An arrangement for controlling a radiant heater of a hob in a first operating mode with a power controller, a changeover switch and a rod controller provides for the interruption of operation at temperatures of approximately 600° C. at a first switching point on the rod controller. In a second operating mode, a switch in the rod controller set to a different switching point is operated and interrupts the power supply at temperatures of approximately 80° C., so that the radiant heater makes it possible to keep food hot without boiling.