How to Install a Cooktop in a Countertop: Gas, Electric or Induction
While it may seem like an intimidating task, updating your cooktop can be a fairly straightforward process especially if you’re simply replacing an older model cooktop with a newer one. The installation steps remain about the same no matter the type of cooktop, so you can use this guide to walk through the basic process of installing a 4-burner or 5-burner gas, electric or induction cooktop.
Please note that this guide is an overview, and if your installation requires changing the configuration of your kitchen, installing new gas lines or electrical wiring, it may be best to hire a professional.
Tools & Supplies Needed for Cooktop Installation
Keep your owner’s manual handy. Specific instructions and a detailed list of the tools you’ll need will all be in your manual. At the very least you’ll need:
Tools:
Pipe wrench
Pliers
Tape measure
¼" (6.35mm) nut driver
Marker or pencil
Screwdriver
Power tester
For gas installation:
15/16" (24mm) combination wrench
Water and dish soap solution in spray bottle
Supplies:
Pipe sealant
Paint brush
Electric, Gas or Induction Cooktop Installation Step-by-Step
As you prepare to complete your installation, you may want to request the help of a friend, especially when removing the older cooktop as it can be quite heavy. It’s also extremely important that you shut off the electrical power from the fuse box and turn off the gas line.
While these are the general steps to install a cooktop, instructions will vary depending on manufacturer and whether you’re installing a gas or electric cooktop. Additionally, if using an induction cooktop, installation will follow the same steps as an electric cooktop. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for your specific cooktop model.
Step 1: Disconnect and check the fuel source
Take pictures or label the wiring prior to disconnecting the old cooktop since the new cooktop will connect the same way. There are two different installations depending on the fuel source that your cooktop requires. If you are replacing an induction or electric cooktop, then your connection and fuel source will require a junction box beneath the cooktop. If replacing a gas cooktop, then your connection will require a gas line.
Electric stove top installation:
Verify correct voltage and amperage for electric cooktop
If replacing an older cooktop, then you’ll most likely already have a junction box that should be at least 240 volts.
Double check that your old cooktop has the same amperage as the new cooktop, since some older models only have a 30-amp circuit. Newer cooktop models tend to have a 40 or 50-amp circuit.
If you don’t have a junction box or you don’t have the required amperage, then you’ll want to hire a professional for this installation.
Gas cooktop installation:
Disconnect cooktop from gas lines
Remove any leftover gas in your range by turning your burners on for a few seconds in a well-ventilated area.
When detaching the flexible gas hose, check for any wear and tear.
If there is no wear and tear, you can use the same hose but if there is any damage, replace it with a new one.
- Shut off the gas by turning the switch perpendicular to the valve and loosen and remove the flexible gas byline with a wrench.
Step 2: Remove Existing Cooktop from Countertop
Before starting the process of removing the old cooktop, shut off all electricity at the fuse box to avoid any injury. Ensure that the power is completely off by using a circuit tester on every wire in the circuit to be safe. If the light of the circuit tester turns on, it means there is still power and needs to be shut off.
Remove any removable parts from the cooktop, like burners and/or grills, as well as any sealant or caulking.
Give yourself more room to work by removing any cabinet doors or drawers.
The old cooktop will be heavy, so you’ll want a second person to help you lift it.
To remove the cooktop, push from the bottom of the cooktop so it lifts up and out.
When discarding your old cooktop, check with your municipality to see if they have an appliance recycling program.
Certain manufacturers may offer discarding or recycling services. You can verify during the time of purchase.
STEP 3: MEASURE COUNTERTOP OPENING AND CHECK DIMENSIONS OF COOKTOP
The dimensions for your cooktop may vary, but typically, you’ll need at least 30 inches and 1-2 feet of clearance on the sides.
Use your tape measure to verify that you have at least this amount of clearance, though you should check your owner’s manual for specific measurements.
Make sure there is enough space below where the countertop burner will sit.
Measure your cooktop and subtract about a ½ inch to 1 inch from each side to account for the overhanging lip that will go over the countertop.
Minimum clearances may depend on the cooktop manufacturer and local codes.
Step 4: Remove packaging and detach removable pieces of new cooktop
Get ready to install your new cooktop by removing any packaging and protective material that came along in the box. Keep any loose bits like grates or knobs to the side until installation is complete.
Step 5: Install spring clips in the countertop to hold new cooktop
Your new cooktop will bring spring clips that will hold it in place once installed onto the countertop opening. These clips will need to be screwed into the cooktop itself first.
For granite countertops and electric cooktops, you may use double-sided adhesive tape to the underside of the cooktop as well.
Step 6: Lower the new cooktop into the countertop and connect to fuel source
Ask another person to help you lift the cooktop into place, making sure the cables and wires go through the opening first, before pressing the cooktop down until it clicks into the spring clips. Connecting to the fuel source will vary depending on if you are connecting a gas or electric cooktop.
Connect wires for electric cooktop
Make sure that the electricity is still powered off at the fuse box before wiring the new cooktop.
Using the labels or the picture you took of your old cooktop wires for reference, connect the cables to the proper terminal in the connection box.
The red and black cables are the positive and negative cables that will give power to the cooktop, the white is neutral and the green is the ground cable.
Avoid short circuits by capping the wires with a cable nut and tucking them within the junction box.
Attach gas lines to new cooktop installation
Apply a generous amount of pipe sealant to the thread that attaches the hose to the cooktop using a paint brush.
If your new cooktop came with a regulator, you’ll first want to attach the regulator to the cooktop, and the hose to the regulator, making sure to apply sealant with the paint brush before tightening with a wrench.
Make sure that the gas connection is tight and that there is no gas leak.
Plug in to the electrical outlet for the igniter that will light the burners.
Test the gas connection
To test that the connection to the gas line is secure, spray a mixture of water and dish soap to the pipe joints. If large air bubbles appear, then the gas line connection is loose and needs to be tightened with a wrench.
Step 7: Install Trim and any pieces removed
Tighten any screws from the spring clips and add any caulk sealing if you’ll be adding a trim.
Add any knobs and burners or grates to the cooktop.
Wipe down and remove any debris that may be present from the installation.
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