To cook several large dishes, prioritise the space you can actually use: a 78 to 90 cm hob with one large flexible zone and another separate large zone will generally give you more room to manoeuvre than a 60 cm model that simply has four cooking zones. In a 60 cm cut-out, two Bridge zones may work well for long dishes or a griddle, provided you check the zone dimensions, shared power, booster limits and the cookware base diameter specified in the model’s manual.
If your pots and pans touch one another on a standard hob, first compare the specified dimensions of the cooking zones, their layout and the usable width of the hob, rather than looking only at the number of zones. Electrolux France’s specifications illustrate the differences between these formats.
A double Bridge zone may be worth considering for a casserole, griddle or long dish when the unit cannot be made wider. Check that the stated dimensions of 39.2 × 22 cm match the bases of your cookware, as indicated in the Electrolux France product information for the IPE6454KF.
A 78 or 90 cm hob, or even a modular layout, offers more flexibility when planning your kitchen. However, the cut-out dimensions, dedicated circuit and installation instructions must be checked before finalising the project.
Start by positioning your largest cookware on the dimensioned plan, then check the available power and the installation requirements of the model you are considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Usable cooking surface | Compare the width of the hob and cut-out with the layout of the cooking zones. Note the length and width of flexible zones, as well as the diameter of circular zones. | I want to simmer a large stockpot while using frying pans, without the rims or handles getting in the way. |
| Power when cooking simultaneously | Check the total power, power limitation setting and zone combination tables. Read the conditions for using PowerBoost. | I need to boil, sear or use the booster while other dishes are already heating. |
| Cookware compatibility | Measure the flat, ferromagnetic base rather than the top rim of the pan. Check the permitted diameter range in the manual for the exact model. | My pans must be detected correctly, whether they have small bases or I am using a large casserole. |
| Installation and connection | Check the H × W × D cut-out dimensions, required ventilation and electrical circuit. In France, Promotelec describes a hob as an appliance requiring a dedicated circuit. | I want to avoid choosing a format that is too wide for my unit or incompatible with the existing installation. |
Four zones can still be difficult to use with two large frying pans and a casserole if the circles are too close together. Conversely, two Bridge zones on a 60 cm hob may help with certain long dishes, but they will not provide the same lateral space as a wider hob.
Display the dimensioned plan to scale and position the base diameters of your largest cookware before placing your order.
A stated total power does not mean that every zone can operate at booster power simultaneously. Power limits or priorities between zones may apply depending on the model and installation.
Before buying, check the PowerBoost, Power Management, power limitation and zone combination sections in the manual.
The diameter given for cookware often refers to the top of the pan, which is wider than its base. With induction, it is the ferromagnetic base and the range accepted by the hob that matter.
Measure the flat, magnetic base of each item of cookware, then compare it with the information in the manual for your chosen hob.
A 78 cm hob does not use the same cut-out as a 60 cm model, and modules cannot be assumed to be compatible simply because they are placed next to one another. The hob’s connection also requires a suitable installation.
Note the cut-out dimensions, have the unit, ventilation and circuit checked by a qualified professional, then follow the installation instructions.
Depending on the configuration chosen, the worktop or electrical installation may need to be adapted.
Worth considering when comparing clearly specified layouts, including 60 cm DoubleBridge hobs, 78 cm FlexiBridge models and 90 cm models with five zones.
A brand to explore if you are looking for flexible zones for large pans and documentation covering power management.
Worth exploring for combiZone or flexInduction Plus functions, designed to combine or adapt zones to the shape of your cookware.
Joybuy option for a kitchen that can accommodate an 80 cm hob, with four individual zones and a Bridge function designed for large cookware or a griddle.
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Ideal for a kitchen where a Bridge function could be useful with a griddle or large item of cookware, while retaining four individually controlled zones.
Stated format: 80 cm, four zones, nine power levels and Booster function.
Check the dimensioned plan, the actual spacing between zones, compatible base diameters and the conditions for using the Booster when several zones are operating. The stated connection requires a two-phase 7.6 kW supply and professional installation; also check the cut-out and electrical compatibility.
Do not rely solely on the number of cooking zones. Download the dimensioned diagram and manual, then compare the overall width, flexible zones, circular zones and space between the positions with the base diameters of your pans. For example, Electrolux France specifies zones measuring 45.8 × 21.4 cm on a 78 cm model, 45.87 × 21.4 cm on a 90 cm model and 39.2 × 22 cm on a 60 cm DoubleBridge hob.
No. These functions indicate that a zone can be combined or adapted, but the dimensions that can actually be used and the permitted base diameters vary by model. Electrolux France recommends consulting the manual, as the diameter ranges differ from one appliance to another.
You should not assume so. A Bosch manual states that PowerBoost may depend on whether another zone is being used, while the total power limitation may be linked to the characteristics of the installation. Check the power-sharing rules between zones and the Power Management setting for the exact model.
The base must be ferromagnetic, meaning a magnet should stick to it. Electrolux France specifically lists cast iron, steel, enamelled steel, stainless steel and approved multi-layer bases. Also check that the base is flat and measure its diameter rather than the diameter of the top of the pan.
The hob should be treated as an appliance on a dedicated circuit. In the configuration it describes, Promotelec specifies a 32 A cable outlet using 6 mm² cable and a 32 A circuit breaker; Bosch states that a connection without a plug must be carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the installation instructions. Have the existing installation and the model’s manual checked before fitting the hob.