Troubleshooting the 5 Most Common Cooker Hob Faults in the UK
In this article, we’ll discuss common cooker hob problems in the UK. Cookers are a kitchen essential in every UK home, but when the hob starts malfunctioning, it can quickly disrupt your daily routine. Whether you’re making a quick cup of tea or preparing a whole Sunday roast, a faulty hob is not something you can easily ignore.
In this post, we’re exploring the top five most common cooker hob problems that UK households encounter, along with their likely causes and when to consider calling in a professional. Whether you have a gas, electric, ceramic, or induction hob, these issues are surprisingly common—and, in many cases, preventable.
1. Hob Rings Not Heating Up
One of the most frustrating problems for homeowners is when the hob rings won’t heat. This is especially common in electric and induction hobs, where you might switch the ring on, but nothing happens—or it heats very slowly and inconsistently.
Common Causes:
- The faulty heating element or coil
- Loose or damaged wiring under the hob
- Malfunctioning control knobs or digital switches
This issue can be caused by wear and tear over time, particularly with frequent use. In induction hobs, sensor faults or software glitches can also play a role. If a specific ring isn’t working while others are, it’s likely an isolated component fault. For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid DIY electrical repairs and contact a qualified appliance engineer.
2. Gas Burner Won't Ignite
Gas hobs offer instant heat and precise control, but they’re not without their issues. A gas burner that refuses to light—despite producing a clicking sound during ignition—is a prevalent issue across UK households.
Common Causes:
- Blocked burner holes from food debris or grease
- Faulty spark ignitor or ignition switch
- Issues with the gas supply or regulator
In many cases, a thorough cleaning of the burner and its surrounding area can resolve the issue. Ensure the burner caps are seated correctly and check for any visible blockages. If cleaning doesn’t help, or you suspect a gas supply issue, always call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never try to repair gas connections yourself.
3. Uneven Flame on Gas Hob
A healthy gas flame should be blue and evenly distributed around the burner. If your hob produces a yellow, flickering, or uneven flame, it’s a sign something isn’t right—and it could be affecting cooking performance or even safety.
Common Causes:
- Dirty or misaligned burner caps
- Clogged flame ports or jets
- Incorrect air-to-gas ratio (causing incomplete combustion)
This issue is more than just annoying—it can also lead to carbon monoxide build-up in rare cases. Regular cleaning and burner maintenance can help prevent it, but if the problem persists, it’s best to have it checked professionally. A registered engineer can clean or replace parts to ensure your cooker is running safely and efficiently.
4. Induction Hob Not Detecting the Pan
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in UK kitchens due to their speed and energy efficiency. However, a common issue with these modern hobs is that they often fail to detect the pan—even when one is placed on the ring.
Common Causes:
- Cookware not compatible with induction (e.g., aluminum, glass, or copper)
- Pan too small or not properly centered
- Warped or uneven-bottomed cookware
- Sensor or circuit board fault
Most induction hobs require cookware made of ferrous metal—meaning it must contain iron. A quick test is to use a fridge magnet: if it sticks to the base of the pan, it should work. If your cookware is in good condition and the issue persists, there may be a fault in the sensor or power board, which a technician should inspect.
5. Cooker Tripping the Electrics
If your hob causes your electrics to trip as soon as you switch it on, that’s a clear sign of an electrical fault that needs urgent attention. It’s a problem that can be seen with all types of cookers—gas, electric, ceramic, and induction.
Common Causes:
- Moisture ingress (from a spill or steam)
- Internal short circuit
- Damaged heating element or wiring
- Faulty control module
- This is both inconvenient and potentially dangerous. If your cooker trips the RCD (residual current device) on your fuse board, turn off the appliance at the wall and do not attempt to use it again until it’s been checked. An appliance engineer will test each component to locate the fault and ensure it’s safe to use.
When to Call a Professional
While some minor cooker hob issues can be resolved by cleaning or replacing cookware, others—primarily electrical or gas faults—require an expert’s attention. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to leave it to professionals to avoid safety risks or further damage.
Look for a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas hob repairs, and make sure any electric hob technician is fully qualified and insured. Regular servicing and cleaning can also help prevent many of these common problems in the first place.
Need Help with Your Cooker Hob?
At Applanco repair services, we specialize in cooker hob repairs across the UK, covering all major brands and models. Whether your hob won’t heat, keeps tripping the power, or just isn’t performing as it should—we’re here to help.
Fast callouts, fixed pricing, and trusted local engineers.
Serving London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and beyond.
Call us today or book online for a same-day repair appointment!
