Troubleshooting Cookers: Easy Steps to Get Your Kitchen Working Again

If your cooker isn’t heating, the hob is acting up, or the oven won’t reach the right temperature, you’re probably wondering where to start. The good news is many issues have simple fixes you can try before dialing a repair service. In this guide we’ll walk through the most common cooker problems, show you quick DIY checks, and tell you the signs that it’s time to call a professional.

Common Cooker Problems

First, let’s break down the typical hiccups you’ll see with cookers:

• Electric hob won’t turn on – Often caused by a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or a faulty control board. Check your home’s fuse box and make sure the hob’s power switch is set to ‘on’.
• Oven heating element is dead – You’ll notice the oven stays cool while the timer runs. A quick visual check for a broken coil or a multimeter test can confirm the element needs replacement.
• Gas hob igniter clicks but no flame – Dust on the igniter or a blocked gas line can stop ignition. Clean the igniter tip with a dry cloth and verify the gas valve is open.
• Uneven heating or cold spots – This can be a sign of a faulty thermostat or a worn-out heating element in the oven.
• Strange smells or noises – Burning smells may mean a faulty wire, while rattling sounds often point to loose fan blades in extractor fans that affect cooker ventilation.

Each of these issues appears in one or more of our related posts, like the guide on resetting an electric hob or the article about a broken oven heating element.

DIY Checks Before Calling a Pro

Before you call a repair service, try these quick checks. They’re safe, need only basic tools, and can save you time and money:

1. Power check – Verify the cooker is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Resetting the breaker for a few seconds can sometimes clear a temporary fault.
2. Clean the filters – A clogged extractor fan can reduce airflow, causing the oven to overheat or the hob to stay cool. Remove the filter, wash it with warm soapy water, and re‑install.
3. Inspect the knobs and switches – Look for burnt marks or loose connections. A worn‑out knob can prevent the appliance from receiving the correct signal.
4. Test the heating element – Turn off the power, remove the element, and use a multimeter. A reading of infinite resistance means the element is broken and needs swapping.
5. Check the gas supply – For gas hobs, make sure the gas valve is fully open and there are no leaks. A mild soap‑water solution will bubble if there’s a leak.

If any of these steps reveal a clear problem—like a blown fuse or a dirty filter—fixing it yourself is often straightforward. However, if you encounter broken wiring, a faulty control board, or persistent issues after these checks, it’s best to let a qualified technician handle the repair.

At Bridgewater Appliance Fixers we specialize in cooker repair, from electric hobs to gas ovens. Our team can diagnose tricky faults, replace heating elements, and ensure everything meets safety standards. Give us a call when you’ve exhausted the DIY steps, and we’ll get your kitchen back to cooking in no time.

Remember, regular maintenance—cleaning filters, checking seals, and keeping the area around your cooker clear—helps prevent many common problems. A quick monthly check can keep your appliances running smoothly and avoid costly breakdowns.