Oven Burner: Fix or Replace?

Q: One of the burners on my oven range died. Should I replace it, or can it be fixed?

A: If the burner is scorched or pitted, go ahead and replace it. New burners can cost anywhere from $10 to $40. Otherwise, check the burner’s electrical connections to make sure there is solid contact. Jiggle the burner in its socket. If it is loose, then remove the burner—most just pull out of the electrical socket, although some are mounted with a screw. (Always unplug the range before removing a burner.) Slightly spread the two terminals apart for a tighter connection. If it still doesn’t work, then replace the faulty burner with a functioning burner of the same size. If that burner works, then replace the bad burner with a new one. If it doesn’t, then inspect the electrical socket for damage. If it’s charred, replace the socket. To do so, remove the screws that secure the socket to the range and then unscrew the range wires. Attach the wire connections of the new socket to the range wires and reassemble the burner.