Ceramic or glass hob cracked or scratched (all brands)
⚠️ This needs a qualified professional
This fault involves gas or mains electrical work. Don't attempt a DIY repair — UK law requires gas work to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Below is what to check and describe to them, not step-by-step repair instructions.
A crack in a ceramic or induction glass hob surface is different from a cosmetic scratch, and it’s worth knowing which one you’re dealing with before deciding whether it’s safe to keep using.
Scratches
Light surface scratches (often from sliding heavy or rough-based pans, or abrasive cleaning pads) are usually cosmetic and don’t affect safety, though they can worsen over time and make cleaning harder as residue collects in them. Using pan protectors and non-abrasive hob-specific cleaner going forward helps prevent further scratching.
Cracks
⚠️ Stop using a cracked hob
A genuine crack — not just a surface scratch — is a safety issue, not just cosmetic. Ceramic and glass hob surfaces are a barrier between you and live electrical heating elements or, on some designs, gas components underneath; a crack can let in moisture or debris and, in some cases, create a shock risk. Stop using the hob (or at minimum the affected zone) and isolate its power supply until it’s been assessed. This is a genuine parts replacement — usually the whole glass top — and isn’t a DIY repair job.
What caused it
Common causes include a heavy pan dropped onto the surface, thermal shock (extreme rapid temperature change, such as placing a very cold or wet pan onto a very hot zone), or a small stone/hard object trapped under a pan being dragged across the surface.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.