Choose induction if the pans you want to keep have a magnetic base and are the right size for the cooking zones you plan to use. If you want to keep cookware with a variety of base types, a ceramic hob removes the magnetic compatibility requirement, but its surface stays hot after you switch it off. A mixed hob may be worth considering if you genuinely need to keep cooking with gas, once you’ve checked the requirements of your installation.
If you want to carry on using your pans, test their bases with a magnet before considering induction. Electrolux France also recommends checking that the base is flat; the permitted diameters depend on the hob you choose.
If fast heating and precise temperature control matter more to you than keeping every piece of cookware, induction is an option worth exploring. You will need suitable pans, though, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you have a particular use for gas but also want to use some pans on induction, a mixed hob can offer both cooking methods. You’ll need to check the gas installation requirements separately.
Start by checking which pans you want to keep, then decide how much you value responsive cooking and whether you still need gas. Before choosing a built-in hob, check its dimensions and, if it has not already been confirmed, make sure the electrical connection is suitable.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | For induction, test the base of each pan with a magnet and compare its diameter with the guidance in the manual. | I want to keep as many of my pans as possible, without finding out after installation that some no longer work. Around 50% of consumers put keeping their cookware first. |
| Cooking responsiveness | Compare the heating method and controls on the hobs you’re considering; first check that your pans are suitable for induction. | When I cook, I prioritise fast heating and immediate adjustments, even if that means saving some pans for another cooking method. This responsiveness is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Keeping gas | Check how the gas and induction zones are arranged on the mixed hob, and have the gas requirements assessed. | I still need a gas zone for certain uses, but I’d also like to cook on induction. Keeping gas comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
One compatible pan doesn’t guarantee that your other cookware will work: induction requires a magnetic base, and the hob may have specific requirements for pan dimensions.
Hold a magnet to the base of every piece of cookware you want to keep, then compare the diameters with the manual for the model you’re considering.
You’ll need to replace incompatible pans if you don’t have another way to use them.
On an electric ceramic hob, the surface can stay hot after you switch it off. For example, Electrolux France specifies a residual heat indicator on its EHV6232FOK model.
Check whether your chosen model has an indicator, and wait for the surface to cool before touching or cleaning it.
Gas zones don’t make non-magnetic pans compatible with the induction zones. A mixed hob also comes with additional gas installation requirements.
Choose this option only if you genuinely need to cook with gas, and have the relevant installation checked before you decide.
Electrolux France offers induction, ceramic and mixed hobs. Its KDI641723K mixed model combines one induction zone with three gas burners.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers induction hobs and electric ceramic hobs, including the four-zone PKE611CA8E model.
These two built-in hobs show the ceramic and induction options. Compare them based on the pans you want to keep. If you still need gas, look separately at the requirements for a mixed hob.
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Worth considering if you want to avoid induction’s magnetic compatibility requirement and keep a variety of pans. Still, check that their bases are flat and the right diameter for the cooking zones, as well as confirming the cut-out dimensions and planned connection.
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Worth considering if the pans you want to keep are suitable for induction and three zones meet your needs. Test their bases with a magnet, check the manual for permitted diameters and make sure the electrical connection is suitable.
A magnet should stick to the base of every pan you want to use on induction. Electrolux France also recommends a base that is as flat as possible. Check the hob manual for the pan diameters its cooking zones can accommodate.
Don’t rely on the material name alone: what matters is whether the pan has a suitable ferromagnetic base. Electrolux France lists aluminium, copper, glass and ceramic among the materials that are incompatible when they don’t have this type of base.
It removes the magnetic compatibility check required by induction. Bosch Home Appliances France describes its electric ceramic hobs as suitable for different types of pans. Even so, check that the bases are flat and their diameters match the cooking zones on your chosen model.
Yes, if you’re not sure whether your existing circuit is suitable for the new hob’s specifications and connection. Ask a qualified electrician to check before arranging installation; choosing a particular technology doesn’t in itself confirm that it’s compatible with your home.
No. Its induction zones still require suitable pans, even though the gas zones give you another way to cook. Electrolux France offers this combination in its KDI641723K model; you’ll need to check the condition and operating requirements of your gas installation separately.