Choose induction if the saucepans and frying pans you want to keep have a flat, magnetic base that suits the cooking zones on the model you’re considering. If you rely on non-magnetic cookware, compare ceramic hobs instead or, if you want to use gas and it’s technically possible, consider a mixed-fuel hob. In every case, check the hob’s dimensions and installation instructions before buying.
You’re replacing your hob but don’t want to renew all your saucepans and frying pans. Holding a magnet against the base of each pan is a useful first check before you compare the cooking zones on an induction hob.
You’re happy to replace a few pans if necessary. Bosch highlights the speed and focused heat of induction, but you’ll still need to check that your cookware is compatible.
You regularly use pans you don’t want to replace. A ceramic hob lets you keep using them; a hob combining induction and gas is another option, but you’ll need to check whether gas can be used in your home.
Consider it: if the pans you use most often have a magnetic base and you want focused heat.
Bear in mind: incompatible pans will need to be replaced or used on another hob. The base dimensions must also suit the cooking zones.
Consider it: if keeping saucepans made from a range of materials matters more to you than switching to induction.
Bear in mind: Bosch describes induction as faster and more focused than its ceramic hobs. The ceramic surface also stays hot after the hob is switched off.
Consider it: if you want to keep a gas burner for certain pans while using induction with others.
Bear in mind: induction zones still require suitable cookware, and you’ll need to check whether your home and the model allow a gas connection.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your cookware | Test the base with a magnet, then compare its diameter with the limits given in the induction hob’s manual. | I want to keep most of my saucepans and only replace the ones that would prevent me from switching to induction. Around 42% of consumers prioritise keeping their cookware. |
| Speed and focused heat | Compare the cooking zones and heating functions on the model, including whether it has a booster. | For everyday cooking, speed matters more to me than keeping every pan. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Large pans and cooking several things at once | Check the number and size of the cooking zones, and whether the hob has a flexible zone. | I use large frying pans or several saucepans at once and want them all to fit on the hob. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Essential non-magnetic cookware | Identify the pans you don’t want to replace, then look at a ceramic hob or check the requirements for using gas with a mixed-fuel hob. | Some of my non-magnetic pans are essential. I’d rather keep a way to use them than switch entirely to induction. This matters most to around 16% of consumers. |
The material alone doesn’t tell you enough. Electrolux recommends checking that the base attracts a magnet and is suitable for the cooking zone.
Test the base of every pan you want to keep, then measure its diameter before choosing a hob.
A hob may have enough zones for your usual cooking without having one that suits your largest frying pan or casserole dish. Don’t assume that every model has the Bridge function featured by Electrolux on some of its hobs.
Compare your pan dimensions with the zones listed in the manual, and separately check whether you can cook with several pans at once.
The worktop cut-out alone won’t tell you whether the electrical connection is suitable. For new or fully renovated installations, Promotelec specifies a dedicated 32 A circuit for an electric hob; this doesn’t tell you whether your home is suitable.
Check the model’s dimensions, power requirements and manual, then have the installation assessed by a qualified professional if needed. Don’t modify the circuit based solely on the hob’s dimensions.
If some of your pans already work with induction, you may only need to replace a few. Their condition matters too: ADEME advises against continuing to use scratched or worn non-stick frying pans.
Sort your cookware into compatible pans, incompatible pieces you need and worn-out items before deciding what to replace.
Bosch offers induction hobs and electric ceramic hobs, making it a useful brand to compare if you’re deciding between the two technologies.
The induction range includes the EIS62356IZ, which Electrolux describes as having three zones and a Bridge function.
Siemens offers mixed-fuel hobs, which are worth considering if you want to keep different ways of cooking.
These products cover three different decisions: choosing a ceramic hob so you can keep using a range of pans, switching to an induction hob, or replacing a wok that isn’t compatible. For every hob, check the manual and installation requirements. For every wok, make sure its base suits the cooking zones you plan to use.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer an electric hob that doesn’t require a magnetic base. Before replacing your current hob, check the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements in the manual.
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Consider it if your main pans have a suitable magnetic base. Compare their diameters with the sizes accepted by the cooking zones, and have the required connection checked before buying.
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Another electric option if you want to keep using non-magnetic pans. Check the model’s electrical specifications in the manual, and have the cut-out and connection checked before installation.
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Worth a look if you’re only replacing a wok as part of your switch to induction. Its description states that it’s induction-compatible; check the diameter and flatness of its base against the limits of your hob.
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A targeted replacement option, rather than renewing all your cookware. This wok is described as induction-compatible; check the material and diameter of its base, as well as your hob’s requirements, before choosing it.
If a magnet sticks to the base, that’s a useful first check, but it isn’t enough on its own. Electrolux also recommends a flat base and a diameter within the limits stated in the manual for the hob you’re considering.
Not on an induction zone if its base isn’t ferromagnetic. However, the visible material doesn’t tell you everything about a multi-layer pan, so check the manufacturer’s guidance and test the base.
Yes, if your priority is keeping non-magnetic pans. Bosch says its electric ceramic hobs work with saucepans made from a range of materials. Remember that the surface stays hot for a while after the hob is switched off.
Check the manual, cut-out dimensions and connection specifications for the model. For new or fully renovated installations, Promotelec specifies a dedicated 32 A circuit for an electric hob. Before deciding that your existing installation is suitable or planning any work, have it assessed by a qualified professional.