Learn the 7 clear signs your cooker is broken and when to repair vs. replace. From strange smells to uneven heating, this guide helps you make a smart, safe decision.
Cooker Broken? Here’s What to Do Before Calling a Technician
When your cooker, a key household appliance used for cooking meals, often powered by gas or electricity. Also known as a range or stove, it’s one of the most used appliances in any home. stops working, it’s not just inconvenient—it throws off your whole day. A cooker broken isn’t always a sign you need a brand-new one. Often, it’s something simple: a blown oven element, a faulty thermostat, or a tripped circuit. Many people jump straight to replacement, but 60% of cooker issues can be fixed for under £100.
Before you call a technician, check the basics. Is the power on? Did a fuse blow? Try resetting the circuit breaker. If the oven won’t heat but the hob still works, the oven element, the heating coil inside the oven cavity that glows red when active is likely dead. It’s an easy swap—no electrician needed. If the oven heats unevenly or takes forever to preheat, the thermostat, the component that regulates oven temperature by turning the element on and off might be off. And if your gas cooker won’t ignite, it could be a dirty burner or a failed spark module. These are all common fixes that local repair techs see every week in South Shields.
But here’s the thing: age matters. Most cookers last 10 to 15 years. If yours is pushing 20, even a cheap repair might not be worth it. Energy bills will creep up, parts will get harder to find, and safety risks increase. A new cooker today is more efficient, safer, and often comes with smart features. Still, if your cooker’s under 10 years old and the issue is isolated, repair makes sense. You’ll save hundreds and keep using a machine you already know.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on diagnosing cooker problems, checking if the element’s gone, whether replacing the control board is worth it, and when it’s smarter to walk away. No fluff. Just clear, practical steps you can use right now to decide what to do next.