Replace Electric Hob: Signs It's Time and What to Expect

When your electric hob, a standalone cooking surface that uses electric coils or induction to heat pots and pans. Also known as a electric cooktop, it's one of the most used appliances in your kitchen. But when it starts acting up—sparking, uneven heating, or not turning on at all—you start asking: should I fix it or replace it?

Most electric hobs, typically last between 10 and 15 years. After that, wear on the heating elements, the coils or rings that generate heat under the glass surface becomes common. If one burner won’t heat, or if the control panel flickers or shows error codes, it’s often not the whole unit failing—it’s just a part. But replacing a single element can cost nearly half the price of a new hob. That’s when it makes more sense to replace electric hob entirely. You’ll save money long-term with better energy efficiency, faster heating, and fewer repairs.

Another red flag? If your hob takes forever to boil water or heats unevenly, even after cleaning the surface and checking the power supply, the issue might be deeper. It could be a failing control board, damaged wiring, or a worn-out thermostat—all things that are hard to fix safely without professional tools. And if your hob is over 10 years old, newer models can cut your energy bill by up to 30%. That’s real savings, not just convenience.

Some people try to stretch it out with repairs, but if you’ve had two or more fixes in the last year, you’re probably just delaying the inevitable. Think of it like a car with a failing transmission—patching it won’t bring back reliability. A new hob means consistent heat, modern safety features like auto-shutoff, and a cleaner look. Plus, today’s hobs are easier to clean and often come with touch controls and timers that make cooking simpler.

You’ll find posts below that cover what actually breaks inside an electric hob, how to test if it’s worth fixing, and when the cost of repair tips over into replacement territory. We’ve also got guides on spotting early signs of failure, comparing repair quotes, and choosing a replacement that fits your kitchen layout and cooking style. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve seen hundreds of broken hobs—and know exactly when to walk away from a repair.