Hob Reset Steps: How to Fix a Locked or Unresponsive Cooktop

When your hob, a cooking surface built into your kitchen countertop, typically powered by gas, electricity, or induction. Also known as a cooktop, it’s meant to be reliable—until it suddenly stops responding. You might see a lock symbol, hear beeps, or get zero heat from any burner. Before you call a repair tech, try a reset. Most modern hobs have a simple safety lock or power glitch that’s easy to fix yourself.

There are three main types of hobs: gas hobs, burners that use natural gas or LPG to create flame, electric hobs, coils or halogen elements that heat up when powered, and induction hobs, which use magnetic fields to heat pots directly. Each can lock up for different reasons. Gas hobs often shut down due to a failed igniter or gas flow issue. Electric hobs may trip a circuit or overload. Induction hobs are the most likely to activate child lock or overheating protection. The reset steps vary, but most follow the same pattern: power off, wait, power back on.

For most models, start by turning off the power at the wall socket or circuit breaker for at least 60 seconds. This clears any temporary glitch in the control board. Then turn it back on. If your hob has a lock button—often labeled with a padlock or child symbol—hold it down for 5 to 10 seconds. Some brands like Bosch or Indesit require you to press and hold two buttons at once, like the power and timer buttons. Check your manual if you still have it, or search online for your exact model number plus "reset code." If the hob still won’t respond after a reset, it could be a faulty control panel, damaged element, or wiring issue. That’s when you need a pro. But in over 70% of cases, a simple reset brings it back to life.

You’ll find real-world fixes for all these scenarios below. From how to unlock a stubborn induction hob after a spill, to resetting a gas hob that won’t ignite, to telling if your electric cooktop needs a new relay switch. These aren’t guesses—they’re steps people in Warwick and beyond have used to avoid costly replacements. Whether your hob is 2 years old or 15, the right reset can save you hundreds. Keep reading to see exactly what works.