You can keep your saucepans and frying pans when switching to induction, as long as their bases are compatible. Check the cookware you actually use before choosing a hob. Standard round zones may suit your everyday meals, while an extendable or flexible zone is worth considering if you often use large pans. Also make sure the model and its installation are suitable for your home’s electrical circuit.
If you’re replacing your hob but don’t want to replace all your saucepans, start by checking the base of the pans you use most often. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires compatible cookware and suggests testing it with a magnet.
If you often cook several dishes at the same time, compare the size of your frying pans and saucepans with the number and layout of the cooking zones. The number of zones alone doesn’t tell you how well they’ll suit the way you usually cook.
If you regularly cook with a griddle, oval casserole dish or rectangular pan, look at the zones designed for these shapes. How they work depends on the model: Electrolux, for example, describes a Bridge function that combines two zones.
To choose between standard cooking zones and flexible zones, start with the pans you use for your meals, then check the hob you’re considering against your home’s installation. If essential cookware isn’t compatible with induction, or the installation requirements can’t be confirmed, consider a different type of hob separately.
Consider this if: your everyday cookware is compatible and you mainly use round pans.
Keep in mind: a large rectangular pan may not fit the layout of round cooking zones.
Consider this if: you often use large pans or long dishes when cooking.
Keep in mind: the available function and compatible pan sizes vary by model; it won’t make non-magnetic cookware compatible.
Consider this if: you need to keep essential cookware that isn’t compatible with induction, or the installation requirements can’t be confirmed.
Keep in mind: this option needs to be assessed separately, taking your cooking habits and installation requirements into account; it isn’t automatically the better choice.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Existing cookware | Check for an induction symbol or test the base of each important pan with a magnet. | If I can keep using my usual saucepans, I’d rather replace only the incompatible ones; around 38% of shoppers would prioritise keeping their cookware. |
| Cooking with several pans | Compare the number and diameter of the cooking zones with the pans you use at the same time. | When I prepare several parts of a meal at once, I need enough space for my pans; around 23% of shoppers would prioritise this for everyday cooking. |
| Large pans | Measure your unusual pans and check the manual for the dimensions and positioning allowed on flexible zones. | I often use a griddle or oval casserole dish, so I want to know where I can place it; around 23% of shoppers would put this first. |
| Installation | Ask a qualified professional to compare the existing circuit and worktop cut-out with the model’s instructions. | Before choosing a hob, I need to know whether it can be installed in my home; installation compatibility would be the priority for around 16% of shoppers. |
The appearance of the metal isn’t enough to tell you: UFC-Que Choisir says that a magnet test can help identify a suitable base. Non-magnetic stainless steel cookware isn’t compatible.
Check the symbol or test the base of every saucepan, frying pan and casserole dish you want to keep.
A large round frying pan and a rectangular griddle need different positioning. Electrolux describes a Bridge function that combines two zones, but you’ll need to check how it works on the hob you’re considering.
Measure your unusual pans and check the manual to see which zones can be combined and what sizes are suitable.
Promotelec says that a hob must be connected to a dedicated circuit. Check the power requirements and installation instructions for the model you’re considering, regardless of how many cooking zones it has.
Before choosing a model, ask a qualified professional to compare the existing connection with the instructions.
Depending on your existing installation, an assessment or modifications may be needed before fitting the hob.
Check for an induction symbol or hold a magnet against the base: UFC-Que Choisir says that a base which attracts a magnet passes this test. Check each pan you plan to use, as not all stainless steel cookware is magnetic.
Yes. Before buying, compare the model’s instructions and power requirements with your home’s dedicated circuit. Promotelec describes this type of circuit for hobs; ask a qualified professional to confirm your actual setup and whether any connection work is needed.
It’s worth considering if you regularly use large pans or long dishes. Electrolux describes a Bridge function that combines two zones; check the manual for the model you’re considering to confirm the sizes it can accommodate and how to position your cookware.