You can switch to induction without replacing your entire cookware collection if your essential pans attract a magnet on the base, are sufficiently flat and fit the diameter requirements of your chosen hob. If many of your pans aren’t suitable, consider a ceramic hob. A mixed induction and gas hob lets you use different pans on each type of cooking zone, provided your kitchen can accommodate the necessary connections. In every case, check the cut-out, power supply and installation instructions for the exact model.
If you’re replacing your hob but don’t want to change all your pans, start by checking the ones you use most often. The magnet test is a useful first check for induction, but the shape and diameter of the base matter too, as Electrolux France and Tefal France point out.
If your new hob needs to fit into an existing worktop cut-out, compare the installation dimensions and fitting instructions for the exact model. Its advertised width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit your kitchen.
If some of your essential pans don’t attract a magnet and you’d like to keep using them, compare ceramic and mixed induction and gas hobs. With a mixed hob, you’ll also need to be able to install both types of supply required by the model.
Start with the pans you want to keep, then compare your options with your worktop and cooking habits.
Worth considering if: your essential cookware is suitable for the hob’s cooking zones, or you only need to replace a few items.
Keep in mind: a pan without a compatible ferromagnetic base won’t work on an induction zone.
Worth considering if: you’d prefer an electric hob that doesn’t rely on your pans being magnetic.
Keep in mind: you should still check the condition of the bases and the hob’s guidance for any pans you plan to keep.
Worth considering if: you want to use induction for compatible pans and keep using other cookware on gas.
Keep in mind: installation requires checks on the electrical and gas connections, as well as the space available for your chosen model.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | For induction, check whether a magnet sticks to the base of each pan. Then check that the base is flat and its diameter is within the limits of the model’s cooking zones, as advised by Electrolux France and Tefal France. | I’d like to keep the pans I use regularly and avoid replacing any that are already suitable. |
| Cut-out and power supply | Measure the cut-out and available space. Compare them with the installation diagram, power rating, power supply and ventilation requirements for the exact model. | The new hob needs to fit in my kitchen and be connected correctly. |
| Non-magnetic cookware | Identify the pans you want to keep. For a ceramic hob, check the usage guidance; for a mixed hob, also check the cooking zone layout and gas and electrical connections. | Some of my pans aren’t suitable for induction, but I’d like to keep using them. |
| Cooking zone layout | Compare the number and arrangement of the cooking zones with the pans you use at the same time. If you use large pans, check their dimensions against the available zones, including whether they can be extended. | A large frying pan or several saucepans need to fit on the hob for the way I cook. |
If a magnet doesn’t stick to the base, it won’t activate an induction zone. Even if it passes this first test, you’ll still need to check the base diameter and flatness.
Test the pans you actually use, then compare their bases with the diameters listed in the instructions for the hob you’re considering.
Two hobs with a similar advertised width may have different cut-out and power supply requirements. Width alone doesn’t confirm that a hob will fit an existing cut-out.
Measure your installation and check the fitting diagram for the exact model. Ask a qualified professional to assess any necessary alterations or connections.
Gas burners can let you keep using some pans that aren’t suitable for induction, but a mixed hob also has installation requirements for each of its two technologies.
Before choosing a mixed model, check the available connections, the cut-out and the number of cooking zones you need.
How many items you need to replace depends on what you use and whether it’s compatible with your chosen hob.
First make a list of the pans you rely on. Only look for replacements for those that don’t pass the necessary checks.
These brands offer examples of different technologies and useful guidance on checking cookware and installation. Features vary between models.
Electrolux France offers induction, ceramic and mixed hobs, as well as guidance on which pans are suitable for induction.
Beko France’s product page for the HII63205MT induction hob shows the specifications you’ll need to compare with your existing installation.
Check the Bosch instructions for the installation and connection requirements of the hob you’re considering.
Tefal France offers guidance on checking pans for induction, as well as cookware described as compatible.
The Teka France JZC 63312 AB is an example of a mixed hob combining gas and induction.
These products show a few different ways to approach replacing your hob or cookware: a ceramic hob, cookware to add to an induction-ready collection, and induction hobs. Check each model against your pans and your kitchen setup.
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An option if you’d rather not choose a hob based on whether your pans are magnetic. You’ll still need to check that their bases are suitable and compare this hob’s instructions with your cut-out and kitchen setup.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a wok rather than your whole cookware collection: the product name says it’s suitable for induction, gas and ceramic hobs. Check the diameter and shape of its base against the zones supported by your hob.
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Another option to consider if you only need to replace one item. The product is listed as suitable for gas and induction hobs. Before choosing it, check the dimensions and flatness of its base against the cooking zones you’ll use.
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Worth considering if the cookware you want to keep passes the necessary induction checks. Before replacing a built-in hob, compare the HI6432BSCWF instructions, including its installation and connection requirements, with your kitchen setup.
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This model lists touch controls, a timer, a Boost function and a child lock. Check the power ratings and dimensions of the zones in the model’s documentation, then check the installation guidance and the permitted diameters for your cookware.
Place a magnet against the base of each pan you use regularly. If it sticks, you can move on to the other checks. The base also needs to be sufficiently flat, and its diameter must fall within the limits listed for your chosen hob, as Electrolux France and Tefal France explain.
No, not necessarily. Keep any pans that pass the compatibility checks for your hob and identify only the essential sizes that need replacing. You don’t need a complete new set if a few suitable pans meet your needs.
Compare the existing cut-out, available space, power supply and installation requirements with the instructions for the exact model, including its ventilation requirements. Bosch instructions specify that an appliance without a plug must be connected by qualified, approved personnel; don’t apply the dimensions in those instructions to a different hob.
Yes, if those pans are suitable for use on gas. A mixed hob lets you use them on its gas burners and reserve induction for compatible cookware. The mixed models shown by Teka France and Electrolux France have different layouts, so check the cooking zones, cut-out and both connections for the model you’re considering.
In France, the ministry responsible for ecology says that electrical equipment can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer or handed to a social and solidarity economy organisation. To use a retailer’s “one-for-one” take-back service, your purchase must be for a product of the same type.