Households looking to keep their cookware
If your pots and pans are still in good condition, check the base of each one before choosing an induction hob. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this technology requires compatible cookware.
Which option is right for you?
People who cook often
If fast heating and energy use while cooking matter to you, consider induction. Just remember to check that your cookware and electrical installation are compatible.
Households looking to keep gas
A mixed hob gives you the option of induction zones alongside a gas burner. Before choosing one, have a professional check that your home’s gas installation and ventilation are suitable.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the cookware you actually use, then check the installation requirements for the hob. If you’re considering a mixed hob, check the gas requirements too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your cookware | Look for the induction symbol or test the base of each pan with a magnet, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends. Make a list of the cookware you want to keep. | If my pans still work, I’d rather keep them when I change my hob. Keeping existing cookware is the priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Heating and energy use | Compare how the hobs you’re considering heat up, and have the electrical circuit checked to make sure it’s suitable for your chosen model. | I cook often, so I want responsive heating while keeping an eye on energy use. Speed and energy consumption come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Induction and gas | Decide which pans you’d use on each burner, and have the gas installation and your home’s ventilation checked. | I want to keep a gas burner for some pans and use induction with the others. This flexibility is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid when replacing your hob
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Assuming all stainless steel cookware works on induction
The material name alone doesn’t tell you whether a pan is compatible. Its base must attract a magnet for it to work on an induction hob, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Test the pots and pans you use regularly before choosing a hob.
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Choosing a mixed hob without a specific use for gas
Keeping a gas burner means considering the gas installation and ventilation, not just your cookware.
Decide what you’d cook on gas, then ask a suitably qualified professional to confirm that your home is suitable for the hob you’re considering.
Brands to consider
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Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether my pans work on an induction hob?
Look for the induction symbol or place a magnet against the base of each pan. If it sticks, the base contains the magnetic material needed, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Don’t rely on the word ‘stainless steel’ alone: some stainless steel cookware isn’t magnetic.
Can a ceramic hob be used with non-magnetic cookware?
Ceramic hobs with radiant or halogen zones don’t rely on the magnetic field required by induction. They’re therefore worth considering if you want to keep non-magnetic cookware. Be sure to check the instructions for cookware in the manual for your chosen hob, too.
Should I have my electrical installation checked before buying a hob?
Yes. Have an expert check that your home’s power supply is suitable for the electric hob you’re considering. Promotelec explains that a dedicated circuit supplies a specific appliance. A professional can assess your installation and chosen model, so you don’t have to judge compatibility based on the existing socket alone.
Is a mixed induction and gas hob always more practical?
No. It’s mainly suited to people who have a practical need to use both induction and gas. Before choosing one, have a professional confirm that your home’s gas installation and ventilation are suitable. The ministries responsible for ecological transition remind consumers that gas appliances and installations carry risks and are subject to safety regulations.