Symptoms
- Visible crack or chip in the black porcelain grate or cap
- Rust starting to show at a chip
- Grate wobbles or sits unevenly
- Flame may look uneven if a cap is affected
Likely causes
- CommonAge and repeated heating/cooling cyclesPorcelain coating becomes brittle over years of use.
- CommonDropped cookware or grate mishandlingImpact chips the porcelain and exposes the metal underneath.
- PossibleAggressive scrubbing with abrasive padsHard scouring pads can chip the coating over time.
What to do
- Inspect the crack or chip size; small surface chips are mostly cosmetic and safe to keep using.
- If rust is starting to show through a chip, dry the area thoroughly after each wash to slow further rusting.
- For a wobbly or uneven grate, check that all its feet are present and seated correctly on the cooktop.
- If a burner cap itself is cracked near the ports, order a direct replacement cap rather than trying to repair porcelain.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads going forward; use warm soapy water and a soft brush instead.
- Replace grates or caps once cracks are large enough to affect stability or flame shape.
Tools and parts
- Soft brush
Gas range grateSearch: “gas range grate replacement”
Gas range burner capSearch: “gas range burner cap replacement”
When to call a pro
This is a DIY-friendly parts swap; a technician isn't usually needed unless the crack affects how the burner sits or ignites.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.