If your electric hob is cracked, uneven, or just not heating right, you might be thinking about a replacement. It’s a common kitchen upgrade, but it can feel tricky if you’ve never dealt with wiring before. The good news? With the right prep and safety steps, many homeowners can handle the swap themselves. And if anything feels unsure, calling a qualified electrician saves you stress and future problems.
First, ask yourself two simple questions: Is the hob hard‑wired or on a plug? If it plugs into a standard socket, the job is mostly about removing the old unit and fitting the new one – a true DIY task. If it’s hard‑wired directly to the circuit, you’ll need to disconnect live wires, which the UK law says should be done by a qualified electrician. Second, consider your confidence with electrical work. Even with the power off, mis‑connecting a live wire can cause a short, a fire, or a nasty shock.
In short, plug‑in hobs = DIY possible. Hard‑wired = call a certified electrician. When in doubt, it’s cheaper to pay for a safe install than to risk a dangerous mistake.
1. Gather tools and the new hob. You’ll need a screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, a voltage tester, and possibly a drill for mounting brackets. Keep the new hob’s manual handy – it shows exact dimensions and wiring diagrams.
2. Turn off the power. Switch off the dedicated circuit at your consumer unit (fuse box). Use a voltage tester on the existing connections to confirm there’s no live electricity before touching anything.
3. Remove the old hob. Unscrew any mounting screws from under the countertop, then gently lift the hob out. If it’s plug‑in, simply unplug it. For hard‑wired units, note which wire is live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow) before loosening terminals.
4. Prepare the cut‑out. Clean any debris and check that the new hob’s dimensions match the opening. If the new model is slightly bigger, you may need to enlarge the cut‑out – use a jigsaw carefully and keep the edges smooth.
5. Connect the new hob. For plug‑in, just insert the plug into the socket. For hard‑wired, connect the brown (live) to live, blue (neutral) to neutral, and earth to the earth terminal. Tighten screws securely; a loose connection can cause overheating.
6. Secure the hob. Align it with the cut‑out and re‑attach any mounting brackets or screws. Make sure it sits flush with the countertop – no gaps that could catch crumbs.
7. Restore power and test. Switch the circuit back on and turn the hob on for a quick heat test. If everything warms up as expected, you’re done. If there’s no heat or you smell something odd, turn the power off immediately and double‑check the wiring or call an electrician.
Replacing an electric hob doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these steps, checking the power, and knowing when to call a professional, you can get a fresh, reliable cooking surface without the hassle of a big service call. Need help with hard‑wired work or want a quick quote? Our Nuneaton team is just a call away – we’ll do the job safely and get you back to cooking in no time.
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