Main causes of glass breakage

Blunt impacts: Slipping pots, heavy pans or dropped spices.

Stress cracks: Material stress – often caused by incorrect installation or strong temperature fluctuations – leads to cracks even without the use of force.

Burnt-in food (limescale): Sugar or starchy foods burn onto the hob and, when it cools, pieces of glass peel off.

Immediate action in the event of a crack

Stop operation: Switch off immediately and do not use the hob any further. Liquids that penetrate through cracks can cause short circuits or electric shock.

Disconnect the power supply: Switch off the hob’s circuit breaker in the fuse box.

Do not attempt to glue the hob: The glue will not withstand the thermal stress of the glass ceramic. The hob must be replaced by a qualified technician.

Insurance issues

Home contents insurance: Usually does not cover standard damage (e.g. falling objects). Generally requires an additional glass insurance module (glass ceramic hobs are covered).

Liability insurance: Covers damage if guests or third parties accidentally damage the hob.

Rented apartment: Damage caused by the tenant to rented fitted kitchens is often covered by liability insurance, unless glass ceramic hobs are explicitly included in the policy