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