

• Cracks in the surface? Stop using that burner immediately. Cracks can let moisture reach electrical components.

• Surface staying hot long after being turned off? That's normal for some time, but if it stays hot for hours, the controls might be faulty.

• Control panel doesn't respond? Might need a reset or have a bigger electronic issue.

• Surface scratched or stained? Can't be repaired but special cleaners might improve appearance.

Induction Cooktop Concerns

Induction technology is great but comes with specific issues:

• Cooktop doesn't detect your pan? Make sure it's made of magnetic material. If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it should work.

• Error codes on the display? Each code means something specific. Check your manual or I can help decode them.

• Strange noises during cooking? Some humming or buzzing is normal, but loud noises might indicate problems.

• Cooktop shuts off unexpectedly? Could be overheating protection or pan detection issues.

• Controls acting erratically? Might be moisture or cleaning fluid getting into the touch controls.

• One burner works but others don't? Each burner has its own induction coil and control module.

Control Panel Issues

Modern KitchenAid cooktops have sophisticated controls that sometimes act up:

• Touch controls not responding? Try resetting by turning off power at the breaker for a minute.

• Display showing error codes? Write down the exact code. Different models use different codes.

• Controls work intermittently? Could be moisture under the panel or a loose connection.

• Display lights up but won't accept commands? Control board might be failing.

• Strange behavior after power outages? Many electronic models need to be reset.

• Controls beeping randomly? Usually indicates an error the system has detected.

Safety First When Repairing

Always put safety first when working on cooktops:

• For any repair, turn off power at the breaker panel, not just the controls.

• For gas models, also turn off the gas supply valve.

• Let everything cool down completely before touching anything.

• Keep track of all screws and parts as you remove them. A muffin tin works great for organizing small parts.

• Take photos with your phone before disconnecting wires. You'll thank yourself later.

• Be careful of sharp metal edges inside the unit.

• Never force anything. If it doesn't move easily, you're probably missing a screw or clip.

Fixing Electric Elements

Electric element problems are among the most common:

For coil elements, replacement is simple. Just lift the cool element slightly and pull it away from the receptacle. Put the new one in the same way.

If a new element doesn't fix the problem, the receptacle might be bad. Look for corrosion, burned spots, or looseness.

For smooth-top cooktops, elements are underneath the glass. This repair involves removing the cooktop from its mounting and accessing components from beneath.

Infinite switches control the power to elements. If elements stay on high or won't heat up, switches are often the culprit. They're behind the control knobs and can be replaced.

Some elements have thermal limiters attached that prevent overheating. These sometimes fail and cause heating problems.

Gas Burner Repairs

Gas burner problems are usually fixable too:

• Most ignition problems come from food spillage. Clean everything thoroughly with a small brush and needles to clear gas ports.

• Igniters themselves fail eventually. They're the white ceramic pieces with wire connections. Replacements need to match your model.

• Burner caps must sit properly on the burner base. Even slight misalignment prevents proper ignition and flame pattern.

• Gas valves sometimes need adjustment for proper flame height. This is usually best left to professionals.

• The thermocouple or flame sensor must be positioned correctly in the flame. If it's bent away from the flame, the burner won't stay lit.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular appliance maintenance prevents many common problems:

• For gas cooktops, keep burner ports clean. Use a needle to clear clogged holes. Remove and soak burner caps occasionally.

• For electric coils, wipe up spills promptly. Never immerse coils in water.

• For smooth-tops, clean after each use once cool. Use only recommended cleaners to prevent damage.

• Keep control panels clean but never spray cleaner directly on them. Spray on a cloth first.

• Check and tighten any loose knobs or controls.

For all types, inspect wiring connections annually if you can access them safely.

Finding Replacement Parts

When you need parts, Sears PartsDirect carries genuine KitchenAid components. Always use your model number when ordering.

Knobs, elements, and burner parts are the most commonly replaced items. These wear out faster than other components.

Control boards solve many electronic issues but are more expensive. Make sure that's really the problem before ordering.

Surface elements for smooth-top models must match exactly. Small differences in size or wattage can cause problems.

Gas burner components like igniters and valves need exact replacements for safety reasons.

Keep your old parts until the repair is successful. Sometimes you need to compare them with new parts.

When to Call Us

Some cooktop repairs are better left to stove repair professionals:

• Gas valve adjustments or replacements should be done by certified techs. Gas leaks are dangerous.

• Major electrical problems beyond simple element replacement might need professional diagnosis.

• Control system issues that don't resolve with basic troubleshooting often require specialized knowledge.

• Any repair you're not comfortable tackling is best left to pros. Better safe than sorry.

• Glass cooktop replacements need precise work to prevent breakage and ensure proper fit.

We can help if your KitchenAid cooktop needs repairs beyond your comfort level. Our service techs know these units inside and out and carry common parts with them.