Electric Hob Repair Cost Calculator
Estimated cost range: $0 to $0
Based on Dunedin service rates and 2025 pricing
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Fixing an electric hob doesn’t have to break the bank-but it can if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. In Dunedin, where winters are wet and kitchens are used hard, electric hobs take a beating. A cracked ceramic surface, a burner that won’t heat, or a control panel that glitches can turn dinner prep into a daily headache. The good news? Most fixes are straightforward. The bad news? Prices vary wildly depending on what’s broken, how old the unit is, and who shows up to fix it.
What’s Actually Broken?
Before you even think about cost, you need to know what’s wrong. Electric hobs have three main failure points: the heating elements, the control system, and the surface. Each has a different price tag.Heating elements are the coils or halogen rings under the glass. If one burner doesn’t heat, it’s often just the element. Replacing a single element in New Zealand costs between $60 and $120, including labor. You can buy the part online for $30-$80, but if you’re not comfortable removing the hob top and reconnecting wiring, you’ll pay for the service.
Control panels are trickier. If the display is blank, buttons don’t respond, or settings change on their own, the issue is likely the electronic control board. These aren’t cheap. A replacement board runs $150-$300, and labor adds another $80-$120. Some technicians will try to repair the board instead of replacing it-this can cut costs by 40%, but it’s not always reliable. If your hob is over eight years old, the board might be outdated, and spare parts are harder to find.
Ceramic glass surfaces crack from dropped pots, thermal shock, or just age. A cracked surface isn’t just ugly-it’s dangerous. Water can seep in, causing shorts or shocks. Replacing the whole glass top costs $250-$500, depending on the brand and model. Some brands like Belling or Smeg use proprietary glass, which drives prices up. Cheaper models might be cheaper to replace entirely than to fix.
Labour Costs in New Zealand
Labour rates in Dunedin are lower than in Auckland or Wellington, but they’re still rising. Most appliance repair technicians charge $80-$110 per hour. A simple element swap takes 30-45 minutes. A control board replacement? That’s 1.5 to 2 hours. Most companies have a minimum call-out fee of $60-$80, even if the job only takes 15 minutes.Some repair services offer flat-rate pricing for common fixes. For example, a burner replacement might be $130 flat, including parts and labor. That’s often a better deal than hourly rates, especially if the technician takes longer than expected. Always ask: “Is this a flat rate or hourly?” before they start.
Watch out for companies that quote $50 to come out, then say, “Oh, we need a special part-it’ll be $200 extra.” That’s a red flag. Reputable technicians will give you a clear estimate after diagnosing the issue. If they won’t, walk away.
Brand Matters
Not all electric hobs are created equal. Brands like Bosch, Siemens, and Miele use high-quality components and have better parts availability. A Bosch hob from 2020 might still have replacement elements in stock. A budget brand from 2015? You might be waiting weeks-or worse, told the part is discontinued.Here’s a quick breakdown of common brands and their repair realities:
| Brand | Element Replacement | Control Board | Glass Top | Parts Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch, Siemens | $70-$110 | $200-$300 | $300-$450 | High (3-5 year stock) |
| Smeg, Indesit | $80-$130 | $180-$280 | $250-$400 | Moderate (2-4 year stock) |
| Brandal, Budget Models | $60-$100 | $150-$250 | $200-$350 | Low (often discontinued) |
| Whirlpool, Hotpoint | $75-$120 | $170-$260 | $280-$420 | Moderate |
If your hob is from a lesser-known brand or was bought secondhand, assume parts are scarce. In those cases, replacement might be cheaper than repair.
When to Repair vs. Replace
There’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new hob, replace it.A basic new electric hob in New Zealand starts at $400. A mid-range model with multiple burners and touch controls runs $700-$1,000. If your hob is over eight years old and needs a $400 control board, you’re better off spending $600 on a new one. New models are more energy-efficient, safer, and come with a 2-5 year warranty.
But if your hob is under five years old and only needs a $90 element, fix it. You’re saving hundreds. Also, if you love the layout, size, or style of your current hob, repairing it makes sense-new hobs don’t always fit your existing cutout.
One thing to consider: installation. If you’re replacing the hob, you might need an electrician to check your circuit. Older homes in Dunedin sometimes have 10-amp circuits for hobs, but modern units need 15-20 amps. Upgrading the wiring adds $200-$400 to the cost. Don’t skip this-overloaded circuits cause fires.
DIY: Is It Worth It?
Some people try to fix their hob themselves. YouTube videos make it look easy. But here’s the truth: if you’re not trained in electrical safety, you’re risking your life.Electric hobs run on 240 volts. One wrong move, and you could fry the board, start a fire, or get electrocuted. Even unplugging the unit doesn’t always cut the power-some are wired directly into the wall.
Changing an element is the only semi-safe DIY job-if you’re confident. You need the right screwdriver, a multimeter to test continuity, and the exact replacement part. If you get the wrong element, it won’t fit or could overload the circuit. And if you crack the glass while removing it? You’ve just turned a $100 fix into a $500 problem.
Stick to the element swap only. Everything else? Leave it to the pros.
How to Save Money on Repairs
You don’t have to pay top dollar. Here’s how to cut costs without cutting corners:- Get multiple quotes. Call at least three local repair services. Prices can vary by $100+ for the same job.
- Ask about used or refurbished parts. Some technicians keep spare parts from older models. A used control board might work fine and cost half the price.
- Check your home warranty. If you bought your home recently or have a home warranty plan, it might cover appliance repairs. Many policies include hobs.
- Buy parts yourself. If the technician agrees, buy the part online from NZ suppliers like Appliance Parts NZ or Trade Me. Then pay only for labor. Just make sure it’s the correct model number.
- Repair during off-season. Winter is busy for appliance repairers. Book in spring or summer for better availability and sometimes lower rates.
What to Do If Your Hob Is Beyond Repair
If your hob is cracked, outdated, or too expensive to fix, don’t just leave it there. A broken hob is a safety hazard and lowers your home’s value. Here’s your next step:- Measure your cutout: width, depth, and depth of the cutout (most hobs are 56-60cm wide).
- Check your circuit: Is it 15 amps or higher? If not, budget for an electrician.
- Decide on features: Do you need induction? Touch controls? A wok burner?
- Shop locally. Stores like Harvey Norman, The Warehouse, or local appliance outlets often have sales in January.
- Ask about removal and disposal. Many retailers offer free haul-away when you buy a new hob.
Remember: a new hob isn’t just a replacement-it’s an upgrade. Modern hobs heat faster, use less power, and have child locks and auto-shutoff features that older models don’t.
Is it cheaper to fix an electric hob or replace it?
It depends. If the repair costs less than half the price of a new unit, fix it. For example, if a new hob costs $600 and the repair is $250, fix it. If the repair is $350 or more, replacement is smarter-especially if the hob is over five years old.
How long does an electric hob repair take?
Simple fixes like replacing a burner take 30-60 minutes. Control board replacements take 1.5 to 2 hours. If the technician needs to order a part, you’ll wait 2-7 days. Always ask for a timeline before they start.
Can I use my hob if one burner isn’t working?
You can, but it’s not safe. A broken burner can cause uneven heating, which stresses the rest of the system. It can also lead to electrical faults. If the issue is a faulty element, it’s best to turn off the circuit and get it fixed before using the hob again.
Do I need a licensed electrician to fix my electric hob?
Not always, but if the issue involves wiring, the circuit breaker, or the power supply, yes. Only licensed electricians can legally work on fixed wiring in New Zealand. Most appliance repairers are trained to handle the hob itself, but if they find a faulty circuit, they’ll refer you to an electrician.
What’s the average lifespan of an electric hob?
Most electric hobs last 10-15 years with normal use. Ceramic glass surfaces can crack earlier if you drop heavy pots. Control boards often fail around year 8. If your hob is over 12 years old and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the better long-term choice.