How long does a cooktop last?
Updated August 2026
A cooktop lasts 13–18 years, splitting by type: a gas cooktop runs 15–18, while an electric coil or smooth glass cooktop averages 13–15. A cooktop is just the cooking surface, separate from any wall oven, so the parts that fail are the surface-level ones: igniters that weaken on gas, elements that burn out on electric, and the ceramic glass that scratches or cracks on smooth-tops. Keep the surface clean and unscratched and a cooktop will comfortably reach the top of its range.
Lifespan by type and situation
| Type or situation | Typical lifespan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gas cooktop | 15–18 years | Igniters are the wear part, and they are serviceable |
| Electric coil | 13–15 years | Coils are cheap and simple to replace |
| Electric smooth-top (radiant) | 13–15 years | Elements last; the glass is the vulnerable part |
| Cracked glass surface | Ends it early | A dropped pot or thermal shock can total the top |
| Gas igniter | Fails at 5–10 | Cleaning the ports often revives a slow-lighting burner |
| Kept clean, not scratched | 18+ years | Wipe spills and never drag cast iron across glass |
Signs yours is near the end
- A gas burner that clicks repeatedly without lighting, or lights only after a delay
- An electric element or coil that stays cold, heats unevenly, or cycles wrong
- A smooth-top with cracks, deep scratches, or pitting that will not clean off
- Burners or elements that no longer hold a low simmer or run hotter than the setting
- On induction-glass tops, zones dropping out or a control panel that misreads inputs
How to add years
Cooktop upkeep is mostly about the surface. On a gas cooktop, keep the burner ports and igniters free of spilled food, since clogged ports are the usual reason a burner clicks and will not light; our guide on a gas burner that will not light and the one on constant clicking both trace back to that. On a smooth glass top, wipe spills after it cools with a cream cleaner, and never slide heavy cast iron or set a hot lid down hard, both of which scratch or crack the glass. On electric coils, replace a dead coil rather than living with it; the fix is cheap, as our guide on an element that will not heat explains. When the glass cracks or a board fails, the repair-or-replace guide weighs the fix against the $500–1,500 a new cooktop costs.
What it costs to replace: plan on $500–1,500 installed ($1,500–3,000 for induction or pro-style gas). Replacing on your own schedule, before it fails, is almost always cheaper than the emergency version. The home maintenance cost calculator helps you set the money aside before it comes due.
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Track your home's systems, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
Does a gas cooktop last longer than electric?
Usually by a few years. Gas cooktops average 15–18 years, electric coil and smooth-tops 13–15. Gas burners light with an igniter and have no element to burn out, and a clogged igniter is cleanable rather than a death sentence. Electric smooth-tops add a vulnerability gas does not have: the ceramic glass can scratch or crack, which can end the surface regardless of the working parts underneath. Across both, keeping the cooktop clean and unscratched matters more to its lifespan than the fuel type.
Can a cracked glass cooktop be repaired?
No, a cracked ceramic-glass cooktop must be replaced, not patched. A crack can let spills reach the elements or wiring underneath and, on a gas-on-glass or induction top, is a safety issue. Replacing just the glass runs $150–400 for the part plus labor on many models, which is worth it on a newer cooktop and often not on an older one where a full $500–1,500 unit makes more sense. Prevention is the whole game: do not drop pots, do not drag cast iron, and let the surface cool before cleaning.
Why does my gas cooktop keep clicking?
Almost always moisture or debris around the igniter. After a spill or a cleaning, water and food can bridge the igniter and burner cap so the spark keeps firing even after the burner lights, or without lighting at all. Dry everything thoroughly, make sure the burner caps sit square, and clear the port holes with a pin. If it still clicks constantly once dry and clean, the igniter switch or module may be failing. Our guide on constant clicking covers each step.
Is a cooktop worth replacing on its own?
A cooktop is designed to be replaced on its own, and that is part of its appeal over an all-in-one range. If the surface cracks or the burners fail on a unit past 13 years, a like-for-like swap into the same cutout runs $500–1,500 and leaves your separate wall oven untouched. Redoing the whole layout only makes sense if you are changing fuel type, cutout size, or kitchen design. The repair-or-replace guide helps you decide when a fix beats a new one.