Ceramic Cooktop Replacement
Gina
07/04/06 		I have exactly the same problem as Carole had in beginning of 2005, but nobody seemed to have had a solution for her then. So, again, please help (in mostly her words, but this time applying to a different type of stovetop):

Mine is a JennAir slide-in range and only the top is cracked and needs to be replaced.

We are preparing to sell our home and need to take care of this, want to do it correctly, but not overspend if not necessary.

My questions are:

(1) Does anyone have recent experience with Sears to have an idea about the actual costs of the installation, trip, etc? (Only replacing glass top).

(2) My husband is quite a handyman and would like to do the repairs himself. Has anyone removed a stove top and installed a new one? What is involved? Or is there a website where I can get information.

If this does not work:

(3) Does anyone have recent experience with having a stovetop replaced by an independant repair person and what the approx costs are?

(4) What type of repair person do I need?

Thank you beforehand!

Gina

ellen
07/04/06 		somewhere in the middle of the long archive thread on ceramic cooktops is a report by a reader who calls himself, pretty handy, and replaced his own top successfully. Sowe know it is possble. I would call a jenn air dealer (not sears) for advice on an independent repair person. But if the stove is older, consider not replacing the ceramic top- many people do not like them and would rather have a different stove top. Talk it over with your realtor.
Gina
07/05/06 		Ellen, you are so kind to come to my aid, thank you!

I only became aware of this website yesterday, but I think it is great -- thank you again. I also seem to remember when reading through that l-o-o-ong thread (by the way, this is my second and only three years old ceramic top and I NEVER, EVER want something else again; I must have missed the other pretty handy guy's posting) that you mentioned your knee replacements. Have you had them yet, and if so, how are you doing?

Best wishes
Gina

ellen
07/07/06 		First one in two weeks. Anxious about the LONG layoff, income-wise, but otherwise feeling ready. Thanks for asking.
ted cantu
10/01/06 		i have a ceramic cooktop that is constantly having to be cleaned with ceramic cleaner to remove burned material. what type of cooktop could i replace this with. recommendations please.
ellen
10/01/06 		I have said before, for best cooking I like gas ranges/stovetops and electric ovens with a convection feature. Is yours a built in top that you can replace? You may be limited by the utilities/lines available in your area or house.
Steve Forte
03/23/07 		I have bracked an Amana by Sears Ceramic cvooktop that I want to fix.Its is only ceramic 36 x 21 1/2 dimensions. If anyone can direct me to any dealer or help to replace this. It is Black 615-832-4901.Someone has to make a replacement topto cover theexisting cracked one or totally replace thecracked (Broken ) one Please assist ASAP ! HELP !!
ellen
03/24/07 		Steve get the part through a Sears parts store. You must replace, not cover. They carry parts on all Sears items for YEARS. I am removing your phone number for your protection.
Liz Nikolaisen
04/04/07 		I have recently returned home from overseas to fnd that my Kenmore ceramic/glass freestanding range top has been completely destroyed by my stepdaughter..I didn't have any problems with it in the 3 years I had it previously, but now there are 5" diameter black scorch marks in the middle of each burner. It is almost like the surface has burned off, it is smooth now, not textured like the rest of the top. I don't know WHAT she did with it, could have been the wrong pans, burned on oil, I don't know, but does anyone have any idea if I can EVER restore it to its former glory? I have tried the scraper (but it is smooth), and Cerama-Bryte burnt on grease remover to no avail. I have contacted Sears and they want $566.00 exclusive of tax and delivery just to replace the top. I can't really afford to buy a new range.. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
ellen
04/06/07 		OK, it looks bad, but does it still work properly? Ifit does, can you live with it while you wait for another disgruntled user puts a better one up for sale?

Often this is caused by a combo of too-hot-burners with pans whose outsides have not beeb thoroughly cleaned after each use.

It will cost less to replace the top if you buy the part and have someone else besides sears install it.

Scott K
05/02/07 		I just replaced my Maytag cooktop tonight. Took me about 2 hours. Had to remove about 25 screws.

It is not difficult if you take your time and are mechanically inclined.

Melissa
05/02/07 		I have a large chip on the side of my slide in ceramic cooktop (dropped a balsamic vinegar bottle on it - bottle didn't break). It's small and doesn't seem too close to the burner. Seems like a lot of effort to replace the whole top. Has anyone ever tried using a porcelin repair kit? I know they are not recommended for high heat surfaces but I wonder if it would be okay to use in an instance where its not too close to the burner.
ellen
05/03/07 		Scott, thanks for the encouragement

Melissa, there is heat resistant epoxy available at auto parts stores. I would not uae something that was not heat resistant- you do move pots and pans other places besides the burners.