An induction hob is suitable if your saucepans, frying pans and cookware have a compatible ferromagnetic base, or if you are happy to replace only the incompatible items after taking stock. Also compare the number and size of the cooking zones with your usual cooking habits, then check the cut-out dimensions and electrical requirements stated in the instructions before ordering.
You want to avoid replacing saucepans and frying pans unnecessarily. UFC-Que Choisir and Gastrolux France state that induction requires cookware suitable for a magnetic field: check the bases before choosing your hob.
If you use large, oblong cookware or several saucepans at once, compare the layout of the cooking zones and any Bridge or flexible zones rather than looking only at the number of zones.
Before replacing an existing hob, check the worktop cut-out, the model’s power rating and the connection specifications set out in the instructions. Promotelec reminds us that hobs require a dedicated circuit.
Start with your cookware and everyday cooking habits, then check that the hob’s format and installation requirements suit the constraints of your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Check that every base you need is ferromagnetic and remains flat. Do not assume compatibility from the word ‘stainless steel’ alone or from the visible material. | I want to keep the saucepans, frying pans and cookware I use regularly, without having to replace essential items after buying the hob. |
| Cooking format | Compare the number of zones used at the same time, the zone diameters and the dimensions of any Bridge or flexible zone. | My large dishes, casserole pots, wide frying pans or planchas must fit the cooking surface that is genuinely available. |
| Overall cost of switching | Assess the chosen hob together with any cookware that may need to be added or replaced. Compare induction and ceramic hobs based on your current equipment. | I would rather avoid an attractive purchase price being followed by unexpected replacements to my cookware collection. |
| Installation feasibility | Check the cut-out dimensions, power rating and voltage stated in the instructions. Have the suitability of the dedicated circuit confirmed if the existing installation is not documented. | The new hob must fit the cut-out in my worktop without assuming that the current connection is suitable. |
Induction requires a reaction to a magnetic field. Only some stainless steel cookware is suitable, while an aluminium item needs an integrated or bonded magnetic base.
Take stock of the cookware you use each week before choosing your hob, including large frying pans, casserole pots and specialist cookware.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that, on some appliances, activating Booster on one zone automatically reduces the power of another linked zone.
Check the instructions for details of power distribution, particularly if you regularly cook on several zones at high power.
A range of induction hobs with Bridge and FlexiBridge options for households wanting to adapt the cooking surface to large cookware or several different sizes of pan.
A range of induction hobs including flexible-zone models for users of large saucepans and frying pans.
A range covering induction, ceramic and gas hobs, with FlexiCook models that allow you to compare a combined zone with a conventional layout.
These Joybuy options include built-in induction hobs and cookware advertised as induction-compatible, helping you add selectively to your cookware collection.
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Worth considering for cooking with several saucepans or large cookware, thanks to the advertised four zones and two combinable FlexiBridge zones.
60 cm built-in format; Bridge function; four zones.
Cookware with a ferromagnetic base is required. Check the cut-out dimensions, ventilation and connection specifications in the instructions before buying.
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An option for comparing your existing saucepans with four independent zones and advertised accepted diameters of 120 to 260 mm.
Nine power levels; individual timer; product dimensions 590 × 520 mm; cut-out 560 × 490 mm.
No adjustable zone is specified: check that your large cookware is suitable for the 160 or 180 mm zones, as well as checking the installation instructions.
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This four-zone hob may suit preparing several dishes, provided your cookware bases are suitable for induction.
Four zones; nine power levels; Boost function; timer; cut-out 565 × 495 mm; advertised maximum power of 7 200 W.
No combinable zone is specified for a plancha or fish pan. The product requires a hardwired connection: check the electrical requirements before buying.
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Advertised as induction-compatible, this cookware item could be considered as a targeted addition to your cookware collection, particularly for preparing two dishes in the same pot.
304 stainless steel; 30 cm diameter; divider creating two compartments.
The diameter of the base in contact with the hob is not specified: check that it suits your chosen cooking zone.
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Advertised as suitable for gas and induction, this stockpot can complement your kitchen for soups, slow-cooked dishes and family meals.
Capacity 6,5 L; 30 cm diameter; glass lid; composite base; advertised insulated handles.
The exact grade of steel and the diameter of the contact base should be confirmed. Hand washing is recommended.
Check that the base is ferromagnetic and induction-compatible before buying the hob. Cast iron, steel and some compatible stainless steel cookware may work directly; an aluminium item needs an integrated or bonded magnetic base. Also check that the base is flat and not warped.
It is useful if you genuinely use large cookware, a plancha, fish pan or wide casserole pot. Bridge or FlexiCook zones can join two cooking zones or adapt the cooking area depending on the model, but their dimensions must be compared with those of your cookware.
Yes. Promotelec states that a hob must have its own circuit and circuit-breaker protection. Check the power rating, voltage and cut-out dimensions in the instructions for your chosen model, then have the existing installation assessed by a qualified professional if necessary.
Not necessarily. Ceramic hobs do not rely on induction’s magnetic field, but your choice also depends on how many items need replacing, your cooking habits, the size of the cooking zones and whether installation is feasible. Compare these factors before ruling out induction or choosing a mixed hob.