To replace your hob without modifying the electrical circuit, first choose a technology that works with the cookware you want to keep. Then check the cut-out and connection requirements for the model you’re considering. Induction requires compatible cookware; a ceramic-glass hob with radiant or halogen zones avoids this particular requirement, while a mixed hob also needs a suitable gas installation.
If you don’t want to replace your saucepans and frying pans straight away, start by checking which ones you could use on an induction hob. Que Choisir points out that this technology requires compatible cookware.
If you cook several dishes at once, compare the number and size of the zones rather than looking at the hob’s width alone. Bosch, for example, says that the CombiZone on the PVS631HC1M combines two zones to accommodate larger cookware.
A mixed hob could suit you if your home’s gas installation is suitable. Cegibat sets out the key points to check, including positioning, ventilation and connection requirements.
Consider it: if your cookware is compatible, or you’re happy to replace the pieces you use on the hob.
Bear in mind: cookware without a ferromagnetic base won’t work on an induction zone, as Que Choisir explains.
Consider it: if avoiding the need for a ferromagnetic base is essential to keeping your cookware.
Bear in mind: although the glass surface looks similar, radiant and halogen zones don’t heat cookware using induction.
Consider it: if you’d like to keep a gas burner as well as use induction, and already have a suitable gas installation.
Bear in mind: the positioning, ventilation and gas connection all need to be checked for your home.
To choose between these options, make a list of the cookware you want to keep, then check each model against your kitchen installation and cooking habits.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Existing cookware | Check that the saucepans and frying pans you want to keep are compatible with induction. | I want to change my hob without replacing the cookware I use regularly; around 34 % of consumers put keeping their cookware first. |
| Cut-out and connection | Compare the cut-out dimensions, space beneath the worktop, voltage and power requirements listed for the exact model with your existing installation. | I need a hob that fits my kitchen’s cut-out and connection without modifying the circuit; around 33 % of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Cooking capacity | Compare the number and diameter of the zones; if you cook with large pans, check whether the hob has a combined zone. | When I’m cooking several dishes at once, I want to fit my pans on the hob without them getting in each other’s way; around 20 % of consumers put cooking capacity first. |
| Keeping gas | Before choosing a mixed hob, ask a qualified professional to check your home’s gas installation and ventilation. | I want to carry on cooking with gas while adding induction, if my home is suitable; around 13 % of consumers prioritise keeping a gas burner. |
Two hobs can have a glass surface without using the same technology. According to Que Choisir, induction requires compatible cookware, unlike the heating method used by radiant or halogen zones.
Check the technology listed in the hob’s product details and make sure your cookware is compatible before choosing induction.
The stated width doesn’t tell you the cut-out dimensions or the clearance needed beneath the worktop. Electrolux, for example, specifies a cut-out of 44 × 560 × 490 mm for the LIT60333CK; these measurements apply to this model only.
Measure the available opening and space, then compare them with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
Keeping a gas burner means taking the positioning, ventilation and gas connection in your home into account, as Cegibat explains.
Ask a qualified professional to check your existing installation before choosing a mixed hob.
Power and voltage requirements vary by model. On their own, they don’t confirm that a hob is suitable for your existing connection. Promotelec points out that a hob needs a dedicated protected circuit.
Ask a qualified professional to compare the instructions for the exact model with your existing installation, without bypassing its safety protections.
The LIT60333CK is an example of a 60 cm built-in induction hob. Its product details give you specifications to check against your existing installation.
The PVS631HC1M is an example of a four-zone induction hob to consider if you use large cookware.
The AKT8090LX and WSQ2160NE let you compare a ceramic-glass hob with an induction hob from the same brand, but don’t assume they have the same installation requirements.
Yes, as long as the cookware you plan to use has a base that’s compatible with induction. Que Choisir explains that a non-ferromagnetic base won’t let the zone work with that pan, so check your saucepans and frying pans before choosing a hob.
Not necessarily: the advertised width alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit. Compare the cut-out and available height with the instructions for the exact model. Electrolux, for example, specifies a cut-out of 44 × 560 × 490 mm for the LIT60333CK.
It may be suitable if your existing gas installation, ventilation and kitchen layout are right for the model you choose. Cegibat explains the requirements for gas appliances; ask a professional to check your kitchen before opting for this solution.
Before installation, ask a qualified professional to check the existing connection against the model’s instructions. Bosch recommends professional installation for its induction hobs; the power rating in a product listing alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility with your circuit.