How to Repair a Damaged Cooker: Step-by-Step Fixes for Common Issues
Dec, 21 2025
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Safety Notice
Gas repairs require certification in Ontario. If you selected gas-related repairs and lack expertise, call a licensed TSSA technician immediately.
If your cooker suddenly stops heating, sparks when you turn it on, or won’t stay on at all, you’re not alone. Thousands of households in Toronto and beyond face this problem every winter. Before you call a technician or replace the whole unit, check this: cooker repair is often simple, cheap, and safe-if you know what to look for.
Start by turning off the power
Before you touch anything, unplug the cooker or turn off the circuit breaker. Even if it’s a gas cooker, the electric components like the clock, fan, or igniter can still carry a dangerous charge. Don’t assume it’s safe just because it’s not working. A faulty thermostat or shorted wire can still deliver a shock. Safety comes first. Always treat an appliance like it’s still live until you’ve confirmed it’s not.Check the power supply
A lot of "broken" cookers are just stuck because of a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Head to your electrical panel and look for a switch that’s flipped to the middle or off position. Reset it. If it trips again right away, there’s a serious short. Don’t keep resetting it. That’s a fire risk. Also check the outlet. Plug in a lamp or phone charger to see if power is getting through. Older homes sometimes have outlets wired to a switched light-meaning someone turned off the power to the cooker by flipping a light switch. It sounds dumb, but it happens more than you think.Inspect the heating elements
If the oven doesn’t heat but the fan runs, or the hobs don’t get hot, the heating elements are the most likely culprit. Look inside the oven cavity. The top and bottom elements should glow red when the oven is on. If one looks blackened, blistered, or has a visible gap in the coil, it’s burned out. For the hobs, lift the glass top (if it’s a ceramic hob) or remove the element cover (on coil hobs). Look for cracks, warping, or discoloration. These elements are replaceable. They cost between $30 and $80 CAD, depending on your model. You don’t need to be an electrician to swap them. Just take a photo of the wiring before you disconnect anything. Match the part number on the old element to the new one. Brands like Bosh, Indesit, and Whirlpool use standardized parts. You can find replacements online or at appliance parts stores in Toronto.Test the thermostat
If the oven heats up but doesn’t stop-even when you turn the dial to off-the thermostat is stuck. Or if the oven runs way too hot or too cold, it’s not reading temperature right. Most thermostats have a small bulb or sensor near the oven wall. You can test it with a multimeter. Set it to ohms (Ω). Disconnect the wires and touch the probes to the thermostat terminals. At room temperature, you should get a reading between 1,000 and 2,000 ohms. If it shows zero or infinity, it’s dead. Replacement thermostats are cheap-around $40 CAD. But installation requires precision. You need to mount the sensing bulb in exactly the same spot. If it’s too close to the heating element, it’ll overheat and fail again.
Check the oven door seal
A damaged door seal doesn’t make the cooker stop working, but it makes it useless. If the oven takes forever to heat up, or the temperature drops when you open the door, the seal is probably cracked or warped. Look along the edge of the door. If you can see light through the gap, or feel air leaking out, it’s bad. A worn seal can make your cooker use 20% more energy. Replacing it is easy. Peel off the old rubber gasket, clean the groove with vinegar and a cloth, then press the new one in. Make sure it’s snug all the way around. You can buy generic seals online for under $25 CAD. Don’t use tape or glue to fix it-that’s a fire hazard.Gas cooker? Check the igniter and gas flow
If you have a gas cooker and the burners won’t light, the igniter is the usual suspect. When you turn the knob, you should hear a clicking sound. If you don’t, the igniter might be dirty or broken. Clean it with a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol. If it still doesn’t click, the spark module may be dead. That costs $60-$100 CAD to replace. If the burner lights but the flame is weak or yellow, your gas ports are clogged. Turn off the gas. Use a needle to gently clear each tiny hole on the burner head. Don’t use a pin-it’s too sharp and can widen the holes. A proper flame should be blue with a small yellow tip. If it’s mostly yellow, you’ve got a ventilation or gas pressure issue. That’s not DIY. Call a licensed gas technician. In Ontario, only certified professionals can touch gas lines.When to call a professional
Some problems aren’t worth risking. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or see soot around the burners, shut off the gas valve immediately and call a technician. Same goes for sparking inside the control panel, burning smells, or water leaking into the cooker. These aren’t fixes you should attempt. Even if the damage looks small, gas appliances can fail catastrophically. In Toronto, you can find certified gas fitters through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Don’t trust a handyman who says "I’ve done this before." Gas isn’t like changing a lightbulb.
Prevent future damage
A little maintenance goes a long way. Clean spills right away-especially sugary or acidic foods. They corrode elements over time. Wipe down the control panel with a damp cloth monthly. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on ceramic hobs-they scratch. Run the oven’s self-clean cycle once every three months if you use it often. But never run it if there’s grease buildup inside-that’s how fires start. Keep the area around the cooker clear. Don’t stack pots or towels on top. Heat rises. If something blocks airflow, the cooker overheats and shortens its life.Cost breakdown: DIY vs. professional
| Repair Task | DIY Cost (CAD) | Professional Cost (CAD) | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace heating element | $30-$80 | $150-$250 | 30-60 minutes |
| Replace oven thermostat | $40-$70 | $200-$300 | 1-2 hours |
| Replace door seal | $15-$25 | $100-$150 | 15-30 minutes |
| Replace igniter (gas) | $50-$100 | $250-$400 | 1-2 hours |
| Gas line inspection | N/A | $150-$300 | 1 hour |
DIY saves you hundreds. But only if you’re comfortable with basic tools and following instructions. If you’ve never used a multimeter, or you’re unsure about gas lines, hire someone. The cost of a mistake is too high.
What to do if your cooker is beyond repair
If you’ve tried everything and the cooker still doesn’t work, or if it’s over 12 years old, replacement might be smarter. New cookers are more energy-efficient, safer, and come with better warranties. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models. In Ontario, you can get rebates through the Home Efficiency Rebate+ program. Even a $200 rebate helps offset the cost. When buying a new one, check if your kitchen space matches the old cooker’s dimensions. Most standard cookers are 60 cm wide. But depth and height vary. Measure before you buy.Can I repair a cooker myself if I have no experience?
Yes, for simple fixes like replacing a heating element or door seal. These tasks don’t require advanced tools or electrical knowledge. Just follow the steps, take photos of wiring, and match part numbers. But if you’re dealing with gas, control panels, or wiring inside the back panel, stop. Those need training. Start with low-risk repairs and build confidence.
How long do cooker elements usually last?
Most oven and hob elements last 5 to 10 years, depending on usage. Heavy daily use, frequent self-cleaning cycles, or spills that aren’t cleaned can cut that in half. If you’ve had the same cooker since 2015 and the element just failed, it’s not unusual.
Why does my cooker trip the circuit breaker?
A tripping breaker means there’s a short circuit or overload. Common causes include a damaged heating element touching the metal casing, a frayed wire inside the cooker, or a faulty control board. Never ignore this. It’s a fire risk. Unplug the cooker and inspect for burnt smells or visible damage. If you can’t find the cause, call an electrician or appliance technician.
Is it safe to use a cooker with a cracked glass top?
No. A cracked ceramic hob can shatter when heated, especially if food or liquid gets into the crack. Even a small chip can spread under heat stress. Replace the glass top immediately. You can buy replacement tops online for $120-$250 CAD. Don’t try to glue it. The heat will melt the adhesive and make it worse.
Can a damaged cooker cause a gas leak?
Only if the gas line, valve, or connection is physically damaged. A broken igniter or control knob won’t cause a leak. But if you smell gas, hear hissing, or see a pilot light that won’t stay lit, shut off the gas valve and leave the house. Call your gas provider or a licensed technician immediately. Never use a lighter or switch to check for leaks.