Cooktop Thanksgiving prep: 10 maintenance checks

The holidays are almost here! As you start prepping your kitchen for all that delicious cooking, don’t forget one of the most important appliances – your cooktop. Making sure it’s functioning will guarantee your Thanksgiving preparation goes smoothly and safely.

Your cooktop works hard during the holidays, so take some time to give it a thorough inspection before the big day arrives. Here are 10 key things to check:

Clean the Burners Thoroughly

• Remove the burner caps and use a toothbrush to scrub away any food residue or grime built up on the burners. Pay close attention to the ignition ports as any debris stuck in them can prevent proper sparking.
• Clean the burner caps with soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool as they can clog the small holes in the caps. Ensure the caps are completely dry before placing them back onto the burners.
• Check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the burners. Use a cleaning product specifically made for cooktops to remove light rust. Replace extensively rusted burners for optimal performance.
• Check that the burners are aligned properly under the caps. Misaligned burners can lead to uneven flame distribution.

READ MORE: New Flame, No Problem: Your Guide To Cleaning A Gas Cooktop

Inspect the Grates Closely

• Examine the grates for any cracks or missing rubber feet. Cracked grates should be replaced and missing feet can cause the grates to slide around.
• Remove the grates from the cooktop and clean them thoroughly with a cooktop cleaner and non-abrasive scrubbing pad. This allows you to remove any food or grime buildup underneath the grates.
• Allow grates to dry fully before placing them back onto the cooktop. Any moisture can lead to rust accumulation.
• Make sure the grates lay flat and do not rock back and forth when lightly pressed on. Improperly placed grates lead to unstable cookware.

Test All Knobs and Dials

• Try turning each knob back and forth from low to high. They should turn smoothly without catching or stiff resistance.
• Listen for an audible click as the knobs are rotated. The clicks indicate the knob is engaging the valve correctly.
• Check that the knob indicators properly line up with the heating levels marked on the cooktop. If not, you may need to recalibrate the knobs.
• Turn a burner on low and observe that a small steady flame appears. Then turn to high and verify a larger flame ignites. This tests the knobs are controlling the flame levels accurately.

If your stovetop keeps clicking, follow these instructions to troubleshoot the problem.

Inspect Electrical Connections

• Use a flashlight to examine all wiring under the cooktop for any frayed, cracked, or loose connections. Damage to wires can lead to short-circuiting.
• Follow the power cord to the outlet and make sure it is plugged in completely. Loose plugs can cause intermittent power issues.
• Verify the outlet is grounded properly to prevent potential shock hazards.

Clean Control Panel and Buttons

• Use a soft cloth dampened with warm soapy water to wipe down the entire control panel surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners on display areas.
• Inspect any buttons or touch controls and remove any sticky residue buildup. Built-up residue can prevent buttons from functioning properly.
• Check that all cooktop controls correctly activate heating elements when pressed. Swap out any unresponsive buttons.

READ MORE: How To Replace A Range/Stove Glass Cooktop Assembly

Examine Igniters and Pilots

• Press igniters to verify sparking. Replace any faulty igniters with weak or no sparks.
• If you have a continuous pilot, ensure the flame is strong and blue. Adjust the flame if needed.
• For reignition pilots, test that the flame ignites within a few seconds after turning on the burner. Delayed ignition indicates an issue with the pilot.

Replace Cracked Seals and Gaskets

• Run your fingers along the edges and corners of the cooktop to check for any air leaks. This indicates the gaskets are no longer sealing properly.
• Examine the gaskets visually for any cracking, dry rot, or gaping sections that may allow hot air to escape.
• Refer to your appliance manual for proper gasket replacement. Use high-temperature RTV sealant for smaller gaps.

Wash Vent Filters Thoroughly

• Remove the baffle filters from underneath the range hood. Soak them in hot soapy water to cut through grease buildup.
• Use a scrub brush to remove stuck-on grime. Rinse filters thoroughly after cleaning.
• Allow filters to air dry fully before reinstalling them. Wet filters can allow moisture to enter the vent motor.

Give a Deep Clean

• Use a specialized cooktop cleaning product and a non-abrasive cloth or scrub pad. Rub in a circular motion.
• If you have a ceramic or glass cooktop, use a razor blade scraper to remove any hardened spills. Avoid using on continuous grates.
• Remove all grease deposits and food stains for a sparkling clean cooking surface.
• Finish by polishing dry with a microfiber cloth.

READ MORE: Ceramic Cooktops: Keeping Your Cooktop Clean and Spotless

Do Trial Test Runs

• Perform a series of test runs using every burner at both high and low settings. Observe flame consistency and distribution.
• Turn burners on and off multiple times checking that ignition is prompt each time.
• Let the cooktop run for an extended time to confirm it maintains proper heating levels.

Following these thorough cooktop maintenance tips will ensure your appliance is safe and ready for all the holiday action. Don’t let waiting until the last minute ruin your Thanksgiving prep – take time to check your cooktop before cooking your turkey and sides.

More information 

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find other resources and our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

REMEMBER! Do not wait until the last minute to order parts in order to get them on time.