Hob Repair Made Simple – What to Check, Fix, and Call a Pro For

If your hob is acting up, you don’t have to panic. Most problems are easy to spot and can be sorted without tearing the kitchen apart. Below we walk through the typical gremlins – from a stubborn burner that won’t light to a glass top that’s cracked – and give you clear steps to try before you book a gas engineer.

Spot the Symptoms Early

First, ask yourself what’s actually wrong. Is the whole hob dead, or just one zone? Does the flame sputter, or does the electric element stay cold? Noticing these details saves time and prevents unnecessary repairs. A dead whole unit often points to a power issue, while a single burner that won’t spark usually means a faulty igniter.

Check the basics: is the hob plugged in, is the circuit breaker up, and are the safety locks (if any) disengaged? For gas hobs, make sure the gas valve is open and the pipe isn’t blocked. A quick visual check can rule out the obvious.

DIY Fixes You Can Try

1. Clean the burners. Grease and food debris can clog the ports. Remove the burner caps, soak them in warm soapy water, scrub with a soft brush, and dry thoroughly before re‑assembling.

2. Reset the igniter. Many electric hobs have a reset button hidden behind the control panel. Switch the hob off, wait a minute, press the reset, and test again.

3. Replace a faulty element. If a single zone stays cold, the heating element may be burnt out. Unscrew the element (remember the power is off), swap it with a new one of the same rating, and tighten securely.

4. Tighten loose connections. Over time, the wiring behind the hob can loosen, especially after a hard knock. If you’re comfortable with basic electricity, remove the hob’s back panel, check for loose terminals, and tighten them. Always double‑check that the mains supply is off.

5. Fix a cracked glass top. Small cracks can be sealed with a specialized glass repair kit. Follow the kit’s instructions: clean the crack, apply the resin, and let it cure. For larger breaks, replacement is safer.

If any of these steps feel beyond your skill level, stop and call a qualified engineer. Working with gas or electricity can be dangerous without proper training.

When to Call a Professional

Call a gas engineer if you smell gas, see a yellow flame, or the hob won’t ignite at all after checking the gas supply. For electric hobs, if the breaker trips every time you use the hob, or if you notice scorch marks inside the housing, it’s time to bring in an expert.

Professional repair ensures the work meets safety regulations, especially for gas connections that require certification. A certified engineer can also run a full safety test, clean internal components, and advise on whether the hob is worth repairing or should be replaced.

Remember, regular maintenance extends the life of your hob. Wipe spills immediately, avoid dragging heavy pots across the glass, and schedule an annual check‑up if you use the hob heavily.

With the right attention, most hob issues are fixable without a hefty bill. Use these tips as a first line of defence, and you’ll keep cooking without interruption. If in doubt, don’t hesitate – a quick call to a trusted Bedford gas appliance repair service can prevent bigger problems down the line.