Troubleshooting Hobs – Keep Your Cooktop Running Smoothly

When dealing with troubleshooting hobs, the process of diagnosing and fixing problems on kitchen cooktops. Also known as hob troubleshooting, it covers electric, induction and gas models alike. Electric hob, a flat‑top cooker powered by resistance heating elements often shows symptoms like uneven heating or dead zones. Induction hob, a magnetically driven surface that heats compatible cookware directly can fail with error codes or missing power. Gas hob, a burner‑based cooker that uses natural or LPG gas usually shows flame irregularities or ignition problems. Understanding these three core types lets you pinpoint whether the issue lies in the heating element, the control board, the ignition module or the gas supply.

Common Issues and How to Address Them

Each hob type demands a slightly different toolkit, but the core steps stay the same: safety first, visual inspection, error code lookup, and component testing. For an electric hob, start by unplugging the unit, then check the heating element for visible cracks or burnt spots. Use a multimeter to verify continuity – a reading of zero ohms means the element is good, any open circuit points to replacement. Induction hobs rely on the power board and the built‑in sensors; look for blown fuses or loose connections and clear any spilled liquids that might cause short‑circuits. Gas hobs often need a simple cleaning of the burner ports and a check of the spark igniter; a spark tester can confirm if the igniter fires consistently. In all cases, a quick reset of the control module (by switching power off for a minute) can clear phantom errors. If the problem persists, the next step is to replace the faulty part – a new heating element for electric, a new power board for induction, or a new igniter for gas – and retest before re‑assembling.

Armed with these basics, you’ll be able to diagnose most hob failures without calling a pro, saving time and money. Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into specific faults, step‑by‑step repair guides, and advice on when it’s smarter to replace the whole unit. Browse the list to find the exact issue you’re facing and get the actionable fix you need.