Can You Replace The Glass Top On A GE Stove?
Not too long ago, I had a friend who’s reckless cooking habits ended up making a huge dent in their kitchen. More specifically, a pot that was tossed on a glass stovetop ended up causing the glass to break.
It happens, even when you have a stove from General Electric. If you recently ended up in a situation like my friend’s, you might be wondering if the glass top can be replaced on your GE stove.
General Electric stoves can have their glass tops replaced with both brand name and aftermarket options. If you need to replace the glass top on your stove, it’s best to stick to model-specific parts made by General Electric. If you’re under warranty, it’s best to call the warranty hotline to have the stove serviced.
It’s a good thing to know that General Electric stoves can have their glass cooktops replaced, but there’s still more to this story than just a “yes” or “no” answer. If you’re in my friend’s shoes and have a cracked glass cooktop, this article will help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do.
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Can You Replace The Glass Top On A GE Stove?
If you recently busted your cooktop, there’s some good news to be had. General Electric makes a point of engineering all their stoves to have replaceable ceramic glass tops. They even sell the cooktop replacements online. So if it comes down to it, you can always replace your glass top.
Do You Need To Replace Your Glass Stovetop?
The fact is that most cooktops won’t need to be replaced. If you have light scratches, they can be buffed out without damaging the cooktop or becoming a fire hazard. Stains can be lifted with the right products and a little elbow grease, even if it’s something as bad as caked-on pasta remnants that got burned.
The only time that you need to have a glass top replaced is if it’s chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken. With these cases, the stove’s cooktop is basically unusable until you get it replaced.
If You Need To Replace The Glass On Your Stove, Do You Need To Replace Your Entire Cooktop?
With many brands, replacing the glass on the top of your stove usually means that you may have to replace the entire cooktop setup that you have. This can usually render a stove almost entirely useless. Thankfully, most GE models don’t fall into that category. When compared to their counterparts, this is a relatively easy fix.
Can You Replace Your Glass Stovetop Yourself?
In many cases, you can replace the glass top of a GE stove on your own. However, it can be tricky and time-consuming. Most people who are not at least intermediates in the DIY world choose to call a repairman to get it fixed. If you choose to do it on your own, you can always search up a DIY video on YouTube to see the steps for your specific model.
How to Replace the Glass Top on a GE Stove
Fortunately, the process of replacing the glass top on a GE stove is relatively straightforward. The glass top is just one solid piece, with the burners located beneath. Once the bolts that are holding the glass cooking surface to the oven are removed, the glass top can be lifted off and easily replaced.
- Disconnect the power to the stove by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off its’ circuit breaker.
- Open the door of the oven and locate the two bolts that are holding the glass cooktop in place. They will be found under the front lip of the cooktop. Remove these screws from underneath.
- Lift the glass top and brace it using a wooden dowel or metal rod. This will allow you to work safely inside of the cooktop.
- Remove the burners that are attached to the underside of the glass top. The procedure will depend on the age of your stove. Look for a bracket that attaches each burner to the cooktop. Or, the burners may be attached to a flat brace. Remove the screws holding the burners in place and lower them onto the stove cabinet
- Detach the brace and lower the glass top until you can pull the tabs at the back of the cooktop and free them from the stove slots. Free the glass top and lay it face down on your work surface.
- Install the brackets on the replacement glass top, if necessary.
- Position the new glass top onto the stove. Insert it back first at a 45-degree angle so that it’ll slid in underneath the control panel.
- Connect the burners to the underside of the glass top and secure with the brackets.
- Lower the glass and secure with the two bolts that were originally removed.
- Shut the oven door, restore power, and test for proper functionality.
Can You Cook On A Stove With A Cracked Glass Stove Top?
If you’re not too keen on replacing the glass portion of your GE stove, you might be tempted to ignore it and keep cooking on it. Don’t! A cracked or broken ceramic glass top is a serious fire hazard as well as an overall danger to your home. Cooking on a cracked glass top can lead to electric shocks, fire, as well as explosions from the glass itself.
No matter what brand your stove happens to be, you should never cook on it if the top is cracked or even chipped. If you can’t afford to get it repaired, just rely on microwave meals and takeout until you’re able to gather up the money. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re dealing with something as important as fire safety.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Glass Top On A GE Stove?
Like with most other repairs, the exact price that you can expect to pay will vary based on where you live, who you hire, as well as the specific stove model that you need to get repaired. On average, a typical glass top replacement job will cost between $300 and $700 to do through a professional company.
That price includes both parts and labor, which is why it’s so high. If you are going the DIY route, the only real price you’ll need to pay is for the actual glass top you need to replace. Official General Electric glass stove top replacements typically cost between $150 to $400, brand new. You should avoid buying used glass tops, as their quality is not guaranteed.
When choosing your cooktop or getting a quote, make sure to get the right model number for your stove. Otherwise, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Is Glass Top Replacement Covered By GE’s Warranty?
If your oven and stovetop are still under warranty, there is a good chance that you might have a shot at getting your stove’s glass top replaced for free. GE gives a one-year warranty on all their appliances when it comes to workmanship. So, if your stove cracked as a result of bad workmanship or failed parts, you might be able to get the glass top replaced free of charge.
If you bought an extended warranty from a third-party group, then things get a little bit dicey. The best way to figure out if you can get your glass top replaced through your warranty agreement is to call up the warranty provider and ask what can be done. More often than not, they’ll be happy to help you out.
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Related Questions
Where is the model number on a GE glass top stove?
To find out your specific model number, look at the rating plate on your stove. The exact model number will be found next to the part that says “MODEL” or “MOD,” and will start (and end) with a letter of the alphabet.
Can I use Windex to clean a glass stove top?
Though you might think that traditional window cleaners and glass cleaners would be a good choice, they’re really not. Window cleaners like Windex contain too much ammonia for a typical ceramic glass stove top to handle. If it’s used regularly, you end up running a risk of causing permanent damage to your glass top.
What pans don’t work well on a glass top stove?
Pans made out of any unusually hefty material should be avoided when cooking on a glass top stove. This means that cast iron, stoneware, as well as heavy glass pans are off limits.
Why do glass stovetops crack?
Cracks can happen for one of two reasons. In most cases, cracks and chips are caused by impacts from heavy pots and pans that were placed on the stove top. In rarer situations, cracks can occur as a result of extreme heat coming from the burners damaging the glass.
Can I use caulk to seal my cooktop replacement?
Using a sealant around your replacement glass isn’t a good idea, since it will prevent repairmen from being able to remove the cooktop in the event of another need for replacement later on. This can potentially render your cooktop unfixable.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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