Hob Not Heating Up? Get a Clear Answer and Safe Fix

A hob fault rarely announces itself politely; it appears on a Sunday roast or mid-recipe, when the pressure is highest. The good news is that many hob problems have simple causes, and the ones that do not are still diagnosable with proper testing. The key is knowing what type of hob you have, because that determines both the fault-finding and who is allowed to fix it.

Three hob types, three very different diagnoses

Ceramic and solid-plate electric hobs rely on heating elements, switches and wiring, all of which we can test and, where appropriate, repair. Induction hobs add electronics: coils, sensors and control boards, which need careful electrical diagnosis. Gas hobs are different again, because every gas component must be handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We are not Gas Safe registered and never carry out gas work, but we can explain what the symptoms suggest and refer you to a trusted Gas Safe partner we work closely with. Tell us the hob type, brand and model when you book.

Quick checks that cost nothing

For an electric hob, confirm the isolator switch is on and the consumer unit has not tripped. Check whether the failure is one ring or all of them, and whether anything was spilled on the surface recently, since liquid can get into controls. For induction, make sure you are using pans with a magnetic base; an incompatible pan makes the hob behave exactly as if it has failed. For a gas hob, note whether the ignition clicks, whether the flame lights and whether it burns evenly, but do not dismantle anything.

What we test on an electric or induction hob

With the appliance safely isolated we test the supply, the individual elements or induction coils, the selector switches or touch controls, and the internal wiring and connections. Spillages and old age commonly damage switches and control areas. On induction hobs we assess the electronics and sensors, and pan-detection faults are a frequent finding that is often a hob issue rather than your cookware. We explain each test and what it proves, so you understand the diagnosis rather than just receiving a bill.

Common findings

Failed individual elements or hotplate switches are very common on ceramic hobs and are usually replaceable. Touch control faults and damaged glass tops are also repairable where the correct parts exist. On induction hobs, failed coils or control boards can be costly, and we will give you an honest comparison of repair versus replacement before you commit. If your hob is gas, or the fault involves gas components, the referral engineer carries out the diagnosis and quoting directly.

Gas safety is not optional

Never attempt to dismantle a gas hob or adjust its valves or burners. If you ever smell gas near the hob, do not operate electrical switches or appliances, open doors and windows if it is safe, turn the gas off at the meter only if you can do so safely, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside. Do not re-enter until advised it is safe.

Book your hob diagnosis

Send us your postcode, the hob type, brand and model, and a description of which rings fail and when. We will arrange a visit, test the hob thoroughly and quote any work for your approval before starting.

It is also worth noting whether the problem began after a spill or a deep clean of the hob, and whether the affected rings ever worked since. That history frequently tells us where to look first and can shorten the diagnosis considerably.