My ceramic hob no longer works, what should I do?

You wanted to prepare a good meal but your hob decided otherwise? It refuses to turn on, heat or function properly? Unfortunately, problems with electrical devices are quite common. The good news is that they are not always serious. Sometimes it only takes a few quick and easy steps to resolve the problem. So find out what to do when your ceramic hob no longer works.

Basic checks when your ceramic hob no longer works

When your ceramic hob does not turn on, does not heat up, or does not work properly, the problem may be easily and quickly repaired. First of all, you should know that answers can be given to you on the instructions for use corresponding to your hob model. If you cannot find the instructions or you have not found a solution to your problem, then follow our troubleshooting guide. Start with some basic checks accessible to all:

1 / If you cannot turn off or turn on your ceramic hob, it may be that a simple cleaning can solve the problem. This may seem anecdotal but if the control panel is dirty or a liquid material covers the plates (water, stain, dirt, etc.), this can prevent tactile recognition. Then proceed to a thorough cleaning of your hob. To do this, use a sponge (not the scraper part) and rub with dish soap, white vinegar or baking soda. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.

2 / If your ceramic hob lights up but does not heat up, it may be that the " security mode ”Of the plate clicked into place. This mode locks the plate and renders all the controls unusable. It can be activated manually or by itself, for example when water is spilled on the plate. In this case, you should see appear on the control panel, a symbol such as a padlock or a key informing you of this blockage. Refer to the instructions for use of your ceramic hob for the unlock.

3 / Did an error message appear on your license plate? Some ceramic glass hobs may also display error messages telling you the source of the problem. If you notice that an unusual sign or logo has appeared on the control panel, once again refer to the user guide corresponding to your license plate model.

How to fix a ceramic hob that won't turn on?

When the above checks did not give anything, unfortunately the failure on your ceramic hob will certainly be more important and will require further intervention. Indeed, it will most likely be a component failure which will therefore have to be replaced.

Warning: risk of electric shock and damage to your device. Some manipulations require skills in electronics. If you are not able to carry them out, call a professional. Always turn off the power to your device before working on it. 

Electrically restart the hob

Despite its very basic operation, like any electronic device, it sometimes happens that bug baking sheets or that it automatically goes to safety following a power cut. This is why, at first, when your ceramic hob no longer lights up or no longer works correctly, try it restart electrically. This will reset the plate and remove any bugs that could prevent it from working. It could not be easier :

1. Cut the power supply to the hob by unplugging it from the electrical outlet or by cutting the current at the corresponding circuit breaker
2. Wait 30 minutes
3. Reconnect your ceramic hob and try to relight it

If the procedure did not work, and your ceramic hob still does not light up, unfortunately the problem will certainly be of material origin. In this case, more extensive checks and operations will be necessary to find the origin of the fault and repair it.

Check the power source

When your ceramic hob does not light up, check that the power cable is properly seated in the socket. It happens inadvertently that when moving a piece of furniture, the plug is released. Also check that the AC outlet works by plugging in another assistive device. If the outlet no longer works, call an electrician to check the source of the fault and repair your electrical installation.

Then check that the cable are correctly inserted in their port because a false contact can be responsible for the failure of your ceramic hob. Also check that the terminals or cables do not show any damage (bare, damaged, burnt, melted, etc.). If this is the case, you will need to replace them with cables and / or terminals designed for high temperatures. Please note, some models of ceramic hobs are made with special connectors. In this case, you will need to replace all of the wiring. Do not hesitate to ask for help from a specialist store or from the brand's after-sales service.

Check the condition of the components on the ceramic hob

Unfortunately, when the previous checks and manipulations did not work, it is very likely that your ceramic hob no longer heats up or no longer lights up because of a hardware failure. In this case, it will be necessary change the defective component.

For this, we advise you to call a professional to avoid any risk for you or your equipment. Indeed, diagnose the origin of the malfunction et repair a ceramic hob that no longer works require knowledge and skills which are not within everyone's reach.

If you have electronics skills and want to work on the broken ceramic hob yourself, here is the tracks to follow :

Note: Always remember to disconnect the power supply to your hob before working on it. 

Check the condition of the glass

If the plate glass is cracked, that it has scratches or that it is too dirty and you cannot clean it, the glass may be responsible for the failure. Indeed, as a safety measure, if the window can no longer perform its insulating function or if a component of the electrical circuit is defective due to its degradation, the ceramic hob will not heat up. In this case, you will need to change it.

Test resistances

Si a single fire no longer works on your ceramic hob, the fireplace may have broken down. In most cases, this is a failure of the resistors. You will then have to test the resistances of the hearth (s) which no longer work thanks to a multimeter positioned on the Ohmmeter function and set to the smallest scale.

To test the resistances, position the two tips of your multimeter on each terminal of a resistor. If the value is close to zero, there is a short circuit. If a correct value is displayed, then measure the value between one of the terminals and the earth of the resistor (earth wire or on the metal part of the resistor). It should not have any leakage resistance. In other words, the multimeter should not display a value. If a value is displayed, then you will need to replace the fireplace in question. Perform the same manipulation for each resistance.

Fault on the control panel

When your ceramic hob does not light up or that the power bug like for example temperature that does not seem to regulate, the failure can then come from the control panel. To gain access to the control panel, you will need to remove the glass. This component makes it possible, among other things, to switch the hob on and off and to transmit the temperature settings information to the hotplates. Natural wear and tear may have got the better of him, but he may also have suffered some shock or damage. In this case, you can check if it is damaged, cracked, melted or burnt. If so, replace the control board.

Call a professional

If you are unable to find the origin of the fault, or if the various checks and operations have not made it possible to resolve the fault affecting the broken ceramic hob, then call a professional. He will be able to carry out a more in-depth diagnosis, and if necessary repair the faulty component.

If your ceramic hob that no longer works is under warranty, contact the brand's customer service or the dealer store. However, if your hob is no longer eligible for the warranty, contact a store or independent repairer appliance expert or a electrician.

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