After moving house, start by choosing a hob that works with the pans you want to keep. Then check that it will fit the space and work with the planned connection. Induction requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base. A ceramic glass hob with radiant or halogen zones may be a good choice if you want to keep pans that aren’t induction-compatible, according to the criteria set out by UFC-Que Choisir. Only consider a dual-fuel induction and gas hob if both cooking methods suit your needs and your installation can accommodate it.
If you want to avoid replacing your pans unnecessarily, check their bases before choosing between induction and a ceramic hob. UFC-Que Choisir says that if a magnet sticks to the base, it’s a first indication that it contains iron.
Before choosing a model, check the cut-out dimensions, the space beneath the hob and the planned power supply. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the dimensions required for fitting and those of the visible hob, while Promotelec outlines the electrical requirements that apply to relevant installations.
If you’re considering a dual-fuel hob so you can keep using gas, check that your installation is suitable for the hob and any work that may be needed. Electrolux France features a model that combines induction and gas; the rules for work on an installation depend on the type of work involved.
Start by checking your cookware and measuring the available cut-out. Then choose a heating method to suit the way you cook and your installation. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires a ferromagnetic base, and that cut-out dimensions are not the same as the hob’s external dimensions.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is most concerned? |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Test the bases with a magnet and check that your cookware is the right size for the cooking zones. | If I want to keep the pans I use often and avoid replacing them unnecessarily, compatibility comes first; around 36% of consumers share this priority. |
| Fitting your kitchen | Measure the cut-out and check the fitting dimensions, as well as the instructions for the exact model. | When replacing a hob in a redesigned kitchen, I want to know whether it will fit the space available; around 29% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Cooking method | Identify the cooking methods you’ll use and check that the necessary connections are available before considering a dual-fuel hob. | If the choice between induction, radiant or halogen zones and gas cooking will shape my everyday use, the heating method matters most; around 21% of consumers put it first. |
| Overall cost and service | Assess the cost of any cookware you may need to replace separately from any work required; check the warranties and fitting terms. | If I want to plan for the costs of the hob and its installation without assuming that everything needs replacing, around 14% of consumers prioritise the overall cost and service. |
An induction hob may have a ceramic glass surface, but it won’t work with the same cookware as a radiant or halogen hob. UFC-Que Choisir points out that cookware used on induction must have a ferromagnetic base.
Check the heating type listed for each model and test the cookware you want to keep.
The visible dimensions alone won’t tell you whether a hob will fit an existing cut-out. You also need to check the fitting dimensions and the installation instructions for the model.
Measure the opening and compare it with the dimensions in the instruction manual before choosing. UFC-Que Choisir specifically distinguishes between the worktop cut-out and the hob’s external dimensions.
You may need to adapt the worktop or choose another model if the dimensions don’t match.
A dual-fuel hob also uses electricity, and the requirements depend on the existing installation and any work that may be carried out. Article 21 of the order on gas installations requires a certificate of conformity for certain new installations or modifications, with exceptions depending on the work involved.
Before choosing this option, ask a suitably qualified professional to inspect the installation and assess the work involved. Légifrance and Cegibat, GRDF, explain the requirements for the relevant work.
Depending on the installation and the work involved, you may need to arrange work or checks.
The induction PUE611BB5E and ceramic PKE611BB8E models let you compare two heating methods from the same brand.
The KDI641723K is an example of a dual-fuel hob that combines induction and gas.
The ceramic SPV264HB, SPV464EB and SPV4530B models are examples to consider if you want to keep cookware that isn’t induction-compatible.
The models below are built-in induction hobs in a range of sizes and configurations. Check the fitting dimensions and cookware compatibility for each model.
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For a fitted kitchen where a 60 cm induction hob with 4 zones suits the available space. Cookware must be induction-compatible and have a ferromagnetic base.
The description lists combinable FlexiBridge zones, a timer for each zone and a child lock.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm built-in hob with 4 zones suits your kitchen. Induction requires compatible cookware with a ferromagnetic base.
The title lists 9 power levels, a timer from 1 to 99 min and a Boost function.
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Compare its 29.5 cm Domino format with the space available. Also check the fitting dimensions and planned connection. Cookware must be induction-compatible and have a ferromagnetic base.
The title lists 9 heat settings, a timer, a child lock, a Booster function and a voltage of 220–240 V.
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Consider this model if its 56 × 49 cm fitting dimensions suit the available space and the specified connection is compatible with your installation. It is designed for standard built-in installation, not flush fitting.
Induction requires compatible cookware with a ferromagnetic base.
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Compare the stated cut-out size of 560 × 490 mm with the existing space, and ask a qualified electrician to check the installation requirements. Cookware must be induction-compatible and have a ferromagnetic base.
The title lists 9 power levels.
Test the base of each pan you want to keep with a magnet: if it sticks, the base contains iron. Then check that the pans are the right size for the zones on the hob you’re considering. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, the material name, such as “stainless steel”, isn’t enough on its own.
No. The visible width doesn’t confirm that the hob will fit the existing cut-out. Measure the opening and compare it with the fitting dimensions and the instructions for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these measurements from those of the visible hob; also check the space needed for installation.
Ask a suitably qualified professional to compare the model’s connection specifications with your existing installation, if necessary. Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for cooking under the rules it sets out, but this information can’t be used to assess your installation remotely.
No. Buying a hob alone doesn’t mean that a new certificate is always required. Article 21 of the order of 23 February 2018 requires a certificate for a new installation or certain modifications to an existing installation, with exceptions depending on the work involved. Légifrance sets out the rule, while Cegibat, GRDF, clarifies that some types of work don’t require this certificate. Ask a professional to assess the planned work for your home.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, under the conditions set by law. It is separate from any optional commercial warranty. The Ministry of the Economy confirms that it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods; check the fitting terms separately.