Kitchen Appliances – What Works, What Breaks, and How to Fix It

If you spend any time in the kitchen, you know how much you rely on appliances. A broken extractor fan, a stubborn oven, or a noisy fridge can throw a wrench into dinner plans. This page pulls together the most useful advice from our articles so you can spot problems early and decide whether you can DIY or need a pro.

Common Kitchen Appliance Problems

Most kitchen gear fails for three simple reasons: clogged filters, worn‑out parts, or electrical faults. For example, a weak suction extractor fan is usually caused by a blocked filter or a jammed duct. Our guide on How to Unblock a Kitchen Extractor Fan walks you through cleaning the filter, checking the vent flap, and inspecting the duct with just a screwdriver and a flashlight.

Ovens often lose heat because the heating element goes bad. Look for uneven baking, cold spots, or the oven not turning on at all. The article Electric Oven Element Troubleshooting shows quick tests you can run with a multimeter before calling a technician.

Electric hobs can stop working if a control board fries or if a single zone trips. A simple reset, covered in How to Reset an Electric Hob, can get a stuck hob back online in minutes.

Refrigerators complain with noisy fans, frost buildup, or warm spots. Our step‑by‑step Diagnosing Common Refrigerator Problems helps you check the temperature sensor, clean condenser coils, and listen for abnormal sounds.

Even the humble dishwasher can fill with water at the bottom. A clogged filter or a faulty drain pump is usually to blame. The post Dishwasher Filled with Water at the Bottom? explains how to clear the filter and test the pump without ripping the unit apart.

DIY Fixes and When to Call a Pro

For most minor issues, you can safely work with the appliance unplugged and a few basic tools. Replacing an extractor fan motor, for instance, is covered in Step‑by‑Step Guide to Replacing a Kitchen Extractor Fan Motor. The article lists the screwdriver sizes you’ll need and the order of screws to avoid confusion.

When you encounter electrical components like a hot‑water‑heater element or a microwave fuse, it’s best to test with a multimeter first. If the part tests bad, replace it according to the safety steps in Microwave Fuse Blown? and Water Heater Reset guides.

If the problem persists after basic checks, or if you’re unsure about wiring, call a qualified technician. Attempting DIY on high‑voltage items like oven wiring or water‑heater breakers can be dangerous. Our article Do You Need an Electrician to Replace an Electric Oven? outlines the legal and safety reasons to let a pro handle the job.

Remember, regular maintenance cuts down on surprise breakdowns. Clean cooker‑hood filters monthly, vacuum fridge coils twice a year, and run a hot water cycle with a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher to keep it fresh.

By following the practical steps in these articles, you’ll keep your kitchen running smoothly and know exactly when it’s time to call Bridgewater Appliance Fixers for expert help.