Who is it for?

Households replacing a built-in hob without replacing all their cookware

First, check that your saucepans and frying pans are ferromagnetic, flat and suitable for the cooking zones’ diameter. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires cookware designed for use with a magnetic field.

Regular cooks using large stockpots or several saucepans

Compare the cooking zones’ actual diameters and any flexible zones. A Bridge or flexible zone can link cooking zones for a large pan, griddle or rectangular dish if you use one regularly.

Homes retaining a gas supply

A gas-and-induction combination hob may be worth considering if you want to keep a gas burner, provided you take the layout, ventilation and gas connection requirements into account.

Priorities before buying

Induction

Consider it: if your everyday cookware passes the magnet test and matches the model’s cooking zones.

Check: the diameter limits, cut-out dimensions and connection details for the hob you choose.

Gas-and-induction combination

Consider it: if you want to keep at least one gas burner while using induction with compatible cookware.

Check: the requirements for the gas installation, in addition to the checks needed for induction.

Ceramic

Consider it: if you want to keep an electric hob that works with saucepans made from a range of materials.

Bear in mind: the surface can remain hot after switching off; pay attention to its residual heat indicator.

Priority What to check Your needs
Cookware compatibility Test whether a magnet sticks to the base; check that the base is flat and compare the minimum accepted diameter with your smaller saucepans. I want to continue using my usual saucepans and frying pans without the risk of them not being detected.
Built-in fitting and power supply Measure the usable width, depth and height of the cut-out; compare the total power and voltage with the model’s documentation. Have a suitably qualified professional confirm that it is compatible with your installation. I want to replace my hob without choosing an appliance that is unsuitable for the existing cut-out or connection.
Cooking zones and flexibility Compare the number, diameter and layout of the cooking zones; a Bridge or FlexiCook zone is useful for a griddle, large stockpot or rectangular dish. I sometimes cook several dishes at once, and my larger pans need a suitable cooking zone.
Cooking technology For induction, confirm that your cookware is compatible; for combination hobs, also check the gas installation; for ceramic hobs, take residual heat into account. I am looking for a technology that suits my cookware, habits and the equipment already in the home.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming that all stainless steel is induction-compatible

    Compatibility depends on whether the base is ferromagnetic, its condition and the diameter accepted by the cooking zone. A non-magnetic stainless-steel pan may not be detected.

    Test your existing cookware with a magnet and check the diameter ranges stated in the instructions before choosing your hob.

    Incompatible cookware may need to be replaced.

  • Choosing by the visible width without measuring the cut-out

    Two hobs with a similar width may have different cut-out dimensions, depth, maximum power or voltage.

    Keep a record of the cut-out measurements and compare them with the model’s built-in dimensions, total power and voltage.

    The worktop may need adapting, or you may need to choose another model.

  • Seeing a gas-and-induction combination hob as an option without drawbacks

    Requirements relating to positioning, ventilation, the tap and gas connections are in addition to the checks needed for the induction section.

    Only choose this option after a suitably qualified professional has checked the existing gas installation and you have consulted the appliance documentation.

    The installation may require an inspection or modifications.

  • Choosing a flexible zone without a specific use in mind

    A Bridge or FlexiCook zone is particularly useful for large pans, a griddle or rectangular dishes; it does not replace choosing cooking zones that suit your saucepans.

    List the diameters and shapes of the cookware you use most, then choose a flexible zone only if it meets a frequent need.

Brand guide to hobs

Electrolux

The range includes 60 cm built-in induction hobs with three or four cooking zones, as well as Bridge or MultiBridge versions for larger pans.

  • The French product pages for the MIT60336C and IPE6454KF specify, among other details, a maximum total power of 7 350 W; the IPE6454KF offers flexible zones.
  • These specifications apply to specific references: check the technical details and instructions for your chosen model.

Bosch

Bosch offers induction and ceramic hobs with round cooking zones or combinable zones, depending on the model.

  • Bosch states that induction requires magnetic cookware and offers features such as PowerBoost, pan detection, a timer and a child lock on selected models.
  • The PUE611BB5E is a four-zone hob with TouchSelect controls and no flexible zone.

Whirlpool

The induction hob range includes models with flexible zones and power management, suited to households switching between small pans and large dishes.

  • For the WLS3160BF, Whirlpool states that it has four cooking zones, a FlexiCook zone and a total power of 7,2 kW.
  • The power management announced for this model does not remove the need to check the installation and applicable instructions.

Miele

Miele offers induction hobs with a PowerFlex zone for anyone looking for a more powerful or flexible cooking area in a built-in format.

  • The KM 7404 FX is listed with four zones, including a PowerFlex zone, a width of 592 mm and pan detection.
  • These specifications apply to this reference and may not apply to the entire range.

Joybuy products

Joybuy options for replacing a hob, including induction hobs and ceramic alternatives suited to different cookware and cooking-zone requirements.

Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6 60 cm induction hob

Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6, 60 cm induction hob

An option for everyday cooking with several pans and, according to the description, a Bridge zone for larger dishes.

Four zones, touch controls, pan detection, timer, pause, Booster and residual heat indicator are listed. The stated cut-out is 56 to 56,2 × 49 cm; the connection power is 7,36 kW.

Check cookware compatibility, the cut-out and the 220–240 V / 380–415 V connection against the instructions and the home’s installation.

Joybuy
AEG IKS64453IB 60 cm built-in induction hob

AEG IKS64453IB, 60 cm built-in induction hob

This four-zone hob is designed in particular for use with griddles, large dishes or cookware requiring combinable cooking zones.

The description lists a FlexiBridge function, DirectTouch Pro controls, AutoChef, PerfectFry, Stop&Go, a timer for each zone and a child lock. The stated power is 7,4 kW at a voltage of 220–240 V.

Check the built-in dimensions in the instructions or technical details before replacing your hob.

Joybuy
TOPWISH 60 cm four-zone built-in induction hob

TOPWISH, 60 cm four-zone built-in induction hob

A four-zone option for preparing several dishes with everyday-sized saucepans.

The description lists four zones, including two measuring 180 mm, a Booster on each zone, pan detection, a timer, a child lock and a residual heat indicator. The stated cut-out is 56,5 × 49,5 cm, with 7 200 W at 220–240 V.

Check the minimum diameters accepted for smaller pans and have the required connection checked against the existing installation.

Joybuy
HK654850XB Series 3000 60 cm ceramic hob

HK654850XB Series 3000, 60 cm ceramic hob

This ceramic alternative may be suitable if you want to continue using cookware that is not compatible with induction.

Four zones, an extendable zone, 14 power levels, Stop&Go, four timers, a lock and an OptiHeat indicator are listed. The stated cut-out is 56 × 49 cm, with a maximum power of 6 400 W.

The surface may remain hot after switching off; also check compatibility with the 220–240 V / 400 V 2N cut-out and connection.

Joybuy
TOPWISH 60 cm four-zone ceramic hob

TOPWISH, 60 cm four-zone ceramic hob

This ceramic hob is worth considering if you want to continue using saucepans made from a range of materials when replacing an electric hob.

The description lists touch controls, nine power levels, a timer, automatic switch-off, a child lock and a residual heat indicator. The stated product dimensions are 59 × 52 cm, with a cut-out of 56 × 49 cm.

The total power and cooking-zone configuration are presented differently in different sections of the description: consult the technical details before buying and check the connection without a plug.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether my saucepans are suitable for an induction hob?

Place a magnet underneath the base: if it sticks, the cookware is ferromagnetic and may be suitable. Also check that the base is flat and consult the minimum accepted diameter in the model’s instructions, as this threshold varies between appliances.

Can I keep my saucepans that are not compatible with induction?

Yes, but they will influence your choice. A ceramic hob accepts cookware made from a range of materials, whereas an induction hob will not work with a non-ferromagnetic base. A combination hob can retain a gas burner if the gas installation is suitable.

What needs to be confirmed before replacing a hob with an induction model?

Measure the worktop cut-out and compare it with the built-in dimensions in the technical details. Using the manufacturer’s documentation, have a suitably qualified professional confirm that the total power, voltage, circuit and required protection are suitable for the home.

Does a gas-and-induction combination hob require additional checks?

Yes. In addition to cookware compatibility and the electrical requirements associated with induction, the gas installation must be suitable. GRDF specifically cites positioning, ventilation, the control tap and flexible pipes among the points to consider.

Does a ceramic hob remain hot after cooking?

Yes. Ceramic hobs heat up through a radiant or halogen element, and the surface may remain hot after switching off. Follow the residual heat indicator before touching the relevant zone.