If most of your saucepans and frying pans have a magnetic base that’s suitable for the zones on the model you’re considering, you can keep them with an induction hob and only replace any incompatible pieces. If you want to use non-magnetic cookware, a ceramic hob may be a better choice. A combined induction and gas hob could also work, provided you check the gas requirements and the specifications of your chosen model separately.
If you want to keep your cookware, start by checking which pieces will work on your new hob. For induction, the base needs to be magnetic. Then check the size requirements for the model you’re considering.
Switching to induction doesn’t mean you have to replace all your pans. You can keep the ones with a base and diameter that suit the zones on your chosen hob, then assess the rest one by one.
If some of your cookware doesn’t have a magnetic base, wanting to keep it could lead you to choose a ceramic hob or a combined induction and gas hob. If you’re considering the latter, check the gas requirements separately.
First, choose a technology that suits the cookware you actually use. Then check the bases of your pans against the zones on the specific hob you’re considering.
Worth considering: if the saucepans and frying pans you want to keep have a magnetic base that’s suitable for the hob.
Bear in mind: you may need to use some pans on another heat source or replace them if their bases aren’t suitable.
Worth considering: if keeping non-magnetic cookware matters more to you than switching to induction.
Check: that your cookware is compatible with the zones on the model you’re considering, rather than relying on the technology alone.
Worth considering: if you’ll use both types of cooking zone and want to split your cookware between them.
Check: the gas requirements and the hob’s dimensions before choosing this option.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware bases | For induction, look for the compatibility symbol or check whether a magnet sticks to the base. Electrolux also recommends using a base that’s as flat and thick as possible. | I want to know which saucepans and frying pans I can keep before choosing an induction hob, without assuming that all metal cookware will work. |
| Zone sizes | Compare the base diameters of your smaller and larger pans with the size ranges supported by each zone on the specific model. Also check the layout of the zones if you cook with several pans at once. | I need to be able to use a small saucepan or a large frying pan on the zone I plan to use for it. |
| Cookware to keep | Make a list of the pieces you use regularly. If you’re switching to induction, separate the pans that meet the model’s requirements from those you’ll need to use on another heat source or replace. | I’d rather check each piece of cookware than replace all my pans as a matter of course. |
| Combined hob | Check how the induction zones and gas burners are arranged on the model you’re considering. Have the gas requirements and hob dimensions checked separately. | I’m interested in keeping different types of cookware, but only if a combined hob is genuinely suitable for my kitchen. |
Cookware without a magnetic base won’t work on an induction hob, even if it contains metal. Check this before relying on a pan you already own.
Check for the induction symbol or see whether a magnet sticks to the base of each piece of cookware you want to keep.
A magnetic base alone doesn’t mean that a small or large pan will work on every zone. The supported diameters vary by model.
Measure the bases of the pans you want to keep and compare them with the details in the instructions for your chosen hob.
A combined induction and gas hob has two types of cooking zone, but that doesn’t mean its size will suit your kitchen or that the gas requirements will be met.
Choose this option if you need both technologies, after checking the model’s requirements and the gas requirements separately.
These brands are examples of technologies and useful features to compare. Always check the details of the specific model you’re considering.
Bosch offers both induction and ceramic hobs, so you can compare the two options if you want to keep your cookware.
Electrolux’s guidance offers practical tips for checking cookware for use on an induction hob.
Smeg offers combined hobs with induction zones and gas burners.
The models below include induction and ceramic hobs. To choose between them, first check which pieces of cookware you want to keep, then compare the specifications of each model.
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Worth considering if you’re keeping induction-compatible cookware and sometimes use large frying pans: you can combine two FlexiBridge zones. Check the model’s documentation for the supported base diameters before relying on your current cookware.
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This four-zone hob has a Bridge function that’s worth considering if you use large pans. Before keeping your saucepans for this model, check that their bases are magnetic and that their diameters are supported by its zones.
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Worth considering if you want to keep cookware made from different materials: the description for this model mentions aluminium, copper and ceramic. If the sizes of your pans are important, check the details of the exact model’s cooking zones.
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This four-zone built-in hob is designed for induction cooking with cookware that has a magnetic base. Measure the bases of the pans you want to keep and check which diameters the model supports.
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This four-zone ceramic hob has an expandable zone, which may suit the sizes of pans you use. Check the instructions for this model to make sure your cookware is compatible before keeping it for use with your new hob.
Look for the induction symbol or check whether a magnet sticks to the base. Electrolux also recommends using a base that’s as flat and thick as possible. Then compare the diameter of each pan with the sizes supported by the zones on the model you’re considering.
No. You can keep cookware with a magnetic base and a diameter that suit your chosen hob. Consider how you use the rest: you may need to use it on another heat source or replace it.
It’s worth considering this technology if keeping that cookware is a priority. Bosch says its ceramic hobs are compatible with all types of cookware. Even so, check the details and zones on the model you’re considering.
It may let you split your cookware between induction zones and gas burners, but that doesn’t guarantee that every pan will suit every zone. Check your cookware requirements and the model’s dimensions, as well as the gas requirements separately.