Glass for the hob: features, selection and replacement

Many modern kitchens are equipped with hobs that are not inferior in their technical characteristics to conventional gas and electric stoves, and their assortment range allows them to harmoniously fit into any design of kitchen sets.

The materials from which the panels are made are an important element in the kitchen. The functionality of household appliances and ease of use depend on them.

Another advantage of the hob is the rational use of space. The modern market offers many device options. They differ in their functions, materials of manufacture and design, and also have their own advantages and disadvantages.

A material such as glass is used in gas, electric and induction hobs. It is more expensive than enamelled surfaces, but the price is justified.

Main pluses:

• smooth and even surface;
• food is prepared quickly, since the panel heats up only where it is needed at the moment;
• easy to clean - fresh stains can be removed with a regular sponge, and old and serious dirt can be cleaned with special scrapers;
• a large range of colors, as well as various design solutions, captivate potential customers.

However, this technique is quite fragile. If an object weighing two kilograms or more, or any sharp object, is dropped onto the hob, it may crack or split. Therefore, to prevent the panel from bursting, it must be carefully and carefully looked after.

Fans of gas stoves, when they decide to buy a hob, but leave the gas, are faced with a choice: tempered glass or glass ceramics.

In fact, there is no difference, since only the hotplate heats up. You can break both, but glass ceramics will break into pieces, and the tempered glass will be covered with cracks.

Electric hobs do not use tempered glass that heats up completely, but the maximum temperature it can withstand is lower than the maximum heat.

The positive and negative characteristics of glass ceramics are as follows:

• stronger than toughened glass;
• accepts temperature changes well;
• has high heat resistance;
• afraid of pinpoint strikes;
• you need special dishes with a flat bottom;
• a ceramic glass panel is more expensive than tempered glass.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tempered Glass:

• flexible material with high impact strength;
• such glass should not be subjected to any mechanical operation.

Various factors precede breaks in the hob.

• Strong and harsh impact on the surface, for example from a saucepan. A hole appears in the center, from which cracks subsequently form.
• All burners were turned on at full power, causing the glass to burst. A specific sound appears, cracks begin to creep along the sides.
• The hob is not installed correctly. Under the influence of a powerful voltage, the hob “diverges”.
• The surface can be punctured, for example by dropping a knife.
• The dishes are stuck to the panel. For example, they cooked jam, it ran out and got under the saucepan, which stuck. Dishes come off, usually with glass.
• Temperature changes negatively affect the glass.
• The heated sugar, once on the panel, gets into the structure of the material. Cleaning the surface leads to damage, in particular to chipping.

Hob cracks are the most common breakage option. This defect can be caused by knocks and improper cleaning of the hobs.

If the surface is cracked, then it can be replaced. Consider the process of replacing the hob.

• It is necessary to contact a service center for the repair of household appliances. It is important to confirm the fact that this organization has access to the official manufacturer, because the panels are not for sale in the public domain.
• Diagnostics of equipment is carried out by a specialist of the service center. Damage is assessed.
• It takes several hours to replace the glass. At first, it seems that changing the glass is a simple task, however, to replace it qualitatively, you need special skills and a proprietary tool.
• Checking the operation of the hob.

The price of the service depends on the cost of the master's services and the price of spare parts. As experts and ordinary people write, the amount is approximately 50% of the cost of new similar equipment.

Based on the foregoing, most people need to do the repair themselves.

We solve the problem at home

If the glass ceramics is cracked, then it can be sealed with glue.

Where the fragment is missing, you can pour epoxy resin. This option is distinguished by its reliability, but the design looks unaesthetic. The authors of such an invention do not give guarantees.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the repair of household appliances should be carried out by specialists of service centers. It is safe and reliable for the owner of the hob.

The main rules that manufacturers recommend to follow include the following points:

• you cannot cook food on broken panels;
• do not touch metal dishes with wet hands;
• it is necessary to clean the surface with special means.

For tips on how to care for your hob, see the video below.