Can You Replace the Glass Top of a Stove?

Glass cooktops are sleek, easy to clean, and don't require you to light a pilot just to make dinner. But what happens if the glass becomes cracked or damaged—can you replace the glass top of a stove? The answer is yes, although it’s a job best left to a pro. Here’s what you need to know. 

Can You Replace the Top of a Glass Top Stove? 

If your glass top is broken, in most cases you can repair or replace it without having to replace the entire stove.

Glass stove tops can get damaged from heavy cookware like cast-iron skillets and ceramic pots, or if heavy crockery is repeatedly dropped on them. They can also develop cracks from extended use over time. While glass stove tops can crack to the point of serious damage, the stove framework and burners usually stay fully functional.

If you see cracks and breaks of any size on the glass stove top, refrain from cooking with it until you get it repaired or replaced. Even tiny pieces of glass can cause a costly and dangerous electrical fire next time you use the stove.

Types of Glass Stove Tops

Electric Smooth Top

This is the most common type of electric stove burner, with an electric base and glass cooktop. Metal coils underneath the glass are powered by electrical current; this transmits heat to warm up pots, pans, and anything else on the surface.

A replacement glass stove top for an electric smooth top costs $150 to $600.

Induction

Induction stoves heat up very rapidly and cost significantly more than electric smooth tops. They use electromagnetism to heat pots and pans directly rather than warming the surface of the cooktop; as a result, they are safer and more energy-efficient.

Glass stove tops designed for induction stoves cost $300 to $800.

Repairing a Glass Stove Top vs. Replacement

Is it worth it to get the stove top repaired, or should you just replace it entirely?

You can expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for an appliance professional to repair the glass with a layer of epoxy. However, you will also need to monitor the cracks to make sure they don't come back or get worse. If you have an electric smooth top, the cost of repairs versus buying a whole new stove top often isn't worth it.

If you have an induction stove, repairs can sometimes be more economical than a full replacement. A local appliance installer can help you decide the best course of action.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you’re very handy and have installed or repaired glass stove tops in the past, hiring a pro is the safest bet. Any installation errors or stray shards of glass can put you at high risk for an electrical fire even with a shiny new stove top.

Appliance professionals who know electric stoves will ensure that your old cooktop is safely disposed of, the new one is installed correctly, and that your stove is fully functional.