Cooker Repair: What to Do When Your Stove Stops Working

If your cooker suddenly won’t heat, makes weird noises, or shows error lights, you’re probably wondering whether you can fix it yourself or need a pro. The good news is many problems are easy to spot and solve with just a screwdriver and a bit of patience. The bad news? Some faults involve gas or electricity and can be risky if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

Common Cooker Problems and Simple Fixes

1. No heat on the burners. First, check the power supply. Make sure the plug is fully in the socket and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If it’s an electric hob, test the heating element with a multimeter – you’ll hear a faint click when it’s live. A broken element usually needs replacement.

2. Oven won’t heat. Open the oven and look for a broken heating element or a faulty thermostat. If the oven lights up but stays cool, the thermostat is likely the culprit. Many ovens have a removable thermostat you can swap out in under an hour.

3. Strange smells or sputtering. That often means a gas leak or a blocked burner. Turn off the gas at the valve, clean any food debris, and use a brush to clear the burner holes. If you smell gas after turning it back on, call a licensed gas engineer immediately.

4. Error codes on digital panels. Most modern cookers display a code when something goes wrong. Look up the code in the user manual – it usually points to a specific part like a sensor or a fan. Re‑setting the unit (turning it off for a few minutes) can clear temporary glitches.

When to Call a Professional

DIY works for basic parts, but call us if you see any of these signs:

• Gas smell that won’t disappear after you’ve shut the valve.
• Repeated error codes after a reset.
• Major corrosion or rust on the control board.
• Issues that require you to dismantle the oven door or gas lines.
• You're not comfortable handling electricity or gas.

Our technicians in Hinckley are certified for both electric and gas cookers. We can diagnose the fault, give you a clear price, and finish most repairs in a single visit.

To keep your cooker healthy, clean the burners and oven regularly, check the seals around the oven door for wear, and avoid slamming heavy pots on glass tops. A quick monthly wipe‑down can prevent a lot of common breakdowns.

If you’re faced with a repair that seems beyond a simple part swap, give us a call. We’ll explain the issue, share the cost estimate, and let you decide if repair or replacement makes more sense for your budget.

Remember, a functioning cooker is essential for daily meals, so don’t ignore early warning signs. A small fix today can save you a big expense tomorrow.