DIY Hob Repair: Get Your Cooker Working Again Fast

Hob acting up? Before you pick up the phone, grab a screwdriver and a flashlight – most problems are quick fixes you can do yourself. In this guide we’ll walk through the most common electric and gas hob issues, show you how to reset a misbehaving unit, and tell you when it’s time to call a pro.

Quick Checks Before You Start

First things first: safety. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker for electric hobs or shut off the gas supply for gas models. Make sure the area is dry and well‑ventilated. Then, do these three checks:

• Power supply: Verify the plug is firmly in the socket and the breaker isn’t tripped.
• Control panel: Look for stuck buttons or a locked‑out indicator. A simple reset often clears the error.
• Burner condition: Remove any removable caps and clean away food debris or grime that might be causing uneven heating.

If everything looks okay, move on to the specific fixes below.

Resetting an Electric Hob

Electric hobs can go into an error mode if they sense a fault. Most models have a reset button hidden behind the control panel. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off the main power at the consumer unit.
2. Locate the reset button – it’s usually a small recessed circle near the knobs.
3. Press and hold for about 5 seconds.
4. Switch the power back on and test each zone.

If a zone still won’t heat, the heating element may be burnt out. To check, remove the hob’s top plate (usually a few screws), locate the element, and test it with a multimeter set to resistance. A healthy element reads around 10‑30 Ω; infinity means it’s broken and needs replacement.

Replacing an element is straightforward: disconnect the old wire, attach the new one, secure the element, reassemble the hob, and give it a test run.

Fixing Common Gas Hob Problems

Gas hobs have a different set of annoyances – clicks that won’t light, uneven flames, or a burner that won’t stay lit. Most of these issues are caused by dirty burners or a weak spark igniter.

Start by removing the burner caps and soaking them in warm soapy water for 10‑15 minutes. Use a soft brush to clear out food particles from the holes. Rinse, dry, and snap the caps back on.

If the igniter still won’t spark, check the spark electrode. It should sit a millimetre away from the burner surface. A misaligned electrode can be gently bent back into place. For persistent failures, test the igniter with a multimeter set to continuity – a good igniter will show low resistance (under 100 Ω). Replace it if the reading is high.

Never attempt to fix a gas leak yourself. If you smell gas or the flame sputters irregularly after these steps, shut off the supply and call a qualified plumber or gas engineer.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Hob Happy

Regular care prevents most breakdowns. Wipe the surface after each use, avoid abrasive cleaners, and give the burners a quick clean weekly. For electric hobs, avoid dragging heavy pots that can damage the control surface.

Lastly, keep the ventilation around the hob clear. A well‑ventilated space helps both electric and gas units stay cooler, reducing wear on internal components.

With these simple checks and fixes, most hob hiccups can be sorted without a pricey service call. When you’ve tried the basics and the hob still misbehaves, it’s wise to let a professional handle the complex parts – better safe than sorry.