Electric Hob Repair: What to Do When Your Cooktop Stops Working

Nothing ruins a dinner plan like an electric hob that won’t heat. Before you panic, take a breath and follow these simple steps. Most issues are easy to spot and often cheap to fix, but some problems need a qualified engineer. Let’s walk through the most common faults, quick fixes, and when it’s time to hand the job over.

Identify the Symptom

First, figure out exactly what’s wrong. Is the whole surface dead, or just one zone? Does the knob turn but nothing heats? Do you hear a click or smell burnt plastic? Write down what you see – it saves time when you call for help.

Whole hob not heating: This usually means a power issue. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box. If the breaker has tripped, reset it. If it trips again, a short circuit might be inside the hob.

One or two zones dead: Most electric hobs have individual heating elements. A burnt element or a loose connection can stop that zone from working. Look for a faint burn mark or a loose wire near the affected burner.

Hob flickers or makes noise: Loose terminal screws or a failing thermostat can cause intermittent power. Turn the knob to the highest setting and listen – a steady hum means the element is getting power.

DIY Checks and Simple Fixes

Only attempt these if you feel comfortable working with electricity and the hob is unplugged or the circuit is off.

1. Reset the breaker: Flip the relevant switch off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. If the hob works, the issue might have been a temporary overload.

2. Inspect the power cord: Look for cuts, fraying, or scorch marks. A damaged cord needs replacing – you can buy a new one from a hardware store and plug it in yourself if you’re confident.

3. Test the heating element: Use a multimeter set to continuity. Touch the probes to the element’s terminals; a steady beep means the element is good. No beep indicates a broken element that must be swapped.

4. Clean the contacts: Grease and grime can build up around the knobs and contacts. Unplug the hob, remove the knob caps, and wipe the contacts with a dry cloth. Avoid water; moisture can create new faults.

If any of these steps restore heat, great – you saved a callout charge. If not, it’s time to consider professional help.

When to Call a Professional

Electric hobs contain high‑voltage components. If you see any of the following, stop DIY work and call a certified engineer:

• Repeated breaker trips after resetting.
• Burn marks, melted plastic, or a strong burnt smell.
• Faulty wiring behind the hob or signs of water damage.
• Complex issues like multiple zones failing at once.

A qualified gas engineer can also handle electric appliances, so you’re covered by local expertise. They’ll test the internal circuitry, replace damaged elements, and ensure your hob meets safety regulations.

Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide

Cost is the main factor. A single element replacement usually costs £50‑£120 in parts plus labour. If more than two zones need new elements, or the control board is faulty, the bill can climb above £300. In that case, compare the repair cost with the price of a new hob (often £300‑£600 for a decent model).

Also think about age. If your hob is over 10‑12 years old, newer models are more energy‑efficient and may save you money on electricity bills.

Bottom line: if the repair is under £150 and your hob isn’t ancient, fixing it makes sense. Anything more, weigh the long‑term savings of a new, efficient cooktop.

Safety First

Never work on a hob that’s still connected to live power. Always switch off the breaker at the consumer unit before opening any panel. Use insulated tools and wear rubber‑soled shoes. If you’re unsure, the safest choice is to call a professional – it’s cheaper than a house fire.

Regular maintenance helps avoid surprises. Clean the surface after each use, wipe away spills, and schedule a yearly check if you notice any odd behaviour. A little upkeep keeps your electric hob reliable and your kitchen stress‑free.

Got a stubborn hob that won’t cooperate? Follow the steps above, and you’ll know whether a quick fix will do or a pro is needed. Either way, you’ll be back to cooking in no time.