To check whether your current pans will work on an induction hob, hold a magnet against the underside of each base, then check the instruction manual for the diameter accepted by each cooking zone. UFC-Que Choisir and Electrolux advise that pans need a suitable ferromagnetic base. If any essential pans are incompatible, compare the cost of replacing just those items with choosing a radiant hob or, if your gas connection is suitable, a dual-fuel gas and induction hob. Also have the electrical connection checked for any built-in hob you are considering.
You’re replacing a hob and want to keep using your usual frying pans, saucepans or casserole dishes. UFC-Que Choisir and Electrolux point out that the base must be suitable for induction and for the cooking zone you choose.
You’re considering a built-in hob and need to compare the specifications of your existing circuit with the connection requirements in the manual. Legrand sets out what to check for a single-phase installation.
You cook with pans of different sizes and need to choose the number and layout of cooking zones to suit the way you cook several dishes at once.
Start by testing the pans you use most often, then compare the cooking zones and replacement options according to which items you want to keep.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Check whether a magnet sticks to the underside of each pan and whether its diameter is suitable for the cooking zone. | I want to keep my usual pans, so I’ll check each base and the diameter accepted by the zone. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise keeping their existing cookware. |
| Electrical connection | Compare the wiring diagram in the manual with the specifications of your existing circuit; if in doubt, ask for it to be checked. | Before buying a built-in hob, I want to know whether my existing circuit is suitable and what adaptations may be needed. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise the connection requirements. |
| Total cost | Make a list of the essential pans you need to replace and allow for an installation check if necessary. | I want to compare the cost of the hob with only the essential pans that need replacing and any potential installation work. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Number and layout of cooking zones | Compare how many dishes you cook at once and how the different technologies are arranged; check which pan sizes the zones accept. | When I’m cooking several dishes at once, I want the cooking zones to suit the pans I’ll use together. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise cooking several dishes at once. |
A ceramic glass surface can cover either an induction hob or radiant cooking zones, so the surface material alone doesn’t tell you how the hob heats your pans.
Check the stated technology and the layout of the cooking zones before comparing hobs.
A pan base that attracts a magnet may still be too small for a particular cooking zone.
Compare the base diameter with the dimensions accepted in the manual for the hob you’re considering.
A dual-fuel gas and induction hob has zones that use both technologies. A pan that isn’t induction-compatible won’t work on an induction zone.
Check the number and position of each type of zone, as well as the connection requirements.
Your choice may also depend on which pans need replacing and whether your installation is compatible with the hob you choose.
List the cookware you can’t do without and check the connection before comparing your options.
This selection includes a radiant hob, an induction hob and induction-compatible cookware for targeted replacements. Check that your pans are compatible and review the installation requirements for the hob you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer to look at a radiant hob rather than induction cooking.
Four zones; the product description says it must be hardwired by a qualified electrician. Check the connection requirements before installation.
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Consider this if your cookware is induction-compatible and you’d like to cook using several zones.
Four zones; check that your cookware is compatible and review the connection requirements before installation.
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This wok could be a good targeted replacement if you’re looking for cookware that works with induction.
304 stainless steel, tri-ply construction and a glass lid.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a frying pan and want one described as induction-compatible.
The product description recommends hand washing and advises against metal utensils and abrasive cleaners to protect the coating.
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This stockpot could be a targeted replacement if you’re looking for cookware for an induction hob.
304 stainless steel, 4.3 L capacity and a glass lid.
Hold a magnet against the underside: if it sticks, that’s an initial indication that the pan may be suitable for induction, according to Electrolux. Also check that the base is flat and its diameter is suitable for the cooking zone specified in the manual.
Don’t assume it’s compatible just because there’s an existing connection. For a single-phase induction hob, Legrand specifies a dedicated circuit, 6 mm² conductors, protection up to 32 A and a 30 mA Type A RCD. Have the actual circuit checked against the hob’s power requirements and the wiring diagram in the manual.
No. Check your pans one by one. Consider replacing only the essential items that aren’t compatible or whose bases aren’t suitable for the cooking zones you choose.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. It covers incorrect installation where this was included in the contract and was the seller’s responsibility. Keep all documents relating to the sale and installation.
Replacing a hob alone doesn’t mean that the entire electrical installation needs to be brought up to new-build standards. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition distinguishes between the rules for existing homes and those for new builds. However, do have the safety and suitability of the circuit affected by the replacement checked.