Electric hob not working?
One cold zone, an unresponsive touch panel, and a completely dead hob point to different problems. Check the controls and cookware without touching hot or damaged surfaces. Electrical testing inside a hob should be done by a qualified professional.
Common clues
- Control lock or setting
A child lock, timer, or touch-control setting can prevent a zone from heating. Check the indicator and manual for the correct unlock procedure.
- Cookware not detected
Induction zones may not heat if a pan is not compatible, centred, or large enough for the zone. Confirm requirements in the hob manual.
- Zone, control, or supply fault
One zone failing while others work may indicate a zone or control issue. A fully dead hob or repeated breaker trip can involve the electrical supply.
Useful checks before calling
- 1Check for visible damage
Do not use the hob if the glass is cracked, the controls are wet, or you see sparks, smoke, or discolouration.
- 2Review the indicators
Note any lock, timer, or error symbol and check the manual. Wait for hot-surface indicators to clear before cleaning.
- 3Check cookware requirements
For induction, try a compatible pan listed by the manufacturer and centre it on the zone. Do not test with an empty pan.
- 4Stop if power trips
If the hob trips the circuit or smells burnt, switch it off only if the control is safe to touch and arrange professional inspection.
Do not use a cracked hob or remove its glass or electrical panels. A circuit that trips repeatedly should not be reset over and over.
When to contact a repairer
Contact a qualified appliance engineer if one zone stays cold after control checks, the panel is unresponsive, or the hob sparks, cracks, or trips power.
Useful details to have ready
- Whether one zone or the whole hob is affected
- Any error or lock symbol and the cookware used
- Whether the circuit tripped or the glass is damaged
Common questions
Why does an induction hob not recognise my pan?
The pan may not be induction-compatible, may be too small for the zone, or may not be centred. Check the hob and cookware manuals before assuming the hob has failed.
Can I use a hob with a small crack?
Do not use a cracked hob. Heat and spills can worsen the damage or expose electrical parts; arrange professional advice before using it again.
Post the repair job for local workers to review.
Share the job details and postcode area to invite offers. You can still post if no matching repairers are listed, but a quote is not guaranteed.