Cracks radiating from hob cutout corners are among the most common worktop damage types. The corners of a hob aperture create stress concentration points that are vulnerable to cracking from thermal cycling, impact and inadequate support.

Why Hob Cutouts Crack

Thermal cycling — the area immediately around a gas or induction hob heats and cools repeatedly. This thermal movement creates stress at the corners of the cutout where the worktop changes geometry.
Impact — heavy pans dropped near the hob edge can crack the cutout corner.
Inadequate support — if the worktop is not properly supported either side of the hob aperture, it can flex and crack at the weak points.

Repairing Hob Cutout Cracks

The repair process for a hob cutout crack depends on the material and severity:

Hairline cracks — filled with colour-matched compound and sealed. Typically very effective.
Wider cracks — stabilised before filling. If the crack is caused by ongoing movement, the movement source must be addressed.
Through-cracks — where the crack has penetrated the full thickness of the worktop. More serious — may require professional assessment before repair.

Preventing Recurrence

After repair, we advise on reducing future thermal stress — always using a pan stand or trivet, and ensuring the hob is properly installed with adequate support either side.