Can Hobs Be Repaired? What You Need to Know Before Calling a Technician

Ever turned on your hob and nothing happened? Or maybe one of the burners sparks but never lights, or the display is flickering like a faulty streetlight? You’re not alone. Hobs - whether gas, electric, or induction - are some of the most used appliances in any kitchen. And when they break, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a full stop to dinner, to breakfast, to that late-night pasta craving.

So, can hobs be repaired? The short answer: yes, most of the time. But not always. And knowing when to fix it versus when to replace it can save you hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars.

What’s Actually Broken?

Before you call a repair technician, take a minute to figure out what’s going wrong. Hobs don’t just die randomly. Something failed, and it’s usually one of a few common parts.

For gas hobs, the most frequent issue is a faulty ignition system. The spark module might be dead, or the electrodes are clogged with grease and food debris. Sometimes, the gas valve gets stuck, or the thermocouple - the little safety sensor that makes sure gas only flows when there’s a flame - has gone bad. All of these are repairable. A technician can clean the electrodes, replace the spark module, or swap out the thermocouple in under an hour.

With electric hobs, the problem is often the heating element. If one ring won’t heat up, it’s likely the coil element itself has burned out. These are easy to replace. You just unplug the old one, plug in the new one, and you’re done. The control switch behind the dial can also fail, especially if you’ve been turning it on and off violently for years. That’s a $30 part and a 20-minute fix.

For induction hobs, things get a little more complex. These use electromagnetic coils under the glass. If the hob won’t turn on at all, it could be the main control board. If only one zone isn’t working, it’s probably the induction coil for that zone. These repairs are more expensive because the boards are pricey - $150 to $400 - but they’re still cheaper than buying a whole new hob.

When Repair Makes Sense

Here’s the rule of thumb: if your hob is less than 8 years old and the repair cost is under half the price of a new one, fix it.

Most hobs last 10 to 15 years. If yours is only five years old and the ignition module is dead? Fix it. If it’s 12 years old and the glass top is cracked? That’s a different story. Glass tops on induction hobs cost $300 to $600 to replace. At that point, you’re better off upgrading.

Also consider brand and parts availability. Brands like Bosch, Siemens, and Whirlpool have parts that are easy to find. Lesser-known brands? You might be waiting six weeks for a single circuit board. That’s not a repair - that’s a waiting game with no guarantee.

Another big factor: safety. Gas leaks, faulty wiring, or overheating components aren’t just annoying - they’re dangerous. If your hob smells like gas when it’s off, or if you see scorch marks around the controls, don’t wait. Shut off the gas valve and call a licensed technician immediately. These aren’t DIY fixes.

When to Walk Away

There are times when repair isn’t just impractical - it’s a waste of money.

If your hob has multiple failures - say, two burners dead, the control panel glitching, and the fan running nonstop - you’re dealing with a system that’s falling apart. That’s not a coincidence. It’s the beginning of the end.

Older hobs also lack modern safety features. New models have child locks, automatic shut-off, overheating sensors, and energy-efficient induction zones. If you’re still using a 15-year-old hob with no auto-shutoff, you’re not saving money by repairing it. You’re risking your home.

And then there’s the cost. A new mid-range electric hob runs $500 to $800. An induction hob starts at $900. If your repair quote is $400 or more, you’re flirting with the replacement line. Add labor, and you’re over the edge.

One real-world example: a homeowner in Scarborough called me last fall because their Bosch induction hob stopped working. The technician diagnosed a failed control board. The part cost $320. Labor was $180. Total: $500. The same model, brand new, was on sale for $899. They chose to repair it. Six months later, another component failed. They replaced the whole unit. They paid $820 in repairs before buying a new one. That’s not smart. That’s throwing money down the drain.

DIY Fixes You Can Try First

Before you pay for a service call, try these simple fixes. Many times, the problem is just dirt, dust, or a loose connection.

• Gas hob won’t light? Turn off the gas, remove the burner caps, and clean the tiny holes with a toothpick or pin. Wipe down the electrodes with a dry cloth. Reassemble and try again.
• Electric hob not heating? Unplug the appliance (or turn off the circuit breaker), then check the connection under the hob. Sometimes the wires come loose from the terminal block.
• Induction hob not recognizing pots? Make sure you’re using magnetic cookware. Test with a fridge magnet - if it sticks, the pan works. If not, you need new pots.
• Display is blank? Check the circuit breaker. Sometimes it trips without you noticing.

Don’t open the hob’s internal panel unless you’re trained. High voltage, gas lines, and sensitive electronics aren’t worth the risk.

How Much Does Hob Repair Cost?

Repair prices vary by region, brand, and complexity. In Toronto, here’s what you’re likely to pay in early 2026:

Most reputable repair services offer a diagnostic fee - usually $60 to $90 - which is often waived if you go ahead with the repair. Always ask upfront.

How to Find a Reliable Repair Tech

Not all repair people are created equal. Some are licensed, trained, and carry liability insurance. Others show up with a toolbox and a prayer.

Here’s how to pick the right one:

• Look for certification. In Ontario, gas technicians must be registered with TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority). Ask for their TSSA number.
• Check reviews on Google or HomeStars. Look for comments about honesty, punctuality, and clear pricing.
• Ask if they carry parts for your brand. A good tech shows up with a van full of common parts - no need to wait days for a shipment.
• Get a written quote before they start. No surprises.

Avoid companies that pressure you into replacing the unit. A trustworthy technician will tell you if repair is pointless.

What’s the Lifespan of a Repaired Hob?

After a repair, most hobs last another 3 to 5 years - if you treat them right. Clean them regularly. Don’t slam the control knobs. Avoid pouring water directly on hot surfaces. Use the right cookware.

And if you notice the same problem coming back? That’s a sign the fix was temporary, or another part is failing. Don’t ignore it. That’s how fires start.

Final Thoughts

Can hobs be repaired? Absolutely. Most of them can - and should - be fixed. But not every problem deserves a fix. Know the signs. Weigh the costs. Understand the risks.

Repairing your hob isn’t just about saving money. It’s about keeping your kitchen safe, functional, and reliable. And sometimes, that’s worth more than a new appliance.