DIY Hob Replacement: How to Swap Out Your Cooktop Quickly and Safely

Thinking about swapping your old hob for a new one? You don’t need a tradesperson for every job. With a bit of patience, the right tools, and a safety‑first mindset, you can get a fresh cooktop working in a single afternoon.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

First, gather the basics. A screwdriver set (flat‑head and Phillips), an adjustable wrench, a multimeter, and a pair of insulated gloves will cover most situations. If your hob is electric, you’ll also want a voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Keep a bucket of water handy for any stray spills, and have a clean towel ready for quick clean‑ups.

Next, locate the main shut‑off valve for the circuit that feeds the hob. Turn the breaker off at the consumer unit and double‑check with the voltage tester—no voltage, no shock. For gas hobs, shut the gas supply at the valve and verify with a soap‑solution test that there’s no leak before you start.

Step‑by‑Step Replacement Process

1. Remove the old hob. Unscrew the mounting brackets that hold the hob to the countertop. Some models have clips underneath; gently pry them apart with a flat‑head screwdriver. Lift the hob straight up to avoid damaging the surrounding worktop.

2. Disconnect the connections. For electric hobs, unplug the connector or disconnect the hard‑wired terminals. Take a photo of the wiring layout – it makes re‑installation painless. For gas, loosen the supply line using the adjustable wrench and cap it with a temporary plug if you’re not reconnecting right away.

3. Clean the cutout. Scrape away any leftover sealant or debris. A tidy cutout ensures the new hob sits flat and seals properly.

4. Fit the new hob. Drop the new unit into the opening, aligning the mounting holes. Secure it with the supplied brackets or screws, tightening just enough to keep it level – overtightening can crack the countertop.

5. Re‑connect power or gas. Follow the photo you took earlier to attach the wires back in the same order. Tighten terminals securely, then restore power at the breaker. For gas, attach the supply line, use a pipe‑joint compound, and test for leaks with the soap‑solution method.

6. Test the hob. Turn it on and check each zone or burner. If anything flickers or smells, turn the power off immediately and double‑check connections.

That’s it – you’ve replaced the hob yourself. Clean up any leftover packaging, store tools, and enjoy cooking on your fresh surface.

When to call a pro: if you encounter corroded wiring, a damaged gas line, or the cutout is uneven and needs a new worktop section. Those situations are safer left to a qualified electrician or gas engineer.

Regular maintenance helps avoid future replacements. Wipe the hob after each use, keep the control panel dry, and check the seals yearly. A little care now saves you time and money later.

Ready to give it a go? Grab your tools, follow these steps, and you’ll have a brand‑new hob without the hassle of a service call.