Can a Cooker Be Repaired? Here’s What You Need to Know

Most people assume that if their cooker breaks, it’s time to buy a new one. But that’s not always true. Many cookers can be repaired - and often for a fraction of the cost of a replacement. If your oven won’t heat, the hob won’t ignite, or the door won’t close properly, don’t rush to the store. First, ask: can a cooker be repaired? The answer is usually yes - if you know what to look for.

What Makes a Cooker Repairable?

Not every broken cooker is worth fixing, but a surprising number are. Most modern cookers are built with modular parts: a thermostat, heating element, igniter, control board, or door seal can fail without ruining the whole unit. These components are designed to be swapped out, not replaced with an entirely new appliance.

For example, a faulty oven element in a Bosch or Hotpoint cooker costs around £30 to £50 to replace. Labour might add another £60 to £100. That’s less than a quarter of the price of a new mid-range cooker. Even if the control panel glitches, a skilled technician can often rewire or replace just the faulty circuit instead of the whole interface.

Age matters, but not as much as you think. A cooker that’s 8 to 12 years old can still have 5+ years of life left after a simple repair. Manufacturers don’t design appliances to fail after 5 years - that’s a myth pushed by retailers. Real-world data from the UK’s Appliance Repair Association shows that 68% of cooker repairs performed in 2024 extended the appliance’s usable life by at least 3 years.

Common Cooker Problems That Can Be Fixed

Here are the most frequent issues that technicians see - and how often they’re repairable:

• Heating element failure - 95% repairable. The element glows red when working. If it’s blackened or broken, it’s an easy swap.
• Ignition problems on gas hobs - 90% repairable. A dirty spark electrode or weak gas valve is usually the culprit. Cleaning or replacing the igniter fixes it.
• Thermostat malfunction - 85% repairable. If your oven overheats or won’t reach the set temperature, the thermostat is likely out of calibration or faulty.
• Door seal damage - 100% repairable. A torn or hardened seal causes heat loss and uneven cooking. New seals cost under £20 and are simple to install.
• Control panel unresponsive - 70% repairable. Often, it’s just a loose connection or a failed capacitor on the circuit board. Full panel replacement isn’t always needed.
• Extractor fan noise or failure - 80% repairable. Bearings wear out. Motors can be replaced without swapping the whole cooker.

When Repairs Don’t Make Sense

There are cases where replacing the cooker is the smarter move. Here’s when:

• The cooker is over 15 years old. Parts become scarce, and energy efficiency drops sharply. A 15-year-old model might use 30% more electricity than a new A-rated one.
• Multiple systems are failing. If the oven, hob, and control panel all break within 6 months, the unit is likely worn out. Repairing one part now won’t stop the next from failing.
• The repair cost exceeds 50% of a new cooker’s price. For example, if a new basic cooker costs £400 and the repair quote is £220, replacement is usually better.
• It’s a custom or discontinued model. If the brand stopped making your cooker and no parts are available, you’re stuck.

One Bristol homeowner called in a technician after their 1998 Indesit cooker stopped heating. The quote: £180 to replace the element and thermostat. The same cooker now sells on eBay for £60 - and it’s missing the door. Replacing it made more sense.

How to Decide: Repair or Replace?

Ask yourself these three questions before making a call:

1. How old is it? Under 10 years? Likely repairable. Over 15? Think replacement.
2. What’s the repair cost vs. a new one? If it’s more than half the price of a new model, walk away.
3. Is it energy efficient? Old cookers waste power. A new A-rated model can save you £50-£80 a year on bills. Add that up over 5 years - it might pay for a new unit.

Also, check your warranty. Some manufacturers offer 5-year extended warranties on parts. If yours is still valid, get it fixed - even if it’s a bit old.

What to Look for in a Repair Technician

Not all repair people are the same. In Bristol, you’ll find independent technicians and big national services. Here’s what to check:

• Gas Safe registration - If your cooker is gas-powered, the technician MUST be Gas Safe registered. It’s the law. Ask to see their ID card.
• Parts availability - Ask if they carry common cooker parts. A good technician will have elements, thermostats, and igniters in their van.
• Guarantee on parts and labour - Reputable firms offer at least a 6-month guarantee. Anything less is a red flag.
• Reviews and local reputation - Look for reviews mentioning specific cooker brands. Someone who’s fixed 50 Hotpoints is more reliable than someone who just does fridges.

One tip: Avoid companies that push replacement over repair. Their profit margin is higher. Look for independent technicians who work with multiple brands - they’re more likely to give you honest advice.

DIY Repairs: Safe or Risky?

Some fixes are safe for homeowners. Others are dangerous.

• Safe DIY: Cleaning the oven, replacing the door seal, checking for loose wires (with power off), and cleaning the hob igniters with a toothbrush.
• Never DIY: Working on gas lines, replacing the control board, rewiring the oven, or tampering with the thermostat. These require certification and tools you don’t have.

One Bristol woman tried replacing her oven element herself. She didn’t turn off the main power. She got a shock and damaged the circuit board. The repair bill jumped from £80 to £280.

Always unplug the cooker or turn off the circuit breaker before touching anything. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Electricity and gas don’t forgive mistakes.

What Happens During a Professional Repair?

A typical cooker repair visit goes like this:

1. Diagnostic - The technician tests the cooker with multimeters and gas pressure gauges. They’ll ask you when the problem started and what you’ve tried.
2. Quote - They’ll give you a written estimate before starting work. No surprises.
3. Repair - They’ll replace the part, test the cooker, and clean up.
4. Guarantee - They’ll hand you a receipt with the part number, labour cost, and warranty period.

Most repairs take under 2 hours. If they say it’ll take all day, ask why. It might mean they’re ordering a rare part - or they’re not sure what’s wrong.

Should You Buy a New Cooker Instead?

If you’re leaning toward replacement, here’s what to consider:

• Energy rating - Aim for A+++ if you can. Even A+ models use 25% less power than a 10-year-old one.
• Features - Pyrolytic self-cleaning, air frying, or smart controls add convenience - but also cost. Ask yourself: Do you need them?
• Size and layout - Don’t buy a bigger cooker unless you need it. It’ll cost more to run.
• Brand reliability - Brands like Bosch, Neff, and Indesit have the best track records for longevity and parts availability in the UK.

Don’t be fooled by flashy sales. A £300 cooker might look like a bargain, but if the heating element fails in 2 years, you’re out £300 plus a repair bill. A £500 model with a 5-year warranty often costs less in the long run.

Final Decision: Repair or Replace?

If your cooker is under 10 years old and the repair cost is under £150, fix it. Most of the time, you’ll get 5 more years of use.

If it’s older than 15 years, has multiple failures, or the repair is over half the price of a new one - replace it. But don’t rush. Take your time. Compare models. Look for discounts in January, when retailers clear out last year’s stock.

And remember: a well-maintained cooker lasts longer. Clean the seals. Don’t slam the door. Wipe spills quickly. These small habits can delay the next repair by years.