Households wanting to keep their pans
You’re replacing your hob and want to check which pans will work with induction before choosing a technology. Que Choisir Ensemble and Electrolux Support France explain that the base needs to be ferromagnetic.
Who is this choice for?
Households wanting to keep a gas burner
You’re considering a hob that combines induction and gas so you can keep a gas burner, provided your kitchen layout allows this type of installation. Smeg France offers mixed-fuel hobs that combine these two technologies.
Households replacing a built-in hob
You’ll need to compare the cut-out, worktop and existing power supply with the requirements of the new model. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between the dimensions of the built-in cut-out and those of the visible hob.
What to check
Induction hob
Choose this if: the pans you want to use have ferromagnetic bases, or you’re happy to replace those that aren’t suitable. Que Choisir Ensemble and Electrolux Support France describe this compatibility requirement.
Keep in mind: incompatible pans won’t activate the cooking zone. Also check the built-in dimensions and connection requirements for the exact model.
Mixed-fuel induction and gas hob
Choose this if: you want to keep a gas burner for some pans and use induction with compatible pans, provided your kitchen’s supply and installation allow it.
Keep in mind: the cooking zones are split between two technologies. Check how many there are and the rules that apply to gas installations. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition points out that gas appliances and installations must meet safety requirements.
Ceramic hob
Choose this if: you want to keep pans that aren’t suitable for induction, without keeping a gas burner.
Keep in mind: check the features and installation requirements for the model you choose. A glass-ceramic surface alone doesn’t mean that the hob uses induction.
If you’re replacing a hob in France, the checks below will help you weigh up the pans you want to keep, installation requirements and the total cost of the change. Que Choisir Ensemble and Electrolux Support France state that induction requires a ferromagnetic base, so a pan’s metallic appearance alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is most affected? |
|---|---|---|
| Pan compatibility | Test the base of each pan with a magnet and compare its diameter with the cooking zones you’re considering. | If I want to keep my usual saucepans and frying pans, I’ll check their bases before choosing induction. Around 33% of consumers concerned put this compatibility first. |
| Installation and connection | Measure the cut-out and worktop thickness, then compare them with the specifications and instructions for the exact model. | When I replace a built-in hob, I want to avoid it being incompatible with the existing space or power supply. Around 27% of consumers concerned prioritise installation requirements. |
| Keeping gas | Check the number of cooking zones for each technology, along with the gas connection and installation requirements. | If I want to keep cooking with gas for some purposes, I’ll check that the mixed-fuel hob and installation are suitable. Around 20% of consumers concerned make keeping a gas burner a priority. |
| Total cost of the change | Identify any incompatible pans you genuinely need and, if necessary, request an installation quote. | To manage the cost of replacing my hob, I’ll factor in the hob itself, any pans I need to replace and possible installation costs. Around 20% of consumers concerned put the overall cost first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging pans by their metallic appearance alone
For induction, what matters is whether the base is ferromagnetic. A pan with an unsuitable base won’t activate the cooking zone.
Test the base of each pan you want to keep with a magnet, and note which ones you rely on before choosing a technology.
If you choose an induction-only hob, you may need to replace incompatible pans that you use regularly.
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Confusing the stated width with the built-in dimensions
The visible width of the hob isn’t enough to confirm that it will fit the existing cut-out or worktop thickness, or that the connection is suitable.
Measure the space and worktop, then compare each measurement with the specifications and instructions for the exact model.
An unsuitable cut-out or power supply may need adapting before installation.
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Assuming a mixed-fuel hob solves pan compatibility on its own
Only the gas burners avoid the ferromagnetic-base requirement. A mixed-fuel hob also comes with specific connection and installation checks.
Check how the cooking zones are arranged and have the connections assessed for the work involved, especially if the gas installation needs modifying.
Depending on your kitchen layout and the work required, installation may involve checking both the electricity and gas supplies.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The PIJ611BB5E induction hob and PKF611BB8E ceramic hob are two examples of built-in replacement options.
- The specifications for both models give the built-in dimensions, connection power and connection requirements for each specific model.
- These details alone aren’t enough to confirm compatibility with your installation or to describe the entire Bosch range.
Smeg
Smeg France offers mixed-fuel gas and induction hobs for households wanting to keep cooking with gas.
- The range includes different widths and built-in configurations, which you can compare with your existing cut-out.
- The PM6743R is listed as ‘end of range’. Don’t assume a model is available based solely on its appearance in the range.
Electrolux
Electrolux France’s information covers mixed-fuel and ceramic hobs, as well as pan compatibility with induction.
- Electrolux Support France explains how to test pans with a magnet and recommends using bases that are as flat as possible. The EHF65451FK specifications describe a ceramic hob with four zones.
- This information relates to the specific models and documents mentioned; it doesn’t define the cooking zones or installation requirements for the entire range.
Induction hobs on Joybuy
Consider these built-in induction hobs if the pans you want to keep have ferromagnetic bases and the dimensions and connection requirements suit your kitchen.
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AEG IKS64453IB, 60 cm built-in induction hob, 4 zones with Bridge function
Worth considering if the pans you want to use on induction have ferromagnetic bases and you’d like to combine two FlexiBridge zones.
Four zones; two combinable FlexiBridge zones.
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Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6, 60 cm induction hob
Worth considering if your pans are suitable for induction and you’d like to combine two zones to fit a larger pan.
Four zones; one Bridge zone.
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IsEasy, 4-zone, 60 cm built-in induction hob
Worth considering if the pans you’re keeping are suitable for induction and the cut-out dimensions fit your kitchen.
Four zones; 6 800 W; 9 power levels; timer from 1 to 99 min; Boost function.
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Samsung NZ63M3707AK, 3-zone induction hob
Worth considering if the pans you want to use are suitable for induction and your installation meets the stated connection requirements.
Three zones; 7 200 W. Must be hardwired to a dedicated 32 A circuit by a qualified electrician.
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AEG IBS64200CB, semi-flush Bi-Phase (Perilex) induction hob, 59 cm
Worth considering if your pans are suitable for induction and your kitchen meets the installation requirements for this model.
This model isn’t suitable for flush installation or for fitting above a dishwasher or freezer.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check my pans before ordering an induction hob?
Try a magnet on the base of each pan you want to keep: if it sticks, that’s a useful first check for compatibility. Then compare the bases and dimensions of your pans with the recommendations for the hob’s cooking zones. Electrolux Support France recommends using bases that are as flat as possible.
Can a hob listed as 60 cm replace any 60 cm hob?
No, because the external width doesn’t tell you the dimensions of the cut-out. For the Bosch PIJ611BB5E, Bosch Electroménager France specifies a cut-out of 51 × 560–560 × 490–500 mm, a worktop at least 16 mm thick and a hardwired connection. Compare the specifications and instructions for the model you choose with your kitchen, and have the connection checked.
Do I need to replace all my cookware to switch to induction?
No. Start by identifying any pans with unsuitable bases that you genuinely need to use on the induction zones. What you need to replace depends on your cookware and the technology you choose, so test each pan before deciding.
Does a mixed-fuel hob always require a gas safety certificate?
Not simply because it’s a mixed-fuel hob. Article 21 of the Order of 23 February 2018 requires a certificate for a new gas installation or a modification within its scope, with some exceptions, including certain minor modifications. Whether it applies depends on the planned work, so have this checked before installation.