Glass top stoves make a great addition to any kitchen. They’re efficient; they add a touch of sophistication to the room; and you don’t have to worry about spillovers making a mess of your cooktop. But, like all appliances, glass top stoves need some TLC. So, can you replace the glass on the stove yourself?
You can replace just the glass top on your stove. In fact, glass tops are more susceptible to wear and damage than any other part of the stove, so it’s actually a pretty common repair. You’ll only need a few basic tools and a new stove cooktop in order to get the job done.
Although stove cooktops are made with the highest quality tempered glass, the nature of their use makes them particularly susceptible to cracks and breaks. The good news is that replacing the glass top is a pretty easy do-it-yourself job. So, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and exactly how to replace your glass stove top.
Can You Replace Just the Glass Top on a Stove?
Typically, there are two types of stove glass tops. In the first type, the heating elements are placed on the stove base, and the glass just sits on top. In the other type, the heating elements are attached to the glass with the help of screws.
In both cases, the glass is held in place with the help of a few screws or hinges, and you can easily remove it and replace it with a new one.
Can a Cracked Glass Stove Top Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
Glass is not a very forgiving material; once it cracks, it’s pretty much game over. The same is true for stove tops — you can’t repair a cracked glass stove top. The only way to fix it is to replace it.
Some people try to patch up the cracks with super glue or epoxy resins but beware: These fixes can actually make the problem worse.
The heat from the stove can expand and contract the adhesives, which will only make the cracks bigger — or worse, the adhesives can catch fire, posing a serious safety hazard.
However, you can repair surface-level scratches caused by pots and pans sliding across the surface or general wear and tear. Just apply some inflammable scratch repair polish (on Amazon) or simply buff it out with baking soda paste, and your stovetop will look as good as new.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Glass Top on an Electric Stove?
The cost of replacing a glass stove top on an electric stove varies depending on the make and model of your stove and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
On average, you’re looking at spending anywhere from $200 to $600 for the replacement cooktop alone. It’ll likely be even more if you’ve got a high-end model stove.
If you’re going to hire a professional to do the job, plan on spending another $200 to $300 for labor. So, in total, you’re looking at a bill of $400 to $900 to have the job done professionally.
But remember, this is just an estimate — the final cost will depend on the factors like where you’re located, your company’s replacement policy, and so on.
Of course, you can save a lot of money by doing the job yourself. Just remember to take all the necessary safety precautions and follow the instructions in your stove’s user manual to a T.
How to Replace a Glass Stove Top
Replacing a glass stove top isn’t a particularly difficult task, but it does require some care and attention to detail. Below is the step-by-step process of how to replace a glass stove top.
Different stove models have different designs, so consult your stove’s user manual before beginning the replacement process.
Step 1: Order the Replacement Glass Top
Before you start, make sure you have the replacement glass top with you. You can get one from a local retailer or directly order the cooktop from the manufacturer online.
When ordering, make sure you give the exact make and model number of your cooking range. You can find this information in the owner’s manual. But if you don’t have it for some reason, there should be a plate or sticker with this information somewhere on the stove itself, usually on the back panel.
Step 2: Gather the Required Tools
You’ll need to open some screws and potentially work with electrical wiring, so it’s important to have the right tools on hand before starting. Below is what you’ll need:
- Screwdriver (on Amazon)
- Hex Driver/Allen key (on Amazon) (depending on the type of screws holding your glass top)
- Pliers (on Amazon)
- Work gloves (on Amazon)
- Vacuum (on Amazon)
- 2″ x 6″ wood (on Amazon) (2 pieces)
- Clean rags
Step 3: Turn Off the Power to Your Stove
Once you’re ready, the first thing you need to do is unplug the stove from the power outlet. If your stove is hardwired, turn off the power at your circuit breaker.
This is a critical step as you’ll be working with the electrical wiring. So don’t skip it, or you’ll risk an electrical shock.
Step 4: Remove the Screws
The location of screws holding the glass cooktop in place varies from model to model. In some cases, they’re right on the front near knobs. But at other times, they’re hidden below the front panel and are only visible when you open the oven door.
With a few other models, you also need to remove the back hinges for the cooktop to come off.
Again, refer to your stove’s user manual for the exact location of these screws. Once you find them, use a screwdriver or other appropriate tool to remove them. Make sure you keep all the screws in a safe place so that you don’t lose any during the replacement process.
Step 5: Carefully Remove the Cooktop
With the screws out of the way, the cooktop should lift and slide off easily. If it’s stuck in place, gently wiggle it until it comes off.
As you remove the cooktop, be careful not to damage the electrical wiring and insulation on the base. If you have any doubts, it might be a good idea to take some pictures as you go.
That way, you’ll have a reference when reassembling everything later on.
If your cooktop is already broken into multiple pieces, make sure you handle the glass carefully and pick up every last piece. Then vacuum the stovetop to get rid of any shards and debris.
Step 6: Remove the Attachments
With the cooktop off, you should now be able to see any electrical attachments to it — some stoves have heating elements screwed to the cooktop. If this is the case with yours, you’ll have to remove them as well.
To do that, carefully lift the cooktop and prop it against the wall so that you can easily access the screws holding these attachments. Use the 2″ x 6″ wood to support the cooktop and make sure it doesn’t fall and break.
Now, unscrew the attachments, place each on the stove base in respective order, and finally remove the cooktop. Once again, take some pictures for reference if needed.
Step 7: Install the New Glass Cooktop
Now it’s time to install the new glass cooktop. Start by lifting it and placing it on the stove. Get help from another person if needed, as it can be quite heavy.
Then, prop it against the wall as you did before and reattach the heating elements one by one. Finally, align the new cooktop and gently lower it into place. If everything lines up, put the screws back in.
And that’s it — you’ve successfully replaced the glass cooktop on your stove. Plug the stove back in and give it a test run to make sure everything is working as it should.