If you’re fitting a new hob or replacing an existing one, first check that your pans are suitable for induction. Then compare the worktop cut-out and the connection requirements with the model you’re considering. A two-zone hob suits a smaller space and cooks who rarely use several pans at once. Three or four zones are a better fit if you often cook with multiple pans, while a flexible zone is worth considering if you use large cookware. A mixed hob combines induction and gas on the same surface, provided your home’s installation can accommodate both.
Measure the opening and check the cupboard beneath the hob before choosing a new size. UFC-Que Choisir cites 56 × 49 cm as a common cut-out size, but compact and larger hobs may require different dimensions.
If you often use saucepans and frying pans on the hob at the same time, compare both the number and layout of the zones. Four zones alone don’t guarantee that all your pans will fit side by side.
If you use an oval casserole, fish kettle or griddle, check the usable surface and how the cookware can be positioned on the flexible zone. The specifications given by Electrolux and Whirlpool apply to their respective models, not to every hob with a flexible-zone function.
Start with the cookware you want to keep, then consider how you cook and how much space you have. Before ordering a built-in hob, compare its installation instructions with your cut-out and have the planned connection checked against your home’s installation.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Test the base of the pans you want to keep with a magnet, and check which sizes the hob can accommodate. | If I want to keep my current pans, I need to know which ones will work on induction zones. Around 31% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Zones and space | Count the pans you use at the same time, then compare the layout of the zones and the required installation dimensions. | When I cook several parts of a meal at once, two zones may limit how I organise things. Around 31% of consumers put cooking capacity ahead of other criteria. |
| Large cookware | Compare the base of your largest pans with the usable surface of the flexible zone and the model’s positioning guidelines. | If I use a griddle or an elongated casserole, I look for a zone suited to its shape rather than simply counting the zones. Large cookware is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Induction and gas | Check the space required, whether your cookware is suitable for the induction side and whether a gas installation is possible. | If I want to keep gas burners while using induction, I need to be able to install both technologies in my kitchen. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
The visible width doesn’t tell you the cut-out dimensions. UFC-Que Choisir notes that these vary depending on the hob format, among other factors; some worktop materials can also be difficult to cut.
Measure the existing opening and compare it with the model’s installation diagram, remembering to allow for the space needed in the cupboard.
An unsuitable cut-out may mean work on the worktop is needed, or even that it has to be replaced.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t activate an induction zone.
Test the frying pans and saucepans you plan to keep before deciding which zones and pan sizes will suit you.
Usable dimensions and the way zones can be combined depend on the model. For example, Electrolux gives the dimensions of the zone on its EIV64453 as 45,8 × 21,4 cm.
Measure the base of your largest pan and check the instructions to see how it should be positioned on the zone you choose.
Power ratings and connection requirements vary by hob and installation. Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for a hob in new-build or fully renovated installations; this isn’t enough to assess an existing home without an inspection.
Before buying, ask a qualified professional to confirm that the model is compatible with your kitchen’s installation.
These ranges and models give you an idea of the configurations available. The features mentioned don’t automatically apply to every hob from a given brand.
Bosch offers, among other options, a compact two-zone hob and models with FlexInduction.
The range includes multi-zone hobs, with zones that can be linked on some models.
Some Whirlpool models combine several zones with a function that lets you link two of them.
Smeg offers mixed hobs that combine induction and gas.
These two hobs suit different needs: a built-in four-zone hob for cooking with several pans, and a two-zone hob described as portable for a compact cooking space. The latter isn’t a direct replacement for a built-in hob.
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Worth considering if you’d like four zones for cooking several dishes at once on a built-in hob.
The product name lists a child lock, Boost function, touch controls, residual heat indicator and timer.
Before replacing a hob, compare the existing cut-out with the instructions and have the electrical connection checked for compatibility.
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Worth considering if you want to cook on two zones in a small space and a portable hob suits your needs.
This model is described as portable, so it isn’t a direct replacement for a hob fitted into a worktop. Before buying, check the cookware it’s designed for, the operating requirements, the connection and the type of plug.
Check that their base is ferromagnetic: a magnet sticking to the base is a useful first test. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a pan without a ferromagnetic base won’t activate the hob. Also check the sizes of pans the model you’re considering can accommodate.
No. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as a common cut-out size, but some formats require different measurements. Compare your opening with the installation diagram for the exact model, not just its external dimensions.
Yes. The model’s power rating and connection requirements must be compatible with your home’s installation. Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for a hob in new-build or fully renovated installations. If you’re replacing a hob in an existing kitchen, ask a qualified professional to assess the situation before you order.
Not necessarily: the usable surface and positioning guidelines depend on the model. Electrolux France gives the flexible zone on the EIV64453 as 45,8 × 21,4 cm. Measure the base of your pan and check the instructions for the hob you’re considering.