When replacing a hob, induction is a good choice if the pans you want to keep have a flat, ferromagnetic base of a suitable diameter for the cooking zones on your chosen model. If they don’t, a ceramic hob lets you continue using non-ferromagnetic cookware. Choose two zones if you rarely cook with more than two pans at once, or consider three or four zones and a flexible zone for larger meals and bigger dishes. A mixed-fuel hob is better suited to those who want to keep cooking with gas, subject to having the connections checked. In every case, check the instructions and make sure the hob is suitable for your existing unit and installation.
If you’re replacing your hob without changing your saucepans and frying pans straight away, start by checking their bases and diameters. Electrolux France recommends using a magnet test to check whether a pan is suitable for induction.
If you regularly prepare several parts of a meal at the same time, count the pans you use simultaneously and consider how they’ll fit on the hob. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between two-, three- and four-zone layouts. The number of zones alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for your larger pans.
A large casserole dish, griddle or long dish may make a connectable or flexible zone a better choice. Bosch and Electrolux describe these features on some models. Compare the dimensions of the zone with the base of the cookware you actually use.
When replacing a hob, first decide which type of cooking will let you keep the essentials of your current routine. Then choose a layout that suits your needs and check the requirements of the model you’ve selected.
Consider it: if your pans are suitable for induction. You can then choose between two, three or four zones depending on how many pans you use at once.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to stop using any incompatible cookware on the hob or replace it.
Consider it: if you want to keep gas burners while using induction for other types of cooking.
Bear in mind: the connection requirements for both energy sources must be confirmed for your chosen model.
Consider it: if keeping non-ferromagnetic cookware is more important to you than switching to induction.
Bear in mind: its radiant or halogen zones work differently from induction.
| Criterion | What to check | Which shoppers is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Existing cookware | For induction, test the base with a magnet, check that it’s flat and compare its diameter with the instructions. | I want to carry on using my saucepans and frying pans without replacing some of them as soon as I change my hob; around 36% of shoppers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Cooking several dishes at once | Compare the number, size and layout of the zones with the pans you use for the same meal. | When I’m preparing several things at once, I want to be able to position my pans without getting in the way of the other dishes; nearly 29% of shoppers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Larger cookware | Measure the base of your larger dishes and check the actual dimensions of any connectable or flexible zone. | My casserole dish or griddle needs a cooking surface that suits its shape; around 21% of shoppers would put this need first. |
| Keeping your current cooking options | For a mixed-fuel hob, have the gas and electrical connections checked. For a ceramic hob, check the zones and built-in dimensions. | I want to keep cooking with gas or have an option for my non-ferromagnetic cookware; around 14% of shoppers would prioritise keeping these options. |
A pan with a non-ferromagnetic base won’t work on an induction zone. Even if a magnet sticks to the base, the hob determines the minimum accepted diameter.
Test the saucepans and frying pans you use regularly, then compare their bases with the instructions for the model you’re considering.
You may need to replace some of your cookware if you choose induction.
The size and layout of the zones matter just as much as the number. A connectable zone is only available on models that have this feature.
Map out your busiest meal using the dimensions of your pans, then compare them with the layout of the zones.
Cut-out sizes, clearances and connection requirements vary by model. Promotelec states that an electric hob requires a dedicated circuit.
Before buying, give a professional the exact model reference, instructions and dimensions of your unit so they can confirm the fit and connection requirements.
Depending on your home, you may need installation work or modifications.
Combining gas and induction gives you the option of cooking with gas, but you’ll still need to check the requirements for each energy source.
Choose this configuration only if cooking with gas matters to you and a professional confirms that the connections are suitable.
Bosch’s range includes a two-zone Domino format and induction hobs with connectable or flexible zones.
Electrolux offers induction hobs with flexible surfaces, as well as models that combine induction and gas.
Whirlpool offers a range of induction layouts and ceramic hobs, including models with three or four zones.
These models let you compare two of the options covered here: four-zone induction hobs for cooking with several compatible pans, and four-zone ceramic hobs if you’d prefer an option that doesn’t use induction. Before replacing a built-in hob, compare the instructions for your chosen model with your unit and have the connection requirements confirmed.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in hob with an induction model. Before choosing, check the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements in the instructions, and make sure your pans are suitable for the zones.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you use several pans for the same meal. The product title lists a Boost function, timer, touch controls and child lock. Check the instructions for the zone sizes and connection requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want four cooking zones without choosing induction. This model is listed as a ceramic hob. Check the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements before replacing your existing hob.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep cooking without induction while using several zones. The product title mentions touch controls and a child lock. Before buying, have the total power, zone specifications and connection requirements confirmed for this model.
Hold a magnet against the base of each pan you want to keep. According to Electrolux France, it should stick to the base for the pan to work on induction. Also check that the base is flat and that its diameter falls within the limits set out in the instructions for your chosen hob.
A two-zone hob may suit you if you usually cook with one or two pans at a time and want a narrower format. If you need to cook several dishes at once, compare three- or four-zone layouts instead, taking into account the space between the pans.
A flexible or connectable zone is worth considering if you regularly use a large casserole dish, griddle or long dish. Bosch and Electrolux describe these features on some models, but check the dimensions of the active surface to see whether it will fit your cookware.
Compare the dimensions and installation requirements in the instructions with your unit, then have a professional confirm the connection requirements. For an electric hob in France, Promotelec recommends using a dedicated circuit. This guidance alone isn’t enough to assess the installation in an individual home.
Yes. A ceramic hob with radiant or halogen zones doesn’t require the ferromagnetic base needed for induction. Still, check that your cookware is suitable for the hob you’re considering, then compare the size and number of zones and the built-in dimensions.