Can Electric Hobs Be Repaired? A 2026 Guide for Homeowners

If your electric hob is a cooking appliance that uses electric heating elements to generate heat for cooking surfaces suddenly stops heating, don’t panic. Many common issues are easy to fix. Electric hob repair is often possible, but it depends on the problem. Some fixes you can do yourself, while others require a professional. Let’s walk through what you need to know.

Common Problems with Electric Hobs

Electric hobs break down for predictable reasons. The most frequent issues include:

• heating elements a component that produces heat when electricity passes through it burning out. You’ll see visible cracks or discoloration. This is common in older coil-style hobs.
• Control panels malfunctioning. Modern hobs use touch-sensitive buttons or dials. If they stop responding or show error codes, the control board might be faulty.
• Thermal fuses blowing. These safety devices cut power when overheating occurs. A blown fuse means the hob won’t work at all.
• Circuit breakers tripping. If the hob loses power completely, check your home’s electrical panel. A tripped breaker is simple to reset, but repeated trips suggest a wiring issue.

For example, a friend in Dunedin had a hob that only heated one zone. Replacing the faulty heating element fixed it in under an hour. But when a control panel shows "E1" errors, it’s usually a sign of deeper electrical problems.

DIY Repairs: What You Can Fix Yourself

You can handle simple repairs if you’re comfortable with basic tools. Here’s how:

1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker. Never work on live electrical components.
2. Remove the hob top. Most models have screws under the edges or behind the control panel. Lift the glass top carefully.
3. Test components with a multimeter. For heating elements, set the multimeter to resistance mode. If it reads "OL" (open loop), the element is dead.
4. Replace the part. Heating elements and thermal fuses are plug-and-play. Disconnect the old one, attach the new, and reassemble.

Replacing a heating element costs about $25-$50 for parts. Thermal fuses are even cheaper-just $10-$20. If you’ve done home wiring before, this is manageable. But if you’re unsure, stop. Electricity can be dangerous.

When to Call a Professional

Some repairs need expert help. Call an appliance repair technician if:

• There’s visible damage to wiring or circuit boards. Frayed wires or burnt spots mean complex electrical work.
• The hob shows error codes like "E2" or "E3". These often point to sensor failures or motherboard issues.
• You’re dealing with an induction hob a type of electric hob that uses magnetic fields to heat cookware directly. Induction components require specialized knowledge.
• Power keeps tripping the breaker. This could indicate a short circuit in the wiring.

For instance, a technician in Christchurch recently fixed a hob with a faulty induction coil. The repair took 3 hours and cost $350-far more than a DIY fix. But trying it yourself would’ve risked a fire hazard.

Repair Costs in 2026

Prices vary by location and hob model. In New Zealand, labor rates average $80-$120 per hour. Parts are often cheaper than in other countries-thanks to local suppliers like Appliance Parts Direct a New Zealand-based supplier of replacement parts for kitchen appliances. Always get a quote before agreeing to repairs.

Should You Repair or Replace?

Ask yourself these questions:

• How old is the hob? If it’s over 8 years old, replacement is usually smarter. Older parts are harder to find, and repairs cost more than a new unit.
• What’s the repair cost vs. a new hob? If repairs exceed 50% of a new hob’s price, replace it. A mid-range hob costs $800-$1,200 today. So repairs over $400 aren’t worth it.
• Is the hob energy-efficient? Newer models use 30% less power. If your hob is ancient, replacing it saves money long-term.

I’ve seen homeowners spend $300 on a control panel repair for a 10-year-old hob. A new one cost $900 but came with a 2-year warranty. The math was clear: replace it.

Safety Tips for Electric Hob Repairs

Never skip these steps:

• Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Test with a voltage tester to confirm no live current.
• Wear insulated gloves and use tools with rubber handles. Even small shocks can be dangerous.
• Keep the work area dry. Water and electricity are a deadly mix.
• Don’t force components. If something doesn’t fit, stop. You could damage more parts.
• After repairs, test the hob briefly. If it sparks or smells burnt, turn it off immediately.

A common mistake? People try to fix hobs while they’re still plugged in. I’ve seen this cause fried circuits and even small fires. Safety first-always.

Frequently Asked Questions