Dropped knife inside stove housing somehow

[Chelonian]

Model Number: FCRE3062ASC
Brand: Frigidaire
Age: Less than 1 year

I accidentally dropped a bread knife (stainless steel blade with plastic handle) in the gap between the black main top (cook top) and the silver digital display top part in my glass top stove. I looked underneath and behind the stove (pulled it out from the wall and into the middle of the kitchen) and the knife is not there.

I also looked in the broiler drawer and then pulled it out and the knife is not down there either.

Finally, I then unscrewed three screws to allow me to partially pull out the main top (cooktop), though I wasn't able to fully detach it as it appeared to be attached by the rear left side. But I was able to see down roughly where the knife must have fallen and I cannot see it within the appliance anywhere.

I don't know what else I can do to try to locate the bread knife. I'd feel better if I could retrieve it. Any suggestions for what else I could do to find it? I suppose I could take the entire back steel panel off (many screws), but I was hoping I didn't have to do that--and whether it was worth it (see next paragraph).

If I can't locate the knife, is there any problem with using the range and oven with the knife somehow lost within the housing? It does not appear to be anywhere near the heating elements of either the range or the oven. I currently have the unit unplugged and haven't used it since this occurred.

Thanks for any help!

[Doc Ryan]

It sounds to me like you will need to remove the back panel of the range to try to access the knife. I would unplug the range, as the knife could short out an electrical connection and cause more problems. I wouldn't recommend using it until you get the knife removed.

[Chelonian]

It sounds to me like you will need to remove the back panel of the range to try to access the knife. I would unplug the range, as the knife could short out an electrical connection and cause more problems. I wouldn't recommend using it until you get the knife removed.

You were right.

Fortunately, I was able to just remove a very small rectangle of metal (one screw) from the back and that created a "window." I was then able to reach inside the housing and get the knife. Much better than the 15 screws, of three different head types (?!) that I would have had to remove and replace if I had taken off the full panel.