A sleek glass cooktop adds a modern touch to your kitchen—until it cracks. While these cooktops are easy to clean, cracks and breaks aren’t something you can simply wipe away. More importantly, a damaged glass surface is a safety hazard. A cracked cooktop can expose you to electrical risks, making replacement essential.
The good news? Replacing your glass cooktop is a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. Be sure to check out our tutorial video for a detailed visual walkthrough!
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Glass Cooktop
Sometimes, it’s clear that a cooktop needs replacement, but other times, the signs can be subtle. Here’s what to watch for:
- Visible Cracks or Spiderwebbing: Even small cracks can spread over time, leading to bigger breaks and safety risks.
- Uneven Heating or Hot Spots: If your burners are not distributing heat evenly, the glass surface may have weakened.
- Discoloration or Burn Marks: Stains that don’t come off might indicate heat damage to the glass.
- Electrical Issues: If burners flicker, don’t turn on properly, or spark, it could be due to damage beneath the surface.
- Persistent Scratches or Pitting: Deep scratches or small holes weaken the structure and can lead to cracking.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to replace your glass cooktop before it becomes a bigger problem.
Common Causes of Glass Cooktop Damage
While glass cooktops are designed for durability, they’re not indestructible. Understanding what causes cracks can help you prevent future damage.
1. Heavy Impacts
Dropping a heavy item—like a bottle of olive oil or a cast-iron pan—can easily crack or shatter your cooktop. If you have cabinets above your stove, avoid storing heavy dishes or cookware there to prevent accidental falls.
2. Scratches from Sliding Cookware
Dragging pots and pans across the cooktop can create fine scratches that weaken the glass over time. This is especially true for cast iron and other rough cookware. To prevent damage, always lift and place items carefully rather than sliding them.
3. Debris on Cookware Bottoms
Dirt or residue on the bottom of pots and pans can cause scratches. Wipe down your cookware before use to keep your cooktop in top condition.
4. Sudden Temperature Changes
Placing a hot pot directly onto a cold cooktop—or vice versa—can cause the glass to crack instantly. Avoid cooking food directly on the glass, and never let plastic utensils or objects melt onto the surface, as this can also weaken the glass.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following tools:
- Towel (to protect the surface)
- Two wooden support sticks (to hold the cooktop in place)
- Phillips screwdriver (for removing screws)
- Putty knife (to help lift the glass)
- Razor blade (for removing old adhesive)
- Foam tape (part number WB2X9902) for securing the new cooktop
- Optional: Clear tape (part number WB06T10007) for additional stability
How to Replace a Glass Cooktop on a Stove
Follow these steps to safely remove the old cooktop and install a new one, restoring your stove to working condition.
Removing the Cooktop from the Counter
- Open the cabinets beneath the cooktop and locate the brackets, securing it to the counter.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the brackets.
- Bend the brackets downward to allow easier removal of the cooktop.
- Push up the cooktop from underneath to check if it lifts freely.
- If the cooktop resists, slide a putty knife or razor blade between the cooktop’s edge and the countertop to break the adhesive seal.
- Run the putty knife along the seam carefully to avoid scratching the countertop.
- Lift the cooktop slightly and place two support sticks across the countertop opening to hold it in place.
Removing the Old Glass Cooktop
- Pull the burner knobs straight up to detach them from the cooktop.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove all mounting screws securing the glass cooktop to the chassis.
- Check for any tape securing the glass top to the chassis and carefully peel it away with a putty knife.
- Lift the glass top, making sure the control knob shafts clear their grommets before completely removing them.
- Dispose of any residual glass shards and the old cooktop properly.
Preparing the New Glass Cooktop
- Lay a towel near your workspace and place the new cooktop upside down on it.
- Measure and cut strips of double-sided foam tape to fit each side of the new cooktop.
- Stick the tape along the edges of the cooktop so it lays flat without wrinkles.
- Trim off any excess tape that hangs over the sides.
- Peel off any old tape from the chassis lip and apply new GE clear tape.
Installing the New Cooktop
- Lower the new cooktop onto the chassis, making sure the switch shafts align properly.
- Reinstall the mounting screws to secure the cooktop to the chassis.
- Align the interior tabs of each knob with the flat sides of the shafts and push them firmly into place.
- Lift the cooktop slightly, remove the support sticks, and lower it back into the countertop opening.
- Press down on the cooktop so it sits securely in place.
- Bend the brackets back into position under the counter and reinstall the mounting screws.
Testing the Cooktop
- Restore power to the cooktop.
- Turn the burner knobs and verify that each heating element functions properly.
Also Read: How To Replace A Range/Stove Glass Cooktop Assembly
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Damage
A few simple habits can help extend the life of your glass cooktop and prevent the need for another replacement anytime soon.
- Use Cookware with Smooth Bottoms: Rough or textured pans, especially cast iron and stoneware, can scratch the surface.
- Clean After Every Use: Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove residue without scratching.
- Avoid Dragging Heavy Items: Lift pots and pans rather than sliding them to prevent scratches and stress on the glass.
- Be Careful with Heat Exposure: Avoid putting a hot pan on a cold surface or letting cold water touch a hot cooktop.
- Use Proper Cleaning Tools: A razor blade scraper can help remove stuck-on debris without damaging the surface.
- Prevent Spills from Hardening: Sugary spills, in particular, can bond with the glass and become difficult to remove.
- Check for Manufacturer Guidelines: Some cooktops have special care instructions depending on the model and material.
What to Remember
Understanding what causes these cracks can help prevent them in the future. Simple habits, like lifting cookware instead of dragging it and keeping heavy items away from the stove, can save you from another replacement down the line.
If your cooktop is already damaged, it’s better to fix it now than deal with bigger problems later. A quick replacement means safer cooking and a stove that lasts longer. Grab your tools, follow the steps, and get your kitchen back in action.