Who are these options for?

Households looking to keep their cookware

If you want to keep your saucepans and frying pans, first check whether they’re compatible with induction. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this technology requires suitable cookware.

People who use large pans and dishes

If you cook several dishes at once or use large stockpots and rectangular dishes, check the layout of the cooking zones and whether the specific model has a flexible zone.

Households looking to keep gas

A mixed hob can combine gas burners with an induction zone. Before choosing this option, ask a qualified professional to check your home’s gas installation and ventilation.

What should you check before choosing?

Induction

Consider it: if your cookware has a compatible base, or if you plan to replace any pieces that don’t.

Bear in mind: you can’t use a cooking zone with cookware that isn’t compatible, according to UFC-Que Choisir.

Ceramic

Consider it: if being able to keep non-magnetic cookware is important to you.

Bear in mind: the surface may stay hot after you finish cooking.

Mixed induction and gas

Consider it: if you really want to keep gas burners while adding induction.

Bear in mind: your choice depends on both the gas installation requirements and those for the electrical connection.

When replacing a hob, start with your cookware and cooking habits, then check that the model you’re considering is suitable for your home.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Cookware compatibility For induction, check the cookware’s induction symbol or see whether a magnet sticks to the base. Identify any pieces you’d need to replace. I want to keep using my usual saucepans without discovering after I buy a hob that they don’t work on induction. Around 39% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority.
Suitability for your home Compare the cut-out dimensions and clearances specified in the instructions. Ask a professional to check the available electrical capacity, taking simultaneous use into account. Before choosing cooking features, I want to know whether the new hob will fit in my kitchen and work with my installation. This would come first for around 23% of consumers.
Cooking zones Compare the size and shape of your largest cookware with the zones available, as well as the number of dishes you cook at the same time. When I’m preparing several dishes or using a large pan, how well everything fits on the hob matters more to me than the number of zones alone. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this cooking capacity.
Keeping gas For a mixed hob, ask a professional to check your gas installation and home ventilation. Don’t rely on the presence of a mechanical ventilation system alone. I want to keep gas burners while also having the option to cook on induction, but only if my home is suitable. Keeping gas would be the top priority for around 15% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every pan works on induction

    According to UFC-Que Choisir, induction requires suitable cookware. If a pan’s base isn’t compatible, you won’t be able to use it on the cooking zone.

    Start by checking the cookware you use regularly, then decide which pieces you’d keep or replace.

  • Relying only on the hob’s visible width

    Two hobs with a similar overall width don’t necessarily have the same cut-out dimensions. Your existing cut-out and the ventilation clearances required may therefore limit your options.

    Measure the cut-out and compare it with the model’s instructions, including the required clearances. Have a professional confirm that it can be installed before you buy.

  • Assuming a mixed hob is suitable just because you have gas

    Your choice also depends on the installation and air circulation. GRDF explains that a single-flow mechanical ventilation system meets ventilation requirements only under certain conditions.

    Ask a qualified professional to check your home’s actual configuration and the requirements of the model.

  • Judging the space available by the number of cooking zones alone

    Having several cooking zones doesn’t guarantee that a large stockpot or rectangular dish will fit the way you want it to. Whether there’s a flexible zone depends on the model you choose.

    Compare your largest pieces of cookware with the dimensions and layout of the zones specified for the hob you’re considering.

Brands to consider

These ranges illustrate different technologies and configurations to compare. The right choice depends on the features of each model.

Bosch

In France, Bosch offers induction and ceramic hobs in a range of widths across its product ranges.

  • Having both technologies in the range lets you compare induction, which requires compatible cookware, with ceramic hobs, which let you keep using non-magnetic cookware.
  • Overall width isn’t enough on its own: check the installation dimensions and electrical requirements of the model you choose.

Electrolux

Electrolux’s French range includes induction, ceramic, gas and mixed hobs.

  • According to Electrolux, the mixed KDI951723K model combines an induction zone with three gas burners.
  • A mixed hob means checking the requirements for gas, ventilation and the home’s electrical supply.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool’s AKT8090LX ceramic hob has four cooking zones and an advertised overall width of 60 cm.

  • This model gives you a practical point of comparison if you’re considering a four-zone ceramic hob.
  • Check the model’s cut-out dimensions and connection rating rather than assuming it will fit based on its overall width.

Hobs available on Joybuy

These two built-in hobs let you compare ceramic and induction options when replacing your current hob. Check your cookware, worktop cut-out and kitchen power supply before choosing a model.

HK654850XB Series 3000 ceramic hob

HK654850XB Series 3000, 60 cm ceramic hob

Worth considering if you want to keep using non-magnetic cookware. Check this hob’s cut-out dimensions and electrical requirements before replacing your current one.

View on Joybuy
TOPWISH 60 cm built-in induction hob with four cooking zones

TOPWISH, 60 cm built-in induction hob with four cooking zones

Worth considering if you use several cooking zones and have induction-compatible cookware. The model is listed with a timer, touch controls and a child lock. Ask a professional to check that it’s suitable for your electrical installation and kitchen cut-out.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether my pans work on induction?

Check for an induction symbol or see whether a magnet sticks to the base. According to UFC-Que Choisir, induction requires suitable cookware. Before switching to this technology, make sure you check the pieces you use regularly.

Can I keep using non-magnetic pans on a ceramic hob?

Yes. An electric ceramic hob doesn’t need the magnetic base required for induction. It’s worth considering if you want to keep using this cookware, but bear in mind that the surface may stay hot after you switch it off.

Why should I check the electrical capacity before replacing my hob?

The power you need also depends on which other appliances might be running at the same time. Enedis advises taking simultaneous use into account. Ask a qualified professional to check the new model’s requirements against your home’s electrical installation.

Can I install a mixed hob in any kitchen?

No. You need to check the gas installation, ventilation and the model’s electrical requirements in your home. GRDF notes, for example, that a single-flow mechanical ventilation system may meet air renewal requirements under certain conditions, but its presence alone isn’t enough to confirm suitability.

What should I measure when replacing a built-in hob?

Measure the width and depth of the cut-out in your worktop, not just the visible dimensions of your old hob. Then compare these measurements and the required clearances with the new model’s installation instructions.