Using an electric stove with only bottom heating elements and no top element can be safe under certain conditions, but it may not provide the best cooking experience for all types of dishes. Here are some considerations:
Safety: Electric stoves with bottom heating elements are designed to be used in this way, so they should be safe to operate without the top element. As long as the stove is functioning correctly and there are no damaged or exposed wires, using only the bottom heating elements should not pose any immediate safety hazards.
Cooking limitations: The absence of a top heating element can limit the types of dishes you can cook effectively. Some dishes, like casseroles, gratins, or broiled items, typically require direct heat from the top element to brown or melt toppings. Without the top element, achieving proper browning or broiling may be difficult.
Uneven cooking: Cooking with only the bottom element can lead to uneven cooking, as the heat is concentrated at the bottom of the dish. This can be problematic for certain recipes that require even heating throughout the food.
Adjusting recipes: When using an electric stove with only bottom heating elements, you may need to modify recipes that assume both top and bottom heat sources. You might need to extend cooking times or make other adjustments to achieve the desired results.
Energy efficiency: If you're only using the bottom heating elements, you'll likely be using less energy compared to using both top and bottom elements, which could be beneficial in terms of energy efficiency.
In summary, using an electric stove with only bottom heating elements is generally safe as long as the stove is in good working condition. However, it may not be ideal for all cooking scenarios and can lead to some limitations in terms of browning and even cooking. If possible, consider getting the stove repaired to restore the functionality of the top heating element or explore other cooking options that can compensate for the missing top heat.