Hob Not Working? Simple Steps to Get It Cooking Again

First thing’s first – don’t panic. A hob that won’t heat or turn on can usually be diagnosed in a few minutes. Grab a screwdriver, check the power, and see if a reset button is the culprit. Most problems are small and cheap to fix.

Check Power and Safety Features

Turn the circuit breaker off, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on. If the hob’s plug is loose or the socket is faulty, you’ll see no power at all. Many electric hobs have a built‑in reset button near the control panel – press it and watch for a click. If the lights on the control panel stay off after resetting, the issue is deeper.

Identify the Common Faults

Faulty heating element: One or more burners may be dead while others work. Remove the element (usually a screw or clip) and look for cracks or burnt spots. Replacing a single element is cheap and often all you need.

Bad thermostat or temperature sensor: The hob might think it’s already hot and shut off. This usually shows up as intermittent heating or the hob never reaching temperature. A professional can test the sensor with a multimeter.

Worn out switch or control board: If the touch controls are dead or the display flickers, the internal board may have failed. This is the most expensive fix, but you’ll know it’s the board if the whole hob is dead while the rest of the kitchen still works.

Gas hob issues: For gas hobs, a blocked burner or a faulty igniter is the usual suspect. Clean the burner ports with a pin and wipe away any debris. If the spark won’t light, the igniter may need replacement.

If you’ve tried the power reset, inspected the element, and still have no heat, it’s time to call a professional. A qualified technician can test the wiring, replace a control board, or handle gas connections safely.

While you wait for a pro, keep the area clear and avoid using the hob. Trying to force it on can damage other parts and increase repair costs.

Bottom line: most hob problems are either a simple power/reset issue or a faulty element you can replace yourself. When in doubt, especially with gas or electrical boards, let the experts handle it – it saves time, money, and headaches.