If you want to keep your pots and pans, check them before choosing an induction hob: their bases must be magnetic, suitable for the cooking zone and compatible with the model’s specifications. Ceramic hobs do not have the same magnetic requirement as induction, but you should still check that your cookware is suitable. Whichever technology you’re considering, compare the cookware you may need to replace with the installation and power requirements of the specific hob.
If you’re replacing your hob but don’t want to replace all your pots and pans, start by identifying the pieces you use most often. According to UFC-Que Choisir, induction requires suitable cookware, so taking stock could help you decide which type of hob to choose.
If your cookware includes a mix of different pans, you’ll need to check each one individually. Electrolux France recommends testing the base with a magnet, but this shouldn’t be the only check you make.
If your worktop already has a cut-out, check the dimensions of the appliance and the space it needs, then check the power supply requirements in the manual. A marketed width of 60 cm doesn’t guarantee that a new model will fit the existing cut-out.
Choose in two stages: first, identify the cookware you want to keep, then check the hob you’re considering against your kitchen and its installation instructions.
Worth considering: if your key pans have magnetic bases that suit the hob’s zones, or if you’re happy to replace any that aren’t compatible.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, unsuitable cookware won’t work on induction. You should also check that the base and pan diameter meet the model’s requirements.
Worth considering: if keeping non-magnetic cookware matters more to you than switching to induction.
Bear in mind: although there’s no magnetic requirement, you should still check which pans are suitable and what installation requirements apply to your chosen model.
Worth considering: if you genuinely want to combine two technologies and can confirm the installation requirements for your chosen model.
Bear in mind: any induction zones will still need suitable cookware. Having another type of zone doesn’t make all your pans compatible with every zone.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | For induction, check whether a magnet sticks to the underside of each pan. Then check that the base is flat and that the diameter is suitable according to the hob manual, as recommended by Electrolux France. | I want to keep using the pots and pans I regularly cook with, without finding out after installation that they aren’t recognised by the hob. |
| Pans to replace | List the pans that aren’t compatible with your chosen technology, then identify which ones you genuinely need. If buying a new pan for induction, check that it’s specifically labelled as compatible. | Rather than replacing all my cookware, I’d prefer to identify the few essential pieces that might need replacing. |
| Cut-out and power supply | Compare the existing cut-out with the dimensions in the manual for the exact model. Also check its power, electrical supply, ventilation and clearance requirements. If necessary, ask a professional to confirm the connection. | My new hob needs to fit into my existing kitchen, not just have the same marketed width as the old one. |
A magnetic base is essential for induction, but the magnet test doesn’t confirm that its shape or diameter is suitable for each zone.
Test the pans you use most, measure their bases and compare them with the manual for the model you’re considering. Electrolux France also recommends using pans with bases that are as flat as possible.
A pan with a magnetic base may still need replacing if it isn’t suitable for the zone you plan to use.
Choosing induction without checking your cookware could leave you without pans you use every day.
Make a note of any pots and pans that aren’t compatible, then focus on the types of cookware you actually need. There’s no need to plan to replace everything straight away.
The appliance dimensions and the cut-out dimensions aren’t the same. Power, electrical supply and clearance requirements also vary from model to model.
Measure the existing space and check the installation instructions for your chosen model before ordering. Ask a professional to confirm whether any work or electrical connection is needed.
An unsuitable cut-out or power supply may mean changes to your existing installation.
These examples show what to check for a specific model; they don’t represent every hob from each brand.
The PKF611BB8E is an example of a ceramic hob to compare with your existing cut-out. Bosch also notes that induction requires cookware containing magnetic metal.
Electrolux France’s advice can help you check cookware for induction, while you should refer to the specifications for your chosen hob for installation details.
The WSQ2160NE is an example of an induction hob whose cut-out requirements should be compared with your existing kitchen.
These ceramic and induction hobs are options for replacing a built-in hob. Ceramic hobs don’t have induction’s magnetic requirement, but check your cookware, the cut-out and the power supply for each model before choosing.
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This ceramic hob may let you keep using non-magnetic pans, subject to the model’s instructions for use. Before replacing a built-in hob, compare the cut-out dimensions and power supply requirements with the manual.
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A ceramic hob means you don’t have to rule out a pan just because its base isn’t magnetic. This built-in hob has touch controls and a residual heat indicator. Check the model documentation for its total power before asking a professional to confirm the connection.
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Consider this induction hob if the cookware you want to keep meets the base and diameter requirements in its manual. Also check the cut-out dimensions and power supply configuration against your existing installation.
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This model’s product name specifies four zones and nine power levels. To keep using your pots and pans on induction, check that their bases are magnetic and that their diameters are suitable. Also refer to the manual for cut-out, connection and ventilation requirements.
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This built-in hob includes features such as a Boost function and a timer. It’s only suitable if the cookware you want to keep works with induction and the model’s zones. Ask a professional to confirm the connection requirements in the manual.
Hold a magnet against the underside of each pan. If it sticks, the base meets the magnetic requirement for induction described by Electrolux France. Then check that it’s flat and that its diameter falls within the limits in the manual for the hob you’re considering. The magnet test alone can’t confirm that every zone will recognise the pan.
No, not if the pans you want to keep are compatible with your chosen hob. First, take stock of your pots and pans, then focus only on the types of unsuitable cookware you actually use.
Compare the existing cut-out with the installation dimensions specified for the exact model, then check its power, electrical supply and clearance requirements in the manual. Manufacturers’ specifications, including those from Bosch and Whirlpool France, relate to specific models and aren’t interchangeable.
Not on every zone: an induction zone still requires induction-compatible cookware. For any other type of zone, check the suitable cookware and installation requirements in the manual for the mixed hob you’re considering. Ask a professional to assess any electrical connection requirements.