Before choosing between an induction, hybrid or ceramic hob, check which cookware you want to keep, then compare your kitchen’s installation and dimensions with the instructions for the model you’re considering. Induction requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base. A hybrid hob lets you keep using gas, but you’ll need to check both connections. A ceramic hob is another electric option to consider if you’d rather not replace your cookware.
If you’re planning a new kitchen but don’t want to replace your usual pots and pans, check that they’re compatible before choosing induction. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this technology requires suitable cookware.
If you use several pans at the same time, a large frying pan or a long dish, compare the number and usable size of the cooking zones. Bosch describes joinable zones on some FlexInduction hobs; check that the model you’re considering has them.
Before ordering, measure the cut-out and check that your home’s electrical supply meets the requirements of the model. Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for the hob setup it covers.
Start with the factors that could rule out an option: suitable cookware for induction, whether you can connect a hybrid hob to the gas supply, and the installation requirements for each model. Then choose the number and layout of the cooking zones to suit the dishes you prepare.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Check that the pots and pans you plan to use on an induction hob have a ferromagnetic base. Identify any that you would need to replace. | I want to keep cooking with my usual cookware without finding out after installation that it won’t work on induction; around 29% of consumers would put keeping their cookware first. |
| Installation and fitting | Compare the available circuit, cut-out and clearances in your kitchen with the requirements for the model you’ve chosen. | When replacing a built-in hob, I need to know whether the model can be fitted and connected in my kitchen; feasibility would be the priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Cooking zones and large dishes | Count how many pans you use at the same time and compare their size with the cooking zones and any joinable zones. | To prepare several dishes at once or use a long pan, I need suitable zones; around 21% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Keeping gas | Decide whether you really want to keep gas burners and check the connections required for a hybrid hob. | I want to keep some of my gas-cooking habits while adding induction; this continuity would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
An induction zone needs suitable cookware to work. That means some of the items you use every week may no longer be suitable.
Take stock of your pots and pans before choosing a hob, then check which ones have a ferromagnetic base.
Depending on what you find, you may need to replace some cookware to keep preparing the same dishes.
A hob’s external width alone won’t tell you the size of the cut-out needed in your worktop or the clearances you’ll need to leave.
Measure the existing opening and compare it with the dimensioned drawing in the instructions for the exact model before ordering.
If the measurements don’t match, fitting the hob may require changes to the worktop.
A hob that combines induction with gas burners still requires you to check the connection requirements for the model and your home.
Make sure you’ll actually use the gas burners, then check the available electrical and gas connections before choosing this option.
Joining cooking zones is most useful when the size or shape of your cookware calls for it. Bosch describes this feature on some FlexInduction hobs, but it isn’t available on every model.
Consider the dimensions of your larger dishes and how many things you cook at once to decide whether this feature will be useful.
These examples show different configurations. The features mentioned apply to the ranges or models specified, not every hob from each brand.
Worth considering if you use long dishes or large frying pans and are looking at an induction hob with joinable zones.
Worth considering if you want to keep gas burners while also using an induction zone.
Worth comparing if you’re considering an electric ceramic hob rather than induction.
You can keep pans with a ferromagnetic base that’s suitable for induction, but don’t assume all your cookware will work. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires suitable pots and pans, so check the ones you use regularly before choosing a hob.
Check that your home’s electrical circuit meets the requirements of the hob you’ve chosen. For the setup it describes, Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit with a 32 A cable outlet in 6 mm² and a 32 A circuit breaker. Check the model’s instructions too, and ask a qualified professional to inspect the installation if it needs modifying.
Not necessarily: the advertised width alone doesn’t tell you the cut-out dimensions or the clearances required. Measure the opening and compare it with the fitting diagram for the exact model before buying.
It’s worth considering if you regularly use a long dish or a large frying pan. Bosch says some FlexInduction hobs combine two zones to create one rectangular zone. Compare its dimensions with your cookware, as this feature isn’t available on every model.
Not necessarily: it lets you keep using gas, but you’ll need to check the electrical and gas connections as well as the model’s installation instructions. The KDI641723K from Electrolux combines an induction zone with three gas burners; make sure this layout suits the way you cook and your kitchen.