First thing’s first – don’t panic. A cooker that won’t heat, turn on, or light up is frustrating, but most issues have an easy fix. Before you grab the phone, run through these quick checks. They'll save you time, money, and the headache of a service call.
Even the best ovens can act up if they’re not getting power. Look at the plug and make sure it’s firmly in the wall socket. If you use a switch‑off board, flip it back on. Next, locate the cooker’s circuit breaker – a tripped breaker will cut power instantly. Reset it and see if the oven lights up. If the breaker trips again, you’ve got an electrical fault and it’s time to call a qualified electrician.
Many modern cookers have electronic panels that need a reset. Turn the knob to the ‘off’ position, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on. For digital displays, unplug the unit for a minute, then plug it back in – this often clears error codes. If the display still shows a fault, note the code and mention it to your repair tech; it speeds up diagnosis.
Next, inspect the heating elements. For electric ovens, the element should glow red when the oven is on. If it stays cool, the element may be burnt out. A quick visual check can tell you if there’s a break in the coil. Gas cookers need a working igniter. Listen for a clicking sound when you turn the knob; if you hear nothing, the igniter or spark electrode could be faulty.
Sometimes the problem isn’t electrical at all. A stuck door latch can stop the oven from heating because the safety lock never engages. Open and close the door a few times to make sure it clicks into place. Also, clean any debris from the temperature sensor – a thick film of grease can trick the oven into thinking it’s already hot.
If your cooker has a timer or delayed start feature, double‑check that it isn’t still active. A timer set for later can make it seem like the oven isn’t responding. Reset the timer to zero and try again.
After these checks, if the cooker still refuses to work, it’s time to call a repair service. Common reasons that need a pro include:
At Hinckley Home Appliance Repair Services, we specialize in cooker repairs. Our technicians know the most common faults and carry the parts you need, so we often get you back to cooking in a single visit.
Bottom line: start with power, reset the controls, inspect elements, and clear any simple mechanical blocks. If those steps don’t bring heat back, don’t risk DIY on gas or complex electronics – call a professional and get your kitchen humming again.
21 September 2025 · 0 Comments
Cooker suddenly dead? Use this NZ-safe guide to diagnose no power, no heat, tripping RCDs, gas ignition faults, and induction errors-plus when to call a pro.
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