How Long Does an Electric Hob Last and How to Keep It Going?

If you’ve been cooking on the same electric hob for years, you might wonder when it’ll finally quit. The truth is, most hobs give you anywhere from 8 to 12 years of reliable service if you look after them. Forget vague warranty talk – the real lifespan depends on how often you use the burners, the kind of cookware you put on them, and whether you fix small problems early.

Every time you turn a knob, a tiny switch or a heating element gets a little wear. Over time the contacts can get fuzzy, the thermostat can drift, and the surface can become scratched. Those are the first clues that the hob’s health is fading.

Top Factors That Shorten Hob Life

1. Heavy‑duty cooking. If you’re frying, searing, or using high heat every day, the burners heat up faster and cool down quicker. That rapid cycling stresses the electronics and shortens the life of the heating coils.

2. Wrong cookware. Flat‑bottomed, ferrous pans work best. Using warped or uneven pots leaves hot spots, forcing the hob to work harder to keep the temperature even.

3. Ignoring error codes. Modern electric hobs flash error codes when something’s off. Too many resets without checking the cause can damage the control board.

4. Spills and grime. Sugar, oil, or food residue that sits on the surface can corrode the contacts. A quick wipe after each use saves a lot of trouble.

Simple Maintenance to Extend Life

Cleaning is the easiest way to add years. Use a soft damp cloth and avoid abrasive scrubbers that scratch the glass. For stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water works great – let it sit a minute, then gently rub.

Every 6‑12 months, pull the hob out (or have a tech do it) and check the burner pins for oxidation. A little contact cleaner can keep the connection solid.

If you notice the burners taking longer to heat or the temperature being off, run a quick calibration check. Many hobs have a built‑in test mode; follow the manual or call a professional.

When a burner suddenly stops heating, it’s often a simple fuse or a blown heating element. Replacing those parts is usually cheaper than swapping the whole hob.

When to Say Goodbye

Even with the best care, a hob will eventually hit its limit. Look for these red flags:

• Repeated error codes that you can’t clear.
• Burner temps that are wildly inconsistent, even after cleaning.
• Cracks in the glass surface that let moisture seep inside.
• Control panel that’s unresponsive or flickers.

If two or more of these show up, it’s time to get a professional diagnosis. Often the repair cost will be close to 60‑70% of a new hob, especially if the control board needs replacing.

At that point, compare the price of a new, energy‑efficient model with the repair quote. Newer hobs use less electricity and may qualify for rebates, which can tip the scales toward replacement.

Bottom line: regular cleaning, using the right cookware, and acting fast on error codes can keep an electric hob alive for a decade or more. When the signs of wear pile up, weigh repair costs against a fresh, efficient unit and decide what makes sense for your kitchen budget.