You can't safely repair a cracked glass hob-here's why DIY fixes fail, when replacement is your only option, and how to prevent cracks before they happen.
Fix Glass Hob: Common Issues, Costs, and When to Repair or Replace
When your glass hob, a smooth, flat cooking surface made of tempered glass or ceramic used on electric stoves. Also known as a ceramic hob, it’s designed to heat up quickly and wipe clean—but it’s also surprisingly fragile. A crack, chip, or electrical fault can turn your kitchen into a safety hazard overnight. Unlike old coil burners, you can’t just swap out a single element. Glass hobs are a single unit, and damage often means replacing the whole surface—or the entire cooktop.
Most people don’t realize how common glass hob damage is. A dropped pot, a heavy pan slid too hard, or even a sudden temperature change from cold water hitting hot glass can cause cracks. You might notice a spiderweb of fine lines, a section that doesn’t heat, or the control panel flashing an error code. These aren’t just cosmetic—they’re signs the internal heating elements or wiring are compromised. A cracked surface can let moisture in, leading to short circuits or even fire risk. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore it, even if it still seems to work.
Repairing a glass hob isn’t like fixing a washing machine. You can’t just buy a new control board and swap it in. The glass top is bonded to the underlying electronics, and most manufacturers don’t sell the glass as a standalone part. That means the whole cooktop assembly often needs replacing. Some local technicians can replace just the glass panel if they source a compatible part, but it’s rare and expensive. More often, the cost of repair is close to the price of a new hob. If your appliance is over 8 years old, replacement usually makes more sense—especially since newer models are more energy efficient and come with safety features like auto-shutoff and child locks.
Before you decide, check the warranty. Some brands offer 5–10 year coverage on the hob surface. Also, look at the brand and model. Premium brands like Bosch or Indesit sometimes have better repair support than budget lines. And don’t assume a professional will always recommend replacement—some local repair services in South Shields specialize in sourcing used or refurbished glass tops to save you money. But be cautious: cheap replacements can warp, crack again, or mismatch in size and wiring.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth fixing, ask yourself: How old is the whole cooker? Is the rest of the appliance in good shape? Are you planning to move soon? If the oven still works, the fridge’s fine, and the dishwasher runs well, repairing the hob might extend your kitchen’s life for a few more years. But if everything else is aging, it’s smarter to think about a full upgrade.
Below, you’ll find real repair guides and cost breakdowns from local technicians who’ve fixed glass hobs across South Shields—from cracked surfaces to unresponsive zones. No fluff. Just what actually works, what doesn’t, and when to walk away.