If the pans you use most often are induction-compatible, or you’re happy to replace those that aren’t, an induction hob is worth considering. If you want to keep non-ferromagnetic cookware, a ceramic hob may be a better option. A mixed gas and induction hob lets you use both energy sources, provided you have the gas installation checked. In every case, check that the cut-out and connection requirements for your chosen model suit your kitchen before you buy.
If you use cookware made from different materials, check the base of each piece before deciding what to keep. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires compatible cookware. This check can help you decide between switching to induction and replacing selected pans, or choosing a different technology.
Replacing your hob is a good opportunity to consider induction, but checking your pans is only one part of the process. You should also check the worktop cut-out and have your home’s electrical supply inspected.
A mixed hob lets you have gas and induction cooking zones on the same appliance. You’ll still need to check that your cookware is suitable for induction, as well as having the gas installation and fitting requirements checked.
Start with the cookware you actually use, then check whether each technology works with the installation options in your kitchen.
Worth considering: if your usual pans are compatible, or you plan to replace those that aren’t.
What to bear in mind: every pan used on an induction zone needs a suitable ferromagnetic base.
Worth considering: if keeping non-ferromagnetic cookware matters more to you than switching to induction.
What to bear in mind: check the instructions for the cookware and residual heat for the model you choose.
Worth considering: if you genuinely plan to cook using both types of zone.
What to bear in mind: induction zones still require compatible cookware, while the gas side needs a separate check of the installation.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Test the base of pans intended for induction with a magnet, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir. Also check the hob instructions for the base diameters it accepts. | I want to know which pans I can keep using and which I might need to replace. |
| Fitting | Measure the existing cut-out and the space available beneath the worktop. Compare them with the installation dimensions for the exact model, rather than relying on its stated width alone. | The new hob needs to fit in my kitchen. I shouldn’t assume that the same stated width means the cut-out will be the same. |
| Electrical supply | Have the circuit intended for the hob and the connection required by the model checked. Promotelec describes a dedicated cooking circuit: the power rating shown on a product page doesn’t, by itself, confirm that your home’s installation is suitable. | Before I order, I want to know whether my existing electrical installation is suitable for the hob I’m considering. |
| Cooking zones and use | Compare the number, size and layout of the zones with the pans you usually use. Check the controls and residual heat indicator for each model. | I sometimes use several pans or a large pot, so the layout needs to suit the way I cook. |
| Gas option | On a mixed hob, distinguish between the gas and induction zones and the cookware each requires. Have the gas installation, ventilation and fitting requirements for your home and the appliance checked. | I want to keep using gas for some cooking, not just avoid replacing a few pans. |
Compatibility depends on the base of the pan, not simply on whether it’s labelled ‘stainless steel’. A non-ferromagnetic base isn’t suitable for induction cooking.
Test every pan and frying pan you use regularly with a magnet, then check the manufacturer’s guidance.
If the cut-out doesn’t match, you may need to adapt the worktop.
A hob’s power rating doesn’t tell you what type of circuit your home has. Promotelec distinguishes between a dedicated cooking circuit and standard kitchen sockets.
Have a qualified professional check the circuit and connection requirements before choosing a model.
A gas and induction hob gives you the option of cooking with gas, but its induction zones still require compatible cookware.
Check that you’ll use both types of zone, and have the gas installation and fitting requirements inspected.
These range examples can help you identify different configurations. Features vary by model, and they don’t necessarily reflect the products shown below.
Bosch’s induction range includes built-in hobs, with flexible zones available on some models.
Electrolux offers ceramic hobs and a mixed range combining gas and induction.
Whirlpool’s induction range includes models with three cooking zones.
The hobs featured here include ceramic models to consider if you want to keep cookware that isn’t compatible with induction, followed by induction models to consider once you’ve checked or replaced your cookware. This product selection doesn’t include a mixed gas and induction hob.
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This ceramic hob is worth considering if you want to keep cookware that isn’t compatible with induction. Before you buy, compare its installation dimensions and connection requirements with those of your kitchen.
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This ceramic hob has four zones, touch controls and a residual heat indicator, as stated in its product title. Confirm the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements, and ask for the total power rating before you buy.
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This built-in hob includes a Bridge function, as stated in its product title. Only choose it after checking that your cookware is suitable for induction. Ask for the cut-out dimensions for the exact model and have your electrical circuit checked.
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This induction hob requires pans with a compatible ferromagnetic base. Check the cookware you plan to use, then confirm the full cut-out dimensions and connection requirements for the model.
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The product title mentions a Boost function, a timer and a residual heat indicator. Before choosing this induction hob, test the bases of your cookware and confirm the cut-out and connection requirements.
Hold a magnet against the base: if it sticks, the base contains a ferromagnetic material, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Test each piece of cookware and also check the hob instructions for the required base diameter.
A ceramic hob with radiant or halogen zones doesn’t require the ferromagnetic base needed for induction, so it’s worth considering if you want to keep those pans. However, check the model’s instructions and the condition of your cookware bases.
First check your cookware and the cut-out dimensions for the new hob, then have your home’s electrical supply inspected. Promotelec describes a dedicated cooking circuit, and Bosch recommends having an induction hob installed by a professional.
Not on every zone: the induction side still requires compatible cookware. If you also want to cook with gas, check the layout of the zones and have the gas installation, ventilation and fitting requirements for the appliance inspected.
The stated width alone isn’t enough to confirm this. Measure the cut-out and compare its width and depth, as well as the space beneath the worktop, with the installation dimensions for the exact model. For example, Electrolux specifies a 560 × 490 mm cut-out for its EHF65451FK ceramic hob; this measurement doesn’t apply to every 60 cm hob.