Gas or electric, if you're down a burner, it's easier to repair (or replace) than you might imagine.
At some point in your life you have (or you will) wake up to discover that one of your stove's burners just isn't working. You still have three (or more) to work with, so unless you frequently cook massive feasts, you probably can get by without one. But maybe you don't have to. If you have a glass-top stove, repairing or replacing a single burner is a bit more complicated, and should probably only be attempted by a professional. But if you've got a heated-coil electric stove or a gas stove, a malfunctioning burner is usually a pretty easy fix—and if it's not an easy fix, it's often (though not always) a pretty easy replacement. How to repair a burner on a gas or electric stove Before spending a small fortune on a new one, it's worth it to see if you can just fix the problem. Step one when contemplating a repair on your stove should always be to unplug it (yes, your gas stove is plugged into the wall) to avoid any chance of a shock. You should probably also shut off the gas to be completely safe. Once that's done, remove the burner grate and start working on the malfunctioning burner. Repairing a gas stove burner The first thing to check on a gas stove is the burner cap, the (typically black) disc that sits on top of the spreader. Remove and clean the cap thoroughly using a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber and some mild cleaner. Let it dry thoroughly, then replace it, making sure it sits firmly in place, and test your stove—often the problem is as simple as a dirty cap, or a cap that's not seated properly. If that doesn't do the trick, remove the cap again and inspect the burner orifice. This is a small opening in the center of the burner, where the gas flows up to be ignited. It can easily become…