Electric Hob Troubleshooting: Simple Fixes You Can Try Today

If your electric hob is acting up, you don’t have to panic. Most hiccups are easy to spot and fix with a few tools and a bit of patience. Below you’ll find the most common issues, step‑by‑step fixes, and clear signs that it’s time to call a professional.

Check Power and Basic Settings

First things first – make sure the hob actually has power. Look at the circuit breaker; a tripped switch is a frequent culprit. Reset the breaker and test the hob again. If it’s on a dedicated socket, confirm the plug is securely inserted and the socket isn’t loose. Some hobs have a reset button hidden behind a small panel; press it if you see one. While you’re at it, double‑check that you’re using the correct cooking zone for the size of your pan – using a tiny pan on a large zone can make the hob think something’s wrong and shut down.

Common Faults and How to Fix Them

Burner won’t heat. Turn the knob to the highest setting and listen for a faint click. If you hear nothing, the heating element may be broken. Unplug the hob, remove the burner plate, and locate the element’s terminals. Use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) – a good element reads between 10–30 Ω. No reading means it’s dead and needs replacing. Swapping the element with a spare (many manufacturers sell them cheap) usually solves the problem.

Flickering or dimming lights. This often points to a loose connection or a failing control board. Tighten any visible screws on the control panel and check that the wiring harness isn’t pinched. If the lights still flash, the board may be overheating. Give the hob a break for 15 minutes, then try again. Persistent flickering usually means the board needs a professional diagnosis.

Error codes on the display. Modern hobs show codes like “E1” or “E2” when they detect a fault. Grab the user manual (or look it up online) and match the code to the issue – it could be a sensor failure, a temperature sensor, or a short circuit. Most codes have a simple reset procedure: turn the hob off, unplug it for a minute, then plug it back in and press the lock button for three seconds.

Uneven heating. If one side of the burner is hotter than the other, the coil may be cracked. Visually inspect the coil; any discoloration or a broken line is a sign it’s worn out. Replacing the coil is usually straightforward: unscrew the old coil, slip the new one into place, and secure it with the mounting screw.

Safety tip: always disconnect the hob from the mains before opening any panels. Even if the breaker is off, stray voltage can linger. Wear insulated gloves and keep the work area dry.

If you’ve tried these steps and the hob still misbehaves, it’s time to call a qualified technician. Complex faults like a damaged PCB (printed circuit board) or internal wiring issues require professional tools and expertise. Trying to fix them yourself can cause more damage or be unsafe.

Remember, regular maintenance can prevent many problems. Clean the hob after each use, avoid dragging heavy pots across the surface, and give the control panel a quick wipe with a damp cloth (never spray water directly). A well‑cared hob lasts longer and stays reliable.

So next time your electric hob throws a tantrum, run through this checklist first. You’ll likely save time, money, and the hassle of a service call. And if you do need a pro, you’ll know exactly what went wrong – making the repair quicker and cheaper for everyone.