Replace induction hob glass.

While a shattered top often looks like a total loss, replacing the glass is frequently more cost-effective than buying a brand-new high-end appliance. This guide covers the process, costs, and essential safety considerations for restoring your kitchen’s focal point.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Safety Isolation: The engineer will safely isolate the hob from the 32-amp mains supply and verify it is "dead" before starting.
• Unit Extraction: The hob is carefully lifted from the worktop cutout, which may involve cutting through old silicone seals.
• Disassembly: The damaged glass is separated from the internal induction coils and the touch-control interface.
• Cleaning and Inspection: Any glass shards or spilled debris are removed from the internal components to prevent future overheating.
• Fitting the New Top: A manufacturer-approved glass panel is fitted with new thermal seals to ensure a watertight finish.
• Testing: The unit is reinstalled, powered up, and tested across all zones to ensure the magnetic sensors and pan detection are working correctly.

Typical Costs

The total cost is heavily influenced by the brand of your appliance. Budget hobs (e.g., IKEA or Beko) have affordable glass, whereas premium brands like Miele, Neff, or Wolf can charge several hundred pounds for the replacement part alone.

Factors such as "flush-mounted" hobs (where the glass is recessed into stone worktops) will increase labour costs due to the delicate extraction process required.

How Long Does It Take?

• Standard replacement: 1 to 2 hours if the part is already sourced and on-site.
• Flush-mounted/Glued hobs: 2 to 3 hours due to the careful removal of old adhesive from stone or quartz.
• Part Sourcing: 3 to 10 working days, depending on whether the glass is stocked in the UK or must be shipped from Europe.

DIY or Professional?

This is strictly a professional job. Induction hobs are high-wattage appliances that require specific electrical knowledge to isolate and reconnect safely. Furthermore, the glass is a structural component; if fitted incorrectly, the internal coils can overheat or the touch sensors may fail to calibrate. Attempting a DIY fix will void your manufacturer's warranty and likely your home insurance in the event of an electrical fire.

Replacing the glass on an induction hob involves working with 240V mains electricity and delicate electronics—always hire a qualified appliance engineer or electrician.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

When looking for a specialist, ensure they have experience with your specific brand of appliance, as the clips and sensor alignments vary between manufacturers.

• Qualifications: Look for an appliance technician or an electrician registered with NICEIC or NAPIT.
• Red Flags: Avoid anyone who suggests using "universal" glass or high-temperature glue instead of manufacturer-specific seals.
• Question: "Do you provide a written guarantee for both the part and the seal's water-tightness?"
• Question: "Are you familiar with the calibration process for the touch sensors on this specific model?"
• Question: "Does your quote include the disposal of the old glass?"

UK Regulations

• Part P (Building Regulations): Any major electrical work in a "wet zone" like a kitchen must comply with Part P standards for safety.
• BS 7671: The wiring and reconnection must meet the current IET Wiring Regulations.
• WEEE Regulations: The old glass and any damaged internal electronics must be disposed of at a licensed electrical waste facility.

Common Problems

• Wrong Part Ordered: Homeowners often provide the model name (e.g., "Neff Induction") but not the specific "E-Nr" or serial number, leading to the wrong glass being ordered.
• Damaged Coils: If the glass was smashed by a heavy impact, the copper induction coils underneath may be dented, requiring further expensive repairs.
• Sensor Failure: If the glass isn't seated perfectly, the capacitive touch buttons may become unresponsive or "ghost press."
• Worktop Cracking: If an engineer is too forceful when prying a stuck hob from a granite worktop, the stone itself can crack.

Frequently Asked Questions