Choose induction if your saucepans and frying pans have a ferromagnetic base and your project can accommodate the required dedicated circuit. A ceramic hob lets you continue using cookware that is not compatible with induction, while a mixed hob is suitable when gas is still genuinely useful. A flexible zone is mainly worth considering for large cookware or rectangular dishes.
You want to replace your hob without unnecessarily replacing your cookware, or discovering after purchase that the hob is incompatible with the planned circuit. First, check your cookware, the dedicated circuit and the model’s dimensions.
If you use a plancha, rectangular grill, oval casserole or large frying pans, a flexible zone may be more useful than simply having a high number of cooking zones, provided this function is clearly specified for the model you choose.
You may be reluctant to switch entirely to induction because certain dishes or cooking habits still require gas. A mixed hob can meet this need once you have checked its format and how it will fit into your kitchen.
Start with your cookware and installation, then choose the zones and controls that genuinely suit the way you cook.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Check that your key saucepans and frying pans have a ferromagnetic base. For induction, also check the pan detection feature listed on the model’s product page. | I want to keep my existing cookware without having to replace items that would not activate an induction zone. |
| Electrical installation | Confirm the dedicated circuit available and compare it with the connection requirements in the instructions. Promotelec states that a hob or cooker must be connected to a dedicated circuit. | My replacement must fit into the renovation project without choosing a hob that is unsuitable for the existing power supply. |
| Cooking control | Compare heat-up speed, low-power control, timers and how easy the controls are to read. UFC-Que Choisir assesses performance, ease of use, electricity consumption and safety as part of its testing protocol. | I want to cook several dishes with precise settings, clear controls and useful everyday functions. |
| Large cookware | Look specifically for an extendable zone, CombiZone or flexInduction if you use a plancha or rectangular grill. The number of cooking zones alone does not guarantee this compatibility. | My large dishes, fish kettles or rectangular cookware must be able to sit on a suitable zone. |
A saucepan without a ferromagnetic base will not activate an induction zone, so the hob will not meet your needs from the very first use.
Check every important item of cookware before buying, and weigh this requirement against the benefits of a ceramic or mixed hob.
Some incompatible cookware may need to be replaced.
A hob or cooker requires a dedicated circuit. Checking this too late could make your chosen model unsuitable for the project.
Before ordering, have the available power supply checked and compare it with the requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
A flexible zone is mainly useful for large cookware or non-circular shapes. It does not replace checking how you will actually use it or confirming the cut-out dimensions.
Choose this function if you regularly use a plancha, rectangular grill or large cookware. Otherwise, also compare models with standard round cooking zones.
Mixed hobs are available in several widths, and their cooking-zone configurations vary according to the format. A mixed model is therefore not automatically interchangeable with a standard hob.
Measure the cut-out and worktop, then check the built-in dimensions for the exact product reference before choosing this option.
The French range includes standard induction hobs, ceramic hobs, models with a CombiZone and induction hobs with an integrated extractor.
An option to consider for a 60 cm induction hob with a flexible zone and assisted cooking functions.
A brand worth considering for built-in mixed hobs combining gas and induction in widths larger than a standard 60 cm hob.
Joybuy options for replacing or installing a hob, including induction and ceramic models, plus flexible zones to suit the uses described.
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Worth considering for a 60 cm installation and large dishes thanks to the advertised Bridge Zone.
Four zones, Bridge Zone, Booster function, pan detection, touch controls and a timer are specified. Stated niche: 56–56.2 × 49 cm; stated connection: 220–240 V / 380–415 V. Check your cookware compatibility, the instructions and your home’s dedicated circuit.
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A ceramic option for continuing to use non-ferromagnetic cookware, with an extendable zone specified for certain large dishes.
Four zones, 14 power levels, four timers, pause function, residual heat indicators and front touch controls are specified. Stated built-in dimensions: 56 × 49 cm. Check the instructions and suitability for the dedicated circuit.
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This model is designed for kitchens where a plancha, fish kettle or large dish makes combinable zones especially useful.
Four zones, two FlexiBridge zones, AutoChef programmes, PerfectFry sensor, zone timer and Stop&Go function are specified. Cookware must be induction-compatible; check the cut-out dimensions, ventilation and connection requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering for a standard installation with four round cooking zones when rectangular dishes are only used occasionally.
Stated format: 59 × 52 cm; stated cut-out: 56.5 × 49.5 cm. The product page specifies four zones, nine power levels, Boost function, timer, pan sensor, child lock and residual heat indicator. No flexible zone is specified.
The base must be ferromagnetic. UFC-Que Choisir states that a saucepan without a ferromagnetic base will not switch the hob on. Test your key cookware before choosing induction, or plan to replace it.
Promotelec states that a hob or cooker must be connected to a dedicated circuit, with a connection box, a 32 A socket for single-phase or a 20 A socket for three-phase. Compare the existing installation with the instructions for your chosen model before ordering.
No. It is mainly useful if you regularly use wide, oval or rectangular cookware. Check that the product page mentions an extendable zone, CombiZone or flexInduction. UFC-Que Choisir tests extendable zones separately using a rectangular grill.
No. An extractor hob combines cooking and extraction, which changes the installation requirements. For its PVQ811H26E model, Bosch specifies an integrated ventilation module and specific appliance dimensions. Check the space beneath the worktop and the installation conditions for your chosen model.