How to Reset an Electric Hob – Simple Steps You Can Do Today

If your electric hob suddenly stops heating or shows an error code, the first thing to try is a reset. Most modern hobs have a built‑in safety feature that trips when something goes wrong. Resetting clears the fault and often brings the hob back to life without a callout.

Why Your Electric Hob Might Need a Reset

There are a few common reasons a hob will lock up. A sudden power surge, a faulty heating element, or a short‑circuit can cause the internal protection circuit to shut down. When that happens the display may flash or the surface stays cold. Before you assume the element is broken, give the reset a shot – it’s quick, cheap, and safe.

Another trigger is an overloaded circuit. If you’ve been using multiple appliances at once, the breaker may have tripped and the hob’s electronic board senses the drop in voltage. Resetting after you’ve cleared the overload can restore normal operation.

Step‑by‑Step Reset Process

1. Turn the hob off. Press the main power button or switch the unit off at the wall. Leave it off for at least 30 seconds. This lets any stored charge drain from the electronics.

2. Reset the control board. Some models have a dedicated reset button hidden behind the control panel. Check your user manual – it’s usually a small pin‑hole. Use a paperclip to press and hold for three seconds.

3. Power it back up. Switch the hob on again or flip the wall switch. Wait for the indicator lights to stop blinking. If the display shows ‘OK’ or the heating zones become active, the reset worked.

4. Test each zone. Turn on each cooking zone at low power and watch for consistent heat. If one zone still won’t heat, the element or wiring may be faulty and you’ll need a professional.

5. Call a technician if needed. If the hob keeps resetting itself or shows the same error after several attempts, it’s time to call an expert. Persistent faults often mean a damaged thermostat, a burnt element, or a failing control board.

Safety tip: always make sure the hob is cool before you touch any buttons or panels. If you smell burnt plastic or see smoke, shut the power off immediately and don’t try a reset – call a qualified repair service.

Resetting an electric hob is a handy trick that saves time and money. Keep your user manual handy and know where the reset button lives on your specific model. With these steps you’ll be back to cooking in no time, and you’ll know when a simple reset won’t cut it, so you can get professional help before the problem worsens.