Electric Hob Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Quick Fixes

When your electric hob, a kitchen cooking surface that uses electricity to generate heat through metal coils or ceramic glass. Also known as an electric cooktop, it's one of the most used appliances in any home. suddenly stops working, it’s not just inconvenient—it throws off your whole day. Unlike gas hobs, electric ones don’t have flames to visually confirm they’re on, so when the burner won’t heat, you’re left guessing: Is it the element? The switch? Or something deeper?

Most electric hob, a kitchen cooking surface that uses electricity to generate heat through metal coils or ceramic glass. Also known as an electric cooktop, it's one of the most used appliances in any home. problems come down to three things: broken heating elements, faulty control switches, or wiring issues. You can often spot a dead element by looking for visible cracks, blistering, or discoloration. If one burner works but another doesn’t, it’s rarely the fuse—it’s that specific element or its connection. The control switch, the dial or button that sends power to each hob zone. Also known as an infinite switch, it's a common failure point in older units. is another frequent culprit. If the knob turns but nothing happens, that switch might be worn out. And while rare, loose or damaged wiring behind the panel can cut power entirely. These aren’t guesswork problems—they’re fixable ones.

You don’t need to be an electrician to check the basics. Turn off the power at the breaker, pull the hob out slightly, and inspect the element’s terminals for corrosion or loose wires. Swap a working element from another zone to test if the problem follows the part. If the new element heats up in the bad spot, you’ve found your issue. If not, the switch or wiring is likely to blame. Most hob repair, the process of diagnosing and fixing faults in electric cooking surfaces. Also known as an cooktop repair, it often involves replacing elements or switches. jobs take under an hour and cost less than a new part. But if you’re uncomfortable touching wires, or if the whole hob is dead, it’s time to call someone who knows what they’re doing. Safety comes first—electric hobs run on 240 volts, and mistakes can be dangerous.

Below, you’ll find real fixes from people who’ve been there. From spotting a burnt-out coil to resetting a tripped circuit inside the hob, these guides cut through the noise. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually works when your stove won’t heat up.