Maytag Cooktop MEC5536BAS Element will not heat

The Large Surface Element is an OEM component for Whirlpool ranges. As a key heat source, it withstands significant thermal stresses each use for cooking tasks. This surface element measures approximately 10” in diameter.

Over time, microfractures may accumulate in the ceramic glass from repetitive heating/cooling cycles. Mineral deposits also build up on the surface, reducing heat transfer effectiveness.

Symptoms involve:

• Inconsistent or diminished heat from the designated zone 
• Noticeable cracks, clouding or chips in the glass material
• Safety hazards if integrity is lost, exposing electrical/gas

The element is compatible also for select KitchenAid and Maytag appliances.

The Surface Element is an OEM component for Whirlpool ranges. It is responsible for heating the cooktop surface to the desired temperature selected by the user. Made of durable metal coil construction, the element surface quickly distributes heat evenly across burners to boil, sauté or simmer foods effectively. 

Causes of a bad element includes baked-on grime or mineral buildup inhibiting heat transfer or damage due to the use of improper cookware that has cracked or warped the coils over time.

Symptoms of a bad element includes:

• Burners failing to heat up fully or taking a long time 
• Inconsistent or uneven heating across coils
• Hotspots or deadzones in cooking areas
• Visible damage like cracks or bends in coil construction

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, and Kenmore range models.

Restore reliable heat to your electric range or cooktop with this surface heating element. Replacing a failed top-burner element brings back consistent, even heating so pots and pans heat up properly at your chosen setting.

• Supplies electric heat to a cooktop burner zone when turned on
• Common fix for a burner that won't heat or only partially glows/heats
• Helps address uneven or slow heating on the affected element
• Replace if the element shows visible breaks, blisters, or has shorted

• Disconnect power at the breaker and allow the cooktop to cool completely before service
• Access varies by model; support and protect glass tops when lifting/removing
• Photograph wiring; transfer any original brackets, insulators, or limiter/thermostat if present
• Ensure clean, tight terminal connections; fully reassemble before restoring power

This infinite switch replaces the surface-burner control on electric ranges, restoring variable heat selection for a single cooktop burner so you can adjust cooking temperature reliably. What it does:

• Regulates the power delivered to an electric surface burner to provide variable heat settings.
• Replaces a failed or worn infinite switch that prevents changing burner temperature.
• Common symptoms: burner won't heat, burner remains at one setting, heat level can't be adjusted, or heat is inconsistent.
• Use only with compatible range models.

• Disconnect power to the appliance at the circuit breaker before you begin.
• Access the control panel per your model's service instructions; note wire locations or photograph them before removal.
• Reconnect wires to matching terminals and secure mounting hardware; restore power and test the burner.

This surface heating element restores reliable heat to an electric cooktop burner so pots and pans warm evenly and predictably. Replace a failed element to bring consistent performance back to your range or smooth-top cooktop.

• Supplies heat to a single cooking zone on an electric range or glass-top cooktop
• Replaces an element that is open, shorted, or intermittently heating
• Common symptoms: burner won't heat, heats unevenly, or only part of the zone glows
• Helpful when there is visible damage or hot spots on the element

• Disconnect power at the breaker; allow the cooktop to cool completely
• Access the element by lifting/removing the cooktop or from below
• Move wires one at a time to matching terminals; reuse any mounting clips/brackets as required
• Support the glass top during service and avoid stressing or scratching the surface