Kitchen Repair: Easy Fixes for Ovens, Extractor Fans, Cookers & More

Got a kitchen that’s acting up? You’re not alone. From a noisy extractor fan to an oven that won’t heat, most issues have a simple fix you can try before calling a technician. This guide pulls together the most useful tips from our articles, so you can get back to cooking fast.

Common Kitchen Appliance Problems

Most kitchen repairs fall into a few familiar categories. Here’s what you’ll see most often and the quick steps that often solve them.

Extractor fans stop spinning, make grinding noises, or lose suction. First, turn off power at the breaker, then clean the filter and check for blockages in the duct. If the motor still won’t run, see our "Extractor Fan Not Working?" guide for wiring checks and when a motor swap is needed.

Electric ovens can show one of three signs: no heat, uneven heating, or a broken element. Remove the oven door, locate the heating element, and look for visible cracks. A multimeter can tell you if it’s still conducting. If the element fails, swapping it out is usually a straightforward DIY job. For thermostat issues, our "Oven Element vs Thermostat" article walks you through a quick test to identify the faulty part.

Cookers and hobs often suffer from cracked glass, faulty burners, or dead ignition. For a gas hob, clean the burner caps and make sure the spark igniter isn’t blocked. Electric hobs just need a visual check for loose connections and a test of each zone with a multimeter. Our "Hob Repair in New Zealand" piece (applicable worldwide) explains the safety steps before you start.

Dishwashers and washing machines may not start, leak, or leave dishes dirty. A clogged filter or a blocked pump are the usual culprits. Pull out the bottom rack, clean any debris, and run a short cycle. If that doesn’t help, the pump may need replacement – a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools.

When to Call a Pro

DIY works for many fixes, but some situations call for a qualified technician. If you find burnt wiring, a tripped breaker that won’t reset, or a refrigerant leak in a fridge, stop and call us. Our certified technicians in Northampton can safely repair or replace the part, saving you time and avoiding potential health hazards.

Another red flag is recurring problems. If an oven overheats again after you’ve replaced the element, there may be an underlying control board issue that needs professional diagnostics. Same goes for a constantly fogging extractor fan – the vent might be improperly sized or the ducting could be damaged.

When you do reach out, have these details ready: the make and model of the appliance, a brief description of the symptoms, and any steps you’ve already taken. That lets our team diagnose faster and often brings the cost down.

Remember, regular maintenance can stop most repairs before they start. Clean fryer filters, wipe down oven seals, and run a monthly cleaning cycle on your dishwasher. A quick check of extractor fan filters every few weeks keeps the motor from overheating.

Got a specific issue that isn’t covered here? Browse our article list – we have in‑depth guides on everything from fridge fuse replacement to boiler service times. And if you’re ever unsure, a short call to Northampton Appliance Repairs Services gets you a clear answer and a fast appointment.