Glass hobs make any kitchen look modern—until something drops on them or a crack suddenly appears out of nowhere. The first question that pops up: can you actually repair a damaged glass hob, or is it a lost cause?
First off, not all problems are created equal. Tiny scratches or surface marks usually don't mess with the way your hob works. But a deep chip or a visible crack? That's a totally different story. Cracks can spread fast and even put you at risk of electric shocks or broken glass while cooking. Most hob manufacturers treat glass damage as a serious safety issue, so don't just brush it off.
It might be tempting to Google a quick fix or try some magic glue, but safety really matters here. Before you try to repair anything, always unplug the appliance. That sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip it and end up in trouble. Some folks have tried clear epoxy for hairline cracks, but that really is a band-aid solution, not a fix.
- Spotting Problems: What Can Go Wrong with a Glass Hob
- Is It Safe to Repair or Just Replace?
- DIY Fixes: What’s Worth Trying
- When to Call in a Pro (or Get a New Hob)
Spotting Problems: What Can Go Wrong with a Glass Hob
You probably picked a glass hob for its slick looks, but that glass isn’t bulletproof. Even a good brand can chip, crack, or scratch with regular kitchen use. So, what are some of the usual issues people face with glass hobs?
- Scratches: These look ugly, but unless they’re deep, they rarely impact function. You get scratches from dragging pans or accidentally using the wrong cleaning pad. Collect enough of them and your hob starts looking tired.
- Chips: Dropping something heavy—like a cast-iron skillet—can knock a chunk off the edge. Chips can sometimes lead to bigger cracks if you keep using the hob carelessly.
- Cracks: This is the big one. It usually happens from an impact, but sometimes a sudden temperature change (like putting a hot lid down on a cold surface) can do it. Cracks often get worse over time, especially if you keep cooking on the damaged zone.
- Discoloration or Staining: Burnt-on food and certain cleaners can leave ugly marks. They don’t usually hurt function, but they make the hob look rough and can be tricky to scrub off.
- Control Problems: On touch control models, liquid spills can seep into buttons, causing them to freak out or stop working altogether. Always keep those areas dry.
Worried about how common these issues really are? Check this out:
| Problem | Likelihood (%) | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Scratches | 60 | Dragging pans |
| Chips | 20 | Heavy impacts |
| Cracks | 15 | Impact & temp shock |
| Discoloration | 30 | Spills, wrong cleaner |
| Control Faults | 10 | Liquid ingress |
Not every mark means the end of your glass hob, but cracks and chips really can get worse fast. If your finger snags on a scratch, if you can see a dark line running across the surface, or if food and water keep finding their way under broken glass, you’ve got a problem. The sooner you spot the issue, the better chance you have of fixing it or stopping it from getting worse.
Is It Safe to Repair or Just Replace?
If you’re staring at a crack in your glass hob repair project, safety is the first thing to think about. Here’s the blunt truth: most manufacturers warn against using a broken or cracked glass hob. Why? The risk of electric shock, shattered glass, or even a kitchen fire ramps up if the integrity of the glass is compromised. Even a hairline crack can spread fast, especially with the constant heat and weight of pans.
There’s a reason you rarely see pros doing actual glass repairs on hobs—once that glass is weakened, it doesn’t go back to normal. Surface scratches are one thing, but as soon as it’s a chip or a crack, you’re in “replace, don’t repair” territory. That’s true even for high-end brands. Leaving a damaged glass hob in use can void your appliance warranty, too, which is something many people only realize when it’s too late.
Here’s what you risk by ignoring glass damage or trying to patch it with glue:
- Electric shock hazard (especially on cracked induction and ceramic models)
- Glass shattering unexpectedly, which could send shards flying
- Food and liquid seeping into the electronics, causing short circuits
- Potential kitchen fires if heating elements get exposed
- Loss of manufacturer warranty if you attempt a non-approved fix
If you’re dealing with just surface scratches, you might get away with a specialty glass hob cleaner or a polish. But for actual cracks or chips, the safe and honest answer is to replace the broken glass or the whole unit. Here’s a quick table showing the difference between fixes that might be safe and ones that aren’t:
| Issue | DIY Fix Allowed? | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Light scratches | Yes | Use hob cleaner or polish |
| Tiny chips (not near heating zones) | No | Replace glass for safety |
| Cracks (any size) | No | Stop using, replace glass or hob |
Trying a glue job might buy a little time, but it won’t stop a crack from spreading or keep your kitchen safe. The smart move for any real glass damage is to look at your warranty, call a pro, or plan for a replacement. It beats a ruined dinner—or worse, an emergency.
DIY Fixes: What’s Worth Trying
If you’re staring at a scuffed or lightly scratched glass hob, there’s a bit you can try before calling in the pros. Small surface scratches are mostly a cosmetic issue and, while annoying, don’t mess with safety or performance. The easiest DIY fix for this sort of damage? Grab some non-abrasive hob cleaner and a soft cloth. Rub gently in circles—sometimes it’ll fade the scratch so it barely shows. There are even hob-specific scratch remover kits, but results can vary. No promises, but for shallow marks, it’s worth a shot.
When it comes to a tiny chip on the edge, a clear two-part epoxy can seal it and keep crumbs or spills from getting inside. The trick: clean the area first, dry it completely, then use a toothpick to work the epoxy into place. Let it set for at least 24 hours before you use the hob again.
Just don’t get your hopes up about fixing a proper crack. No glue or filler really restores the strength of the original glass, so you’re still at risk. And if the crack is anywhere near the actual cooking zones, you can’t safely patch it. The hob could shatter or fail while in use.
- Always unplug the appliance before attempting any fix.
- Only try repairs for scratches or small edge chips away from hot zones.
- Deep chips or cracks that go through the glass? Stop right there. It’s not safe to attempt a repair.
- Use products labeled as safe for glass hob repair.
Wondering how common these quick fixes are? Here’s a look at what people actually try with their kitchen appliance repair attempts at home:
| Type of Damage | DIY Attempted (%) |
|---|---|
| Light scratches | 68% |
| Edge chips | 29% |
| Full cracks | 3% |
So if you’re only dealing with a shallow scratch or a minor chip, you can have a go—just be realistic about what you’re fixing and when to chuck it in and call for a proper hob replacement.
When to Call in a Pro (or Get a New Hob)
If your glass hob repair is more than a quick polish—like there’s a major crack or shattered corner—don’t mess around. Once the glass is compromised, it can’t handle heat safely anymore. Even hairline cracks can become bigger under daily use. There’s a big difference between hiding a scratch and fixing a broken cooktop that’s at risk of electric shock or fire. If the damage runs through the cooking zones or you notice weird noises when it’s heating up, unplug it and stop using it right away.
Here’s when it’s time to bring in a pro or just plan for a full hob replacement:
- The glass has a full crack (not just a scratch).
- There are chips along the edge—those are weak spots that can crumble.
- The damage covers or affects the cooking zones—the spots where the burners glow.
- The hob is losing heat, sparking, or smells like burning plastic.
- You see liquid, crumbs, or dirt under the glass (that means the seal is broken).
Cost matters, too. Getting a professional to swap just the glass sheet usually sits somewhere between £120 and £350, depending on your hob model. For induction or ceramic hobs, parts are pricey and sometimes close to what a new hob costs. Here’s a look at how repair compares to replacement for a typical UK household:
| Option | Average Cost (£) | Time to Fix/Install | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Replacement | 120–350 | 1–2 hours | 3–12 months (parts/labour) |
| Full Hob Replacement | 200–600+ | 2–3 hours | 1–2 years (new product) |
Don’t forget, repairs could void a manufacturer’s warranty or even fail electrical safety tests if done without the right skills. That’s why a licensed engineer is your best bet for non-cosmetic fixes. Many insurance policies also cover accidental hob damage—worth a look before you shell out cash for repairs.
If your kitchen appliance repair history is full of quick fixes, but new problems keep cropping up, sometimes a new appliance just makes more sense. Technology changes fast, and an upgraded hob can make cooking less stressful (and safer) in the long run.