Troubleshooting Cookers – Simple Steps to Get Your Kitchen Working Again

If a cooker or any of its parts stop doing their job, it can ruin dinner plans fast. The good news is most issues are easy to spot and often fix without a call-out. Below you’ll find quick tests, common faults and clear signs that you need a qualified gas engineer.

Common Cooker Problems and How to Fix Them

Oven won’t heat. First, check the thermostat and the heating element. A quick visual inspection for broken wires or burnt spots usually tells you if the element needs a replace. If the element looks fine, make sure the oven door seals properly – a loose seal can cause heat loss and trigger safety cut‑offs.

Uneven cooking. This often means the fan inside the oven isn’t working. Listen for a humming sound when you turn the oven on. If it’s silent, the fan motor may be jammed by grease. Clean away any buildup and spin the fan by hand; if it still sticks, it’s time for a professional replacement.

Pressure cooker won’t lock. A mis‑aligned lid or a warped sealing ring can keep the safety lock from engaging. Remove the gasket, rinse it, and check for cracks. Replace the ring if it’s damaged, then re‑align the lid and try again.

Extractor fan stops working. Most fans fail because of motor wear or clogged filters. Turn off the power, remove the filter, and give it a good wash. If the fan still won’t spin, the motor bearings may need lubrication or the whole motor might be dead – a quick swap can bring fresh air back to your kitchen.

Water heater only hot at the tap. If hot water arrives at the sink but not the shower, the problem is likely a faulty mixing valve or a blocked pipe. A simple test is to run the shower while the sink is on – if both stay cold, the heater itself may need a flush.

When to Call a Professional Gas Engineer

DIY fixes work for many surface‑level issues, but gas‑related work should stay with a certified engineer. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or the safety valve keeps tripping, shut the supply and call us immediately. Also, if the cooker’s control board is showing error codes you can’t decode, a qualified tech can diagnose electronic faults safely.

Our team in Bedford handles everything from boiler servicing to cooker repairs. We’ll run a full safety check, clean out any hidden grime and replace worn parts with genuine spares. That way you get peace of mind and a cooker that lasts longer.Remember, regular maintenance prevents most breakdowns. Schedule a yearly check, clean filters, and keep an eye on wear‑and‑tear parts. A little attention now saves a costly repair later.

Use this tag page as a quick reference library. Click on the articles that match your problem – whether it’s an oven element, a pressure cooker gasket or an extractor fan motor – and follow the step‑by‑step guides. If the fix feels beyond your comfort zone, give us a call. We’re just a phone away and ready to get your kitchen back in action.