Who is this choice for?

Households looking to keep their cookware

Before switching to induction, check the bases of your saucepans and frying pans. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t heat up on an induction zone.

People who cook with several or large pans

If you use several saucepans at once or a rectangular griddle, compare the number and layout of the cooking zones with the pans you usually use. Some models have a flexible zone, but make sure you check its dimensions.

Households replacing a built-in hob

In an existing kitchen, have the connection checked and measure the worktop cut-out before making your choice. If you’re considering a gas hob, the installation layout and ventilation also need to be taken into account.

What should you check before buying?

Induction

Consider it: if your cookware has a ferromagnetic base and the connection and cut-out suit the hob you’ve chosen.

Bear in mind: incompatible cookware will need to be replaced or kept for use with another type of hob.

Ceramic

Consider it: if keeping your non-ferromagnetic cookware is a priority and a radiant or halogen hob suits the way you cook.

Bear in mind: it heats differently from induction. You should also check the model’s installation and connection requirements.

Mixed induction and gas

Consider it: if you’d like to keep a gas burner while also using induction with compatible cookware.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the electrical connection, gas installation and ventilation.

Criterion What to check Consumers concerned
Cookware compatibility Check for an induction-compatible label or see whether a magnet sticks to the base of the pans you want to keep. I want to keep the saucepans I use most without finding out they won’t heat up on my new hob. Around 34% of consumers make this compatibility their priority.
Connection and installation Have the power supply checked and compare the existing cut-out with the dimensions and clearances specified for the exact model. In a fitted kitchen, I want to know whether the hob I choose will fit and can be connected correctly. Around 33% of consumers put this practical consideration ahead of other criteria.
Cooking zone layout Compare the diameter and layout of the zones with your pans. If you use a large pan or rectangular griddle, check the flexible zone too. When I cook several dishes at once, I need to be able to fit my usual pans on the available zones. Nearly 20% of consumers prioritise this cooking capacity.
Keeping a gas burner For a mixed-fuel hob, have the gas installation, ventilation and layout checked, as well as the electrical connection. I’d like to keep the option of cooking with gas, especially for pans that aren’t induction-compatible. Around 13% of consumers put this need first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing ceramic and induction hobs

    A glass-ceramic surface doesn’t necessarily mean the hob uses induction. On an induction zone, a pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t heat up.

    Check the hob’s technology and take stock of your cookware before choosing between induction, ceramic and a mixed-fuel option.

    Switching to induction may mean replacing any incompatible saucepans and frying pans you still use.

  • Relying on the hob’s visible width

    The cut-out, clearances and connection requirements vary by model. The width shown isn’t enough to tell you whether a hob will fit your existing unit.

    Measure the space and check the power supply against the instructions for the model you’re considering before placing your order.

    You may need to alter the cut-out or adapt the connection if your existing installation isn’t suitable.

  • Counting the zones without checking their layout

    The number of zones alone won’t tell you whether your large frying pan or rectangular griddle will fit comfortably.

    Compare the dimensions of your usual pans with the cooking zones and, if applicable, check how the flexible zone works.

  • Treating gas as an afterthought on a mixed-fuel hob

    GRDF-Cegibat notes that the positioning of a gas appliance and the ventilation requirements depend on the layout of the room.

    Before choosing a mixed-fuel hob, ask a qualified professional to check the gas installation, pipes, control valve and ventilation.

Brands to consider

Electrolux

A brand to consider if you’re looking for a built-in induction hob and want to compare the exact model’s dimensions with your worktop.

  • Electrolux lists three zones, a maximum total electrical power of 7 350 W and a cut-out of 44 × 560 × 490 mm for the LIT60342CW.
  • These specifications apply to the LIT60342CW. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering for its installation requirements.

Whirlpool

A brand to consider if you use large pans and are looking for a hob with a flexible zone.

  • Whirlpool says the FlexiCook zone on the WLS3160BF lets you combine two cooking zones.
  • You’ll still need to compare the dimensions of your pans with the cut-out and connection requirements for this model.

Bosch

A brand to consider if your worktop can accommodate a wider hob and the cooking zone layout suits the way you cook.

  • Bosch describes the PXE831HC1E as a four-zone induction hob, with appliance dimensions of 51 × 802 × 522 mm.
  • The appliance dimensions aren’t the same as the cut-out dimensions. Check the installation measurements and fitting instructions for the model you choose.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether my pans will work on an induction hob?

They need to have a ferromagnetic base. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a pan without one won’t heat up. Check for an induction-compatible label or see whether a magnet sticks to the base before deciding which pans to keep.

Should I have the electrics checked before choosing an induction hob?

Yes. Before making your choice, confirm that the power supply and connection are suitable for the model you’re considering. For the type of residential installation it covers, Promotelec specifies a dedicated 32 A circuit with 6 mm² conductors for the hob. A professional can check your installation against the hob’s instructions.

Will a hob advertised as 60 cm wide fit any existing cut-out?

No. The advertised width isn’t enough to determine the cut-out dimensions. Electrolux specifies a cut-out of 44 × 560 × 490 mm for the LIT60342CW. Compare the dimensions and clearances in the instructions for your chosen model with your kitchen unit.

Can a mixed-fuel hob let me keep using pans that aren’t induction-compatible?

A gas burner may let you continue using these pans, but induction zones still require a ferromagnetic base. Before choosing a mixed-fuel hob, have the gas installation and ventilation checked for your kitchen’s layout. GRDF-Cegibat lists these as factors to consider when installing natural gas cooking appliances.