How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Electric Hob? Real Prices from UK Repair Pros

Fixing an electric hob doesn’t have to be a surprise bill. If your hob’s not heating up, one ring’s acting up, or the display is flashing errors, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to fix an electric hob? The answer isn’t one number-it’s a range, and knowing what drives the price can save you hundreds.

What’s Actually Broken?

The cost starts with the problem. Electric hobs have simple parts, but when they fail, they fail in ways that vary wildly in repair complexity.

• A single faulty heating element is the most common fix. It’s a coil under the glass that stops conducting heat. Replacing one usually costs between £80 and £150, including parts and labour.
• If the induction control board is dead-common in newer hobs-the price jumps. These boards manage power to each zone. A new one runs £120-£250, and fitting it takes a certified technician. Labour alone can be £60-£90.
• A cracked or shattered ceramic glass top is expensive. You can’t patch it. Replacing the whole glass panel costs £200-£400, depending on the brand and model. Some cheaper hobs aren’t worth fixing at this point.
• Tripped thermal fuses or faulty temperature sensors are cheaper fixes. Often under £100 total. These are safety features that shut the hob down if it overheats. Sometimes resetting isn’t enough-you need a new part.

Brands matter too. A Bosch or Neff hob might use proprietary parts that cost 30% more than generic equivalents. A Hotpoint or Indesit hob? Parts are cheaper and easier to find. If your hob’s over 8 years old, parts might be discontinued. That’s when you start weighing repair vs replacement.

Labour Costs: What You’re Really Paying For

Labour isn’t just about turning screws. Electric hobs are installed into countertops, wired into your home’s 240V circuit, and often glued or clipped into place. A good technician doesn’t just swap parts-they check for hidden damage.

In Bristol, a qualified electrician or appliance engineer charges £50-£80 per hour. Most repairs take 1-2 hours. That means £50-£160 in labour alone.

Some companies charge a flat call-out fee-£30-£50-then an hourly rate. Others include the call-out in the first hour. Always ask: "Is the diagnostic fee waived if I go ahead with the repair?" Many won’t charge you if you book the fix right away.

Be wary of "£29 repair" ads. They often mean they’ll only fix the simplest issue. If your hob needs a control board, they’ll say "it’s beyond repair" and upsell you a new unit. That’s not service-it’s a sales tactic.

Parts: Genuine vs Aftermarket

You’ll get two options for parts: genuine manufacturer parts or aftermarket equivalents.

Genuine parts come with the brand’s logo, warranty, and exact fit. They’re more expensive but often last longer. For example, a genuine Siemens induction element costs £75. A compatible aftermarket version? £35.

But here’s the catch: aftermarket parts can cause issues. One customer in Clifton had a £40 element installed that overheated and melted the wiring underneath. The repair bill jumped from £110 to £320 because the cheap part damaged the control board.

For safety-critical parts like heating elements, control boards, and fuses, it’s worth paying extra for genuine. For things like knobs or glass seals? Aftermarket is fine.

When Repair Isn’t Worth It

Sometimes, the math doesn’t add up. If your hob is older than 8-10 years, and the repair cost hits 50% or more of a new unit’s price, it’s time to replace.

A basic new electric hob (4-zone, ceramic glass, no induction) starts at £350. A mid-range induction model? £600-£900. If your repair quote is £300+, you’re close to the tipping point.

Also consider:

• Is your hob still under warranty? Even if it’s expired, some manufacturers offer extended service plans.
• Are you planning to sell your home? A modern hob adds value. An old, patched one doesn’t.
• Is your kitchen outdated? If you’re renovating anyway, it makes sense to upgrade.

One homeowner in Totterdown had a 12-year-old hob with a £280 repair quote. She spent £550 on a new induction hob with smart controls, energy savings, and a 5-year warranty. Her monthly electricity bill dropped by 18%. That’s a real return on investment.

How to Get a Fair Quote

Don’t just call the first company you find. Here’s how to avoid overpaying:

1. Get at least two written quotes. Ask for itemised breakdowns: parts, labour, VAT.
2. Check if the technician is Gas Safe registered for electrical work (yes, they need it-hobs are wired into mains).
3. Ask if they use genuine parts. If they say "we use OEM equivalents," ask what that means. "OEM" can mean anything.
4. Look for companies with Google reviews mentioning electric hob repairs specifically-not just fridges or washing machines.
5. Ask about warranty on the repair. Reputable firms offer 3-12 months on labour and parts.

One Bristol-based company, Appliance Care Southwest, gives free diagnostics and no-obligation quotes. They’ve fixed over 800 hobs since 2020. Their average repair cost? £135. That’s a solid benchmark.

DIY: Should You Try It?

You can replace a heating element yourself if you’re handy. YouTube tutorials are everywhere. But here’s what most people don’t tell you:

• You need to turn off the circuit breaker. One mistake and you risk electrocution.
• Removing the glass top without cracking it takes special tools and technique.
• Wiring the new element wrong can fry the control board. That’s a £200 mistake.
• You void the warranty if you open the unit yourself.

Only attempt DIY if you’ve done electrical work before. If you’re unsure, call a pro. The risk isn’t worth saving £100.

What to Expect in 2025

Prices have gone up since 2023. Labour rates rose 8% across the UK due to skilled worker shortages. Parts are 12% more expensive because of supply chain delays and inflation.

Induction hobs are now the standard. If your hob’s old and broken, you’re not just fixing a hob-you’re upgrading your kitchen’s efficiency. New models use 30% less energy than older ceramic hobs. Some local councils in the South West even offer grants for energy-efficient appliance swaps.

Check with Bristol City Council’s Green Home Grant scheme. You might get up to £300 off a new induction hob if your current one’s over 10 years old.

Final Answer: What’s the Real Cost?

So, how much does it cost to fix an electric hob? Here’s the breakdown:

• Cheap fix (element or fuse): £80-£130
• Moderate fix (control board or sensor): £150-£250
• Expensive fix (glass top replacement): £250-£400
• Replacement (new hob): £350-£900

If your hob’s under 8 years old and the repair’s under £200, fix it. If it’s older or the quote’s over £250, consider replacement-with a new induction model. You’ll save on energy bills, get better control, and avoid another repair next year.

If your hob’s broken, don’t panic. Get a quote, compare options, and think long-term. Sometimes fixing it makes sense. Other times, upgrading is the smarter, cheaper choice.