In a method for operating an electrical appliance such as a hob, the electrical appliance has a plurality of functional units, an operator control surface and a freely movable operator control element for mounting on the operator control surface, with a mounting point for the operator control element provided on the operator control surface for each functional unit. A sensor for a touch switch and a sensor for identifying the rotation of the operator control element are provided on the mounting point. The mounting of an operator control element on the mounting point is identified and evaluated as an activation indication of the associated functional unit. Subsequent rotation of the operator control element is identified and effects a change in the functional unit, with a functional state of the corresponding functional unit being maintained after the operator control element is removed from the mounting point.