Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Cooktop?

Obviously, a repair also makes sense if your cooktop is under warranty. Contact either the manufacturer or store, depending on where the warranty is from. The typical warranty lasts one year and covers all parts and labor for the time frame. But some may provide additional coverage for broken parts if you pay for the labor, and many pro-style cooktops come with longer warranties.

If your cooktop is no longer under warranty, you might still have a few money-saving options:

Check the manufacturer’s website. The problem you’re experiencing may be covered under an existing recall.

Check other sites for user comments. Even if a product isn’t recalled, manufacturers will still sometimes perform free or low-cost out-of-warranty repairs for widespread problems. In some cases, consumers have banded together to initiate a class-action lawsuit, such as the 2019 case against Whirlpool alleging that particular electric smoothtops could turn on by themselves. If you search the web by typing in your specific concern and the cooktop brand, you’ll likely find Reddit forums or social media groups of users who have experienced similar problems.

Making Greener Choices
• We compiled strategies to save more—and waste less—all around the house.
• Repair vs. Replace: Dishwashers, Dryers, Microwaves, Refrigerators, Washers.
• See our Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings.
For more, see CR’s Guide to Sustainable Living.

Our most recent survey, conducted in 2022, allows us to calculate the median repair costs for cooktops by type. Keep in mind that they reflect only the prices paid by people who went ahead with a repair. (Anyone who got sticker shock from a repair quote and decided to replace their cooktop instead isn’t included.)

• Gas cooktops: $153
• Electric smoothtop: $192
• Electric induction: $536 

If you know the exact problem with your cooktop—like a broken glass top or dead burner—you can search online for average repair costs in your area using sites like Angi or Home Advisor.

If you’re unsure of the problem, some newer cooktops with WiFi connectivity (about 20 percent of the cooktops covered in our survey have this) can actually self-diagnose when paired with a compatible smartphone app. The cooktop will typically use WiFi to send error codes to your phone. Opening the compatible app will tell you what the problem is and usually provide some basic troubleshooting steps to try before calling for service. 

Otherwise, describe what you’re experiencing in a web search; include the brand and model number. This way, you’ll improve the quality of your results. You’ll also be more likely to connect with other cooktop owners who have experienced your exact problem, find a fix on video or social media, or get some sense of what the repair might cost. Problems often occur in clusters within a brand. For example, our most recent member surveys found that 17 percent of Jenn-Air and 14 percent of Viking cooktops experienced a broken ignition, compared with a median of only 8 percent for all brands. 

To find a technician, ask friends, neighbors, and local groups on social media for recommendations. You can also try services like Angi or Thumbtack, which can refer you to a local pro for a diagnosis. These pros are generally vetted and background-checked, and you can see ratings and reviews from other consumers in your area. 

Once you decide on a repair service, expect a charge for a visit just to diagnose the problem. This will typically be deducted from the cost of your total bill if you use the service to complete your repair, but that’s not always the case. So always review the costs and terms before hiring.