Stove Burners Only Work at Certain Temperatures

Is your stove acting unpredictably? It only heats up when the dial is set to low or high, and it’s missing the temperatures in between? You’re not alone. There are common issues we see all the time in stoves that we repair.

For example, when you want to cook the perfect scrambled eggs but your stove is running too low to cook them thoroughly, or too high that it doesn’t give you time for the perfect creamy texture. It’s the worst and you just want your stove to go back to normal so you can hit that perfect medium heat.

There are a few components of your stove that contribute to this issue. While most of them require a certified stove repair company, there are some things you can do to fix your stove burners that are only working at certain temperatures before calling us.

Why Your Stove Only Works on High or Low

Faulty Infinite Switch

The infinite switch regulates the heat level sent to each burner. Instead of just on and off, an infinite switch gives you infinite freedom for heat settings, as its name suggests. It gets this range by controlling the current that the stove’s heating element receives. If it’s not working to its full potential, your burner may only work at certain temperatures or skip some heat settings entirely.

How to check your infinite switch:

• Test another burner: If other burners work normally, the problem is likely only hidden in that one switch for that one burner.
• Listen for clicks: Turn the knob through the full range. If you don’t hear the usual clicking or feel resistance at intervals, the switch might be worn out.
• Check for loose connections: Unplug the stove and inspect the wiring to the switch. A loose wire can cause inconsistent heating. Don’t disconnect any wires that you’re unsure about. Call a certified stove technician to practice safe protocol.

Damaged Temperature Sensor

While not all stoves have a sensor for surface burners, some modern electric stovetops do use sensors to regulate burner output. A malfunctioning sensor can confuse the control system, resulting in unreliable heat.

Fixing your broken temperature sensor at home:

• Clean the sensor area: If the stove has sensors beneath glass or ceramic, debris or residue may be affecting readings. Use a cloth with warm water and soap (if needed) to clean the sensor.
• Reset the stove: Power off the stove at the breaker for 5 to 10 minutes to reset internal electronics.
• Test using a known working pan: Some sensors work with specific cookware types. Make sure you’re using a flat, compatible pan.

Stove Burners Are Broken

A worn-out burner element can heat inconsistently or only respond at certain temperatures. This is especially common in older coil-top models.

Checking if your stove burners are faulty:

• Inspect for damage: Look for bubbling, discoloration, or cracks in the coil or ceramic area. This is a sign that your burner needs to be replaced.
• Swap burner coils: Switch the faulty burner with one that works. With a glass stove top, it’s best to call a professional to help you fix your stove.

Burner Socket Is Not Working

The burner socket connects the coil to the stove’s power. If it’s damaged or worn out, it may deliver inconsistent power, leading to heat that only works on certain settings.

Checking your burner socket on your own:

With electric stoves, it’ll be hard to check the burner socket on your own. For the safest practices, it’s highly recommended you contact your local stove repair technician so that you don’t accidentally injure yourself.

Repairing A Stove’s Temperature At Home

While most of these issues cannot and shouldn’t be fix on your own, you can still find ways to inspect if you need to fix these issues before calling us.

• Change the infinite switch: Try swapping the switch with another burner to see if the problem moves. If so, the switch needs replacing.
• Inspect the sensor: Reset the power and check for any signs of sensor interference like food spills or incompatible cookware.
• Look for signs of burner damage: Try checking for visible damage on the internal coils of your burners. This is a signal for replacement.
• Check the burner socket issues: Call a technician to check out the burner socket for you.

There’s no harm in bringing in a professional when things get more complicated with your stove. While there are ways for you to repair it at home by yourself, without previous expertise in kitchen appliances, it can be a threat to your appliance safety at home.

Calling For Professional Stove Fix

Our licensed technicians at Just Call Appliance Repair deal with problems like a stove that doesn’t heat to the right temperature every week. We’ll diagnose the problem with your stove and help you get it fixed expertly.

We show up on time, diagnose quickly, and keep repairs affordable. Cooking shouldn’t feel like a runny scrambled eggs, let us give you that perfect balance between fluffy and cooked beautifully.

FAQs: Why Stove Doesn’t Heat

Why does my stove burner only work on high?

If a burner only heats on the highest setting, the infinite switch is likely failing. It may no longer be regulating power correctly, skipping low and medium heat levels.

Can I use a stove that only works at certain temperatures?

It’s not recommended. Inconsistent heating can be a sign of electrical problems, which may pose a fire or shock risk. It can also damage cookware and overheat food unexpectedly.

Why isn’t my stove getting hot enough?

It’s likely due to a faulty burner, worn-out control switch, or loose wiring. If only one burner is weak, try swapping it with another. If all burners are affected, the issue may be with the power supply or internal wiring.