Who is this choice for?

Households looking to keep their cookware

You want to find out which saucepans and frying pans will work on a new hob before deciding what to keep.

Anyone replacing a built-in hob

You need to compare the electrical requirements, worktop cut-out and ventilation requirements of the model you’re considering with your existing installation.

Anyone who uses different cooking methods

You want to keep certain non-ferromagnetic cookware or a gas burner, and need to decide whether a ceramic or mixed hob is better suited to your needs.

What should you check?

Induction

Consider it if: the cookware you use most has a ferromagnetic base and your home can accommodate the hob you’ve chosen.

Bear in mind: incompatible pieces will need to be replaced or used on a different type of hob.

Ceramic

Consider it if: keeping cookware without a ferromagnetic base matters more to you than the way induction works.

Bear in mind: heat comes from a radiant or halogen element, rather than a magnetic field in the pan.

Mixed induction and gas

Consider it if: you want to use induction while keeping a gas burner for certain cookware or cooking needs.

Bear in mind: induction zones still require compatible cookware, and the gas connection must also be suitable for the model.

Criterion What to check Who is it for?
Keeping your pans Check whether a magnet sticks to the base of each pan you want to use on induction, then check the pan sizes accepted by the cooking zones. If I already cook with several saucepans and frying pans, I want to know which ones I can keep rather than replace everything. Around 36% of consumers may make this their priority.
Choosing a hob that suits your home Compare the model’s instructions with your electrical circuit, worktop cut-out dimensions and ventilation clearances. Have the installation checked if necessary. Before replacing my built-in hob, I need to make sure the model can be connected and fitted in my kitchen unit. This feasibility could be the priority for around 29% of consumers.
Keeping different cooking options Identify any essential non-ferromagnetic cookware and decide whether you’d prefer a ceramic hob or a gas burner on a mixed hob. I want to keep cookware I can’t use on a purely induction hob, or continue cooking with gas. Around 21% of consumers may prioritise this versatility.
Fitting larger cookware Compare the dimensions of your pans with the sizes accepted by each cooking zone and, if needed, the model’s combinable zones. I want zones that suit my large pans or several saucepans, without assuming that a flexible zone will make incompatible bases suitable. This could be the top criterion for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming all stainless-steel cookware works on induction

    The material of the base matters more than the name of the material alone. A pan may also be too small for the cooking zone you want to use.

    Hold a magnet against the base of each pan you rely on and check the sizes accepted in the hob’s instructions.

    You may need to replace any cookware that isn’t suitable.

  • Relying on the hob’s external dimensions

    The visible size of the hob doesn’t necessarily match the cut-out required in your worktop.

    Measure the existing cut-out and compare it with the model’s fitting dimensions and specified ventilation clearances.

    If the cut-out isn’t suitable, you may need to modify the worktop or choose another model.

  • Reusing the old connection without checking it

    An induction hob must be connected to a circuit that can handle its power requirements. An existing connection alone doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable.

    Before choosing a model, have the circuit, its protection and the connection requirements in the instructions checked.

    If the circuit isn’t suitable, work on the installation may be needed.

  • Assuming a flexible zone will make a pan compatible

    A combinable zone can accommodate some larger pans, but the base must still be suitable for induction.

    Check the magnetic compatibility of your cookware separately from the dimensions accepted by the flexible zone.

Leading brands to consider

Electrolux

Electrolux’s IXE6453KF model combines four cooking zones with a Bridge function that joins two zones together.

  • The IXE6453KF product details list the fitting dimensions, which you can compare with your existing cut-out.
  • The Bridge function won’t make cookware without an induction-compatible base suitable for induction.

Siemens

Siemens describes flexInduction Plus as a function that detects the size of your cookware and combines zones when needed.

  • This function is worth considering if you use large pans and are looking at a model that includes it.
  • Check the fitting dimensions and compatible cookware for the exact model. A flexible zone doesn’t remove the need for induction-compatible cookware.

Bosch

If you’re looking to replace a few pieces rather than your entire cookware collection, check the compatibility details for each Bosch item you’re considering.

  • Checking items individually helps you choose the cookware you need for the way you cook.
  • Induction compatibility doesn’t guarantee that the base diameter will suit every cooking zone on your hob.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check my pans before switching to induction?

Hold a magnet against the base of each saucepan or frying pan. If it sticks, the base should be suitable for induction. Also check the cookware’s compatibility information, make sure the base is flat and check which pan sizes are accepted by the hob you’re considering.

Do I need to replace all my aluminium or copper cookware?

Not just because of the material: check the base of each piece, as its composition may differ. To use cookware on induction, confirm its compatibility using the manufacturer’s information and the magnet test. If it isn’t compatible, you may want to consider a different type of hob.

What should I check about the electrical circuit before buying an induction hob?

Ask an electrician to compare the model’s power requirements and connection instructions with the circuit that will supply the hob. Legrand says an induction hob needs a dedicated circuit with suitable protection. Ask a professional to confirm your installation’s specifications rather than relying on the connection for your old hob.

Does a new built-in hob simply need to fit the existing space?

No. Compare the actual cut-out with the model’s fitting dimensions and follow the ventilation clearances in its instructions. Que Choisir notes in particular that an induction hob needs sufficient ventilation underneath or at the back of the appliance.