Choose induction if your pans have a ferromagnetic base and the model suits your space and installation. Two cooking zones may be enough if you usually cook with one or two pans at a time; three or four give you more flexibility, while a flexible zone is only useful if it suits the pans you use. If you want to keep non-compatible cookware or gas burners, compare ceramic or mixed-fuel hobs too.
If you prepare several parts of a meal at the same time, compare the number of cooking zones, the space between them and the room available around your pans. Bosch and Whirlpool models are examples of hobs with three or four zones.
Before choosing induction, check the base of every pan: it needs to be ferromagnetic. UFC-Que Choisir says that a magnet can help you check whether the base contains ferromagnetic metal.
When replacing a hob, compare the cut-out dimensions in the model’s instructions with those of your worktop. The external dimensions of a Bosch hob alone won’t confirm that it will fit your opening. Legrand also recommends checking the appliance’s connection requirements.
First check the space and installation requirements. Then choose the number of cooking zones to suit the way you cook, and check that they will work with the pans you want to keep.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen fit | Measure the cut-out and check the built-in dimensions, power rating and connection instructions for the model. | I’m replacing a hob in an existing space and want to check whether a new size will fit. Around 28% of consumers prioritise finding a hob that fits their kitchen. |
| Cooking several things at once | Compare the number and layout of the cooking zones with the diameters of the pans you use together. | I prepare several parts of a meal at once and want enough room for my pans. Around 22% of consumers prioritise cooking several things simultaneously. |
| Keeping your cookware | Check the base of every pan, then identify any that you would need to replace if they are not compatible. | I want to keep my cookware and don’t want to find out after installation that some of it won’t work on induction. Around 22% of consumers prioritise keeping their existing cookware. |
| Large pans | Compare the shape and dimensions of the pan base with the flexible zone and the model’s instructions. | I use a fish kettle, griddle or another large pan and want to know whether it will fit on the designated zone. Around 17% of consumers prioritise finding a zone for large pans. |
| Another technology | Decide which features you want to keep, then check the installation requirements for your chosen alternative. | I want to keep gas burners or use non-ferromagnetic pans with an alternative hob. Around 11% of consumers prioritise keeping another cooking technology. |
A hob with an external width close to that of your old one won’t necessarily fit the existing cut-out.
Measure the opening and compare it with the installation diagram for the exact model. Check the power rating and connection instructions too. Legrand recommends following the manufacturer’s guidance for electrical installation.
Modifying the cut-out or installation may incur costs on top of the price of the hob. The amount will depend on your home and the work required.
A pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t work on an induction zone, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Test the base of each pan with a magnet and make a list of the cookware you rely on before choosing your hob.
If some of your cookware isn’t compatible, replacing it may add to the cost of changing your hob.
Combining two zones doesn’t guarantee that the resulting surface will suit the shape and size of your pan.
Compare the dimensions of your larger pans with the zone layout and the instructions for the model you’re considering.
The overall cost of changing your hob also depends on the cookware you keep and any changes needed to the installation.
Work out what needs replacing or checking before comparing induction, ceramic and mixed-fuel hobs.
Replacing non-compatible cookware and any work needed on your installation are separate costs to consider for your home.
The Bosch models mentioned here illustrate a range of sizes, from a two-zone domino hob to a four-zone ceramic hob.
The models mentioned include an induction hob with a Bridge function and a mixed induction and gas hob.
The WLS3160BF is an example of a four-zone induction hob with two zones that can be combined.
The products below are built-in induction hobs with three or four zones. Several models also feature a function that combines two zones.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for four zones and want to combine two of them for a suitable pan.
The product listing specifies a FlexiBridge function, a 4.8-inch colour TFT display and a power rating of 7.4 kW.
Professional installation with a suitable power supply is specified. The pans you use must have a ferromagnetic base.
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Worth a look if you want four zones and a Bridge zone for a compatible large pan.
The product listing specifies four zones, a Bridge function, an appliance width of 59.5 cm and a niche width of 56 to 56.2 cm.
The stated connection power is 7.36 kW. Check the connection options available for your installation.
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Worth considering if three zones suit the way you cook and the dimensions fit your cut-out.
The stated dimensions are 590 × 520 × 57 mm for the appliance and 560 × 490 mm for the built-in cut-out. The stated power rating is 7 200 W.
The product description specifies a dedicated circuit protected by a 32 A circuit breaker and installation by a qualified electrician. It also advises anyone with a pacemaker or similar medical device to consult their doctor and keep a safe distance.
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Worth a look if you want four zones and the built-in dimensions fit your worktop.
The product listing gives appliance dimensions of 590 × 520 × 60 mm and a cut-out size of 565 × 495 mm. It also specifies nine power levels and a power rating of 7 200 W.
The hob is listed as having no plug, with a hard-wired connection and installation by a qualified electrician. Pans must be induction-compatible, including having a base that attracts a magnet.
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Worth considering if you want four zones and the stated cut-out size suits your worktop.
The product listing gives appliance dimensions of 590 × 520 × 62 mm, a cut-out size of 560 × 490 mm and nine power levels.
A 32 A fuse is specified, with professional installation recommended for built-in models. Pans must have magnetic properties.
Test the base of each pan with a magnet: if it sticks, the base contains ferromagnetic metal. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t work on an induction zone. Also check that the base dimensions meet the model’s requirements.
Don’t assume so. For a built-in hob, Legrand specifies a connection to a cable outlet or a suitable socket on a dedicated circuit, depending on the model’s instructions. Guidance for a portable hob with a plug doesn’t mean the circuit in your home is suitable.
Compare the shape and dimensions of your pan’s base with the zone layout and the instructions for the model. The Electrolux LIV633 and Whirlpool WLS3160BF product listings both describe a function that combines two zones, but you should still check the dimensions the pan requires.
Yes. If you can’t confirm yourself that your installation is suitable, ask someone to check the connection requirements in the instructions against the specifications of your home. Legrand specifies a dedicated circuit and suitable protection for the hobs covered in its advice, but this isn’t a diagnosis of your installation.