Can You Repair a Glass Hob? Here’s What Actually Works

You turn on the hob, and there it is-a long crack running across the glass surface. Or maybe it’s a chip near the edge, or a spiderweb of fractures from a dropped pot. Your first thought? Can you repair a glass hob? The short answer: sometimes. But not the way you might think.

Why glass hobs crack in the first place

Glass hobs aren’t made of regular glass. They’re ceramic-glass, a special blend designed to handle high heat and sudden temperature changes. But even this tough material has limits. Most cracks happen because of thermal shock-when a cold pot hits a hot surface, or when a hot pan is set down too hard. Dropping a heavy cast iron pan? That’s a classic cause. Sometimes, it’s not even the pan-it’s a hidden flaw in the glass that only shows up after months of use.

In Wellington, where damp weather and older homes are common, many people don’t realize how much condensation can build up under a hob. If water gets trapped between the glass and the heating element, it can create uneven heating. That stress over time leads to cracks you didn’t see coming.

What repair actually means

When people ask if you can repair a glass hob, they usually mean: Can I fix the crack and keep using it? The honest answer is no-there’s no glue, resin, or DIY kit that makes a cracked glass hob safe or reliable again.

Some online videos show people filling cracks with epoxy or ceramic filler. These might look good for a few days, but they fail under heat. The filler doesn’t expand and contract like the glass. So when you turn the hob on, the crack widens again. Worse, the filler can burn, smoke, or even release toxic fumes at high temperatures. That’s not a repair-it’s a fire hazard.

Manufacturers like Bosch, Siemens, and Indesit don’t offer repair kits for cracked glass tops. Why? Because they’ve tested every possible fix-and none meet safety standards. A cracked hob isn’t just ugly. It’s a risk for electrical shorts, gas leaks (on gas hobs with glass tops), or even shattering under pressure.

What you can fix instead

Not all damage needs a full replacement. If the glass is intact but the heating element isn’t working, that’s a different story. The element, control board, or wiring can be replaced without touching the glass. A technician can test the circuit with a multimeter and swap out the faulty part for under $150 in most cases.

Chips around the edge? If they’re small and not near a heating zone, you might be able to smooth them with fine-grit sandpaper. But only if the glass isn’t cracked underneath. Use 400-grit wet sandpaper, keep it damp, and sand gently. Don’t try to remove deep chips-this isn’t a polishing job. It’s a temporary fix at best.

Stains and burnt-on residue? That’s easy. A specialized ceramic hob cleaner and a razor blade scraper (held at a 30-degree angle) will make it look brand new. Just don’t use abrasive pads or bleach-they scratch the surface and make future cleaning harder.

When replacement is your only option

If the glass is cracked, broken, or shattered, replacement is the only safe choice. You can’t patch it. You can’t ignore it. And you shouldn’t try to save money by leaving it as-is.

Replacing the glass top costs between $300 and $800 depending on your hob model and brand. It sounds steep, but think of it this way: a new glass top lasts 10-15 years. That’s less than $60 a year. Compare that to the cost of a house fire caused by a faulty hob-there’s no price tag on safety.

Don’t buy a generic glass top from eBay or Amazon. They look similar, but the thickness, heat resistance, and fit vary. A mismatched top can crack again within weeks. Always use the manufacturer’s exact replacement part. Look up your model number (usually on a sticker under the hob or in the manual) and order from the official parts supplier.

Installation isn’t a DIY job unless you’re experienced with electrical systems. The hob is wired directly into your home’s circuit. Disconnecting and reconnecting it requires turning off the main power, testing for live wires, and securing the new glass with the right silicone sealant. One mistake and you risk electrocution or a leak that ruins your cabinetry.

How to prevent cracks before they happen

The best repair is no repair at all. Here’s how to keep your glass hob intact:

• Never place a cold pot on a hot surface. Let the hob cool for 10-15 minutes before adding a cold pan.
• Use flat-bottomed cookware. Warped pots create uneven contact and hot spots.
• Avoid sliding pots. Lift and place them instead. Dragging creates micro-scratches that turn into cracks.
• Don’t use the hob as a counter. No cutting boards, no jars, no heavy appliances.
• Clean spills right away. Sugar, salt, and acidic foods can etch the surface over time.
• Check for water buildup under the hob. If you notice dampness, call a technician. Moisture under the glass is a silent killer.

What to do if your hob breaks right now

If you’ve just cracked your glass hob, don’t panic. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Don’t use the hob again. Cover the crack with a thick towel or heat-resistant mat if you need to use the space temporarily-but only as a last resort.

Take a photo of the damage and your model number. Call a certified appliance repair technician. They’ll give you a free quote for replacement and can usually schedule the job within 2-3 days. In Wellington, many local repair shops stock common glass tops and can replace them in under two hours.

Don’t wait for a bigger crack to form. Once the glass starts breaking, it rarely stops. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to damage the heating elements underneath-and that makes the repair even more expensive.

Is it worth repairing or should you replace the whole hob?

If your hob is over 8 years old, replacing just the glass might not be worth it. Older models use outdated technology. Newer hobs are more energy-efficient, have better temperature control, and come with safety features like auto-shutoff and child locks.

Ask yourself: Is the rest of the hob in good shape? Are the burners working? Is the control panel responsive? If yes, replacing the glass is smart. If the hob is glitchy, slow to heat, or has other issues, it’s time to upgrade. A new hob costs $1,000-$2,500, but you’ll save on energy bills and avoid future repairs.

Some homeowners in Wellington are switching to induction hobs. They’re safer, faster, and easier to clean. And unlike glass hobs, they don’t crack from thermal shock-they just shut off if they detect a problem.

Final verdict: Can you repair a glass hob?

No, you can’t repair a cracked or broken glass hob. Not safely. Not reliably. Not permanently.

You can clean it. You can smooth small chips. You can replace broken elements. But if the glass is fractured, your only real option is replacement. Trying to glue it together is dangerous, illegal in some cases, and voids your home insurance if a fire happens.

Don’t risk your family’s safety for a few hundred dollars. A new glass top is an investment in peace of mind. And if your hob is aging, consider upgrading to something better, safer, and smarter.