Oven Repair

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

An oven is an essential part of most UK kitchens, used daily for cooking and baking. However, over time it can develop faults — maybe it won’t heat properly, the timer stops working, or the electrical elements fail. When this happens, an oven repair is needed to restore safe and efficient use.

Oven repair typically involves fixing or replacing faulty electrical components. It is important to address oven faults promptly to avoid safety risks such as electrical shocks or fire hazards. Often, an experienced electrician or appliance engineer will carry out these repairs.

If your oven is not working as it should, it’s worth considering professional repair before investing in a new one. Repair can be cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.

🔧 What the job involves

Oven repair usually involves a qualified electrician or appliance technician diagnosing and fixing the issue with your electric oven. Common faults include:

Heating elements not working properly
Faulty thermostats or temperature sensors
Control panel or timer failure
Faulty fuses or wiring
Oven door locks or seals not working correctly

The repairer will first disconnect the oven from the mains power supply for safety. They then carefully remove any components that need replacing or repairing. In many cases, parts such as heating elements or thermostats can be replaced without removing the whole oven.

Once repairs are complete, the electrician tests the oven to ensure it heats correctly and operates safely.

Safety and compliance matter: as electric ovens connect directly to your home’s electrical wiring, any work must follow UK wiring standards and Building Regulations where relevant. All work should be carried out by a qualified professional.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a reputable electrician or appliance repair firm, explaining your oven fault and model details.
Survey and quote: A technician may offer to visit your home to inspect the oven and provide a fixed quote. Some firms may offer remote diagnosis and estimates.
Booking the repair: Agree a date and time for the repair visit, keeping in mind UK working hours and any access instructions.
Day of the works: The electrician arrives, disconnects the oven power supply, removes any faulty parts, fits replacements, and tests functionality.
Completion and handover: The technician explains the repair done and any care advice, then issues a receipt or invoice. They may provide a benchtop safety check certificate, if applicable.
Aftercare: You keep all paperwork, manuals, and receipts for future reference or warranty claims.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Most electricians charge an hourly rate (£40–£70/hr typically), plus a minimum call-out fee.
Parts: Common oven parts like heating elements, thermostats, or control boards range from £20 to £100 or more, depending on oven age and model.
Disposal: If removing old components or a full oven replacement is needed, some firms charge a small fee for safe disposal (£20–£50).
Certification: While oven repairs don’t usually require formal certification, any electrical work on fixed wiring must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
Extras: If the work uncovers additional faults (e.g., wiring issues), expect extra charges.

Example:

Call-out + 1 hour’s labour: £60
Heating element part: £50
Minor wiring check: no extra charge
Total: approx. £110 (plus VAT)

📊 What affects the price

Access to the oven: Tight or awkward kitchen layouts can increase labour time.
Complexity of the fault: Simple element swaps cost less than control board replacements.
Age and model of oven: Older or less common brands may have pricier or harder-to-source parts.
Regulations and safety checks: If associated wiring work is necessary, additional costs and certification may apply.
Remedial electrical repairs: Faulty domestic wiring or circuit issues add time and expense.
Location: Trades fees vary across regions; London and the South East can be costlier.
Urgency: Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs usually attract a premium.

⏱ How long does it take?

Basic repairs (e.g. heating element replacement): 30 minutes to 1 hour
More complex repairs (e.g. control panel or thermostat replacement): 1 to 2 hours
Additional electrical wiring work or diagnostics: may take 2 hours or more

A straightforward fix usually fits within a single appointment. More complicated issues, or sourcing rare parts, may require extra visits.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Oven repairs involve working with live electrical components connected to your home’s wiring, which carries significant safety risks.

Electrical safety: If you’re not a qualified electrician, you risk electric shock and could cause further damage.
Regulatory considerations: Part P of the Building Regulations requires that certain electrical work in the home is carried out by a competent person and, in some cases, notified to local authorities.
Warranty and insurance: DIY oven repairs can void manufacturer warranties and affect home insurance coverage.
Complex diagnostics: Fault finding often requires specialised tools and expertise.

Our advice: For safety and legal reasons, leave oven electrical repairs to a registered professional. Basic cleaning or changing oven bulbs is generally safe to do yourself.

💰 Typical UK price range

Oven repairs typically cost between £80 and £250, depending on fault complexity and parts required. This estimate includes VAT at 20%.

Remember, these are approximate figures and vary by region, electrician, and oven model.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Check your warranty: Find your oven’s warranty documents; repairs may be covered if under guarantee.
Read the manual: Some oven issues have simple fixes outlined in the manufacturer’s guide.
Prepare access: Ensure the kitchen area is clear and the electrician can safely reach the oven.
Keep paperwork: Save all invoices, parts receipts, and safety certificates for future reference.
Regular servicing: Annual maintenance can extend oven lifespan and catch faults early.
Safety first: Never attempt to repair ovens if unsure. Switch off mains power before inspecting or cleaning.
Plan for downtime: Arrange alternative cooking methods (microwave, hob) during repairs.

By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure your oven repair is straightforward, safe, and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.