If you want to keep your existing cookware
If your saucepans and frying pans are still in good condition, check the base of each one before choosing induction. Que Choisir points out that this technology requires compatible cookware.
Who this is for
If you’re happy to replace a few pieces
If your most-used pans are already compatible, you can work out which sizes, if any, you need to add. Also check that their base diameter matches the zones on the hob you’re considering, as Electrolux recommends.
If you need to keep non-magnetic cookware
If some essential pans won’t work on induction, compare the cost of replacing them with choosing a ceramic hob or, if your home’s installation allows it, a combined induction and gas hob.
What to check before choosing
First, take stock of the cookware you actually use, then compare it with the hob’s instructions and what can be installed in your home.
Induction
Consider it if: your essential pans have a ferromagnetic base and are suitable for the zones on the model you’ve chosen.
Bear in mind: incompatible cookware will need to be replaced or used another way.
Ceramic hob
Consider it if: keeping your non-magnetic cookware matters more to you than switching to induction.
Bear in mind: its radiant or halogen zones work differently, so check the guidance for your cookware.
Induction and gas
Consider it if: you’d like an induction zone while keeping a gas zone for other pans.
Check: ask a professional whether the connections and fitting are suitable for your home.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping as much of your cookware as possible | Test the base of each pan with a magnet, then check that it’s flat and that its diameter is suitable for the hob, as stated in the instructions. | My saucepans and frying pans are still part of my everyday cooking, so I want to know which ones I can keep before changing my hob. Around 36% of consumers rank keeping their cookware as their top priority. |
| Switching to induction | Check whether your compatible pans cover the types of cooking you do most often before deciding what else to add. | I’m keen to cook on induction and can replace a few pans, but I don’t want to lose the sizes I rely on. Switching to induction is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Keeping non-magnetic cookware | Identify any essential pans that fail the magnet test and compare the available cooking options. | I regularly use a pan that isn’t compatible and don’t want to replace it just to change my hob. For around 21% of consumers, being able to keep using this cookware matters more than choosing induction. |
| Choosing a hob that suits your home | Ask a professional to check the circuit and connection, then compare the cut-out and clearances with the model’s instructions. | Before choosing a new hob, I need to know whether it can be connected and fitted in my kitchen. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Testing just one saucepan before choosing induction
One pan’s compatibility doesn’t tell you whether your others will work. Electrolux and Whirlpool advise checking the base of every pan you plan to use on induction.
Make a list of the saucepans, frying pans and dishes you use, then note the magnet test result, condition of the base and diameter for each one.
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Assuming a magnetic base will work on every zone
A pan might pass the magnet test but still be the wrong size for a particular zone. Electrolux notes that the permitted diameter varies by model.
Compare the bases of your smallest and largest pans with the guidance for the exact hob you’re considering.
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Leaving installation checks until your hob is delivered
Compatible cookware won’t resolve connection issues or a difference in the cut-out dimensions. Promotelec says an electric hob needs a dedicated circuit, while Que Choisir recommends having a professional connect it.
Before ordering, get the connection checked and confirm the cut-out, ventilation and installation requirements for your chosen model.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the statutory legal guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, and any commercial guarantee that may be offered.
Read the terms of any commercial guarantee and the installation instructions, and keep your proof of purchase and the model number.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Cookware to complete your collection
These products are for replacing some of your cookware when switching to induction, rather than for choosing the hob itself. Check their bases and dimensions against the zones on the model you plan to install.
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TEFAL Robusto 28 cm wok
Worth considering if you need to replace a wok for induction cooking. The product title states that it’s induction-compatible, made from cast aluminium and has a non-stick coating. Check the actual base diameter against the zone you plan to use.
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Maxcook 30 cm, 6.5 L stockpot with glass lid
An option if you’re missing a large stockpot from your collection. The product listing states that it’s induction-compatible, but the 30 cm measurement alone doesn’t tell you the base diameter, so check it against your hob’s instructions. Also check the material if that’s important to your choice.
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Black 19-piece cookware set with removable handles
Consider this if you need to add or replace several pieces of cookware. The title states that the set has a non-stick coating and is induction-compatible. Check what’s included, along with the dimensions and base of the pieces you’re interested in, before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a saucepan works on induction?
Hold a magnet against the base. If it sticks, the pan passes this first test, as recommended by Electrolux and Whirlpool. Then check for the induction symbol, make sure the base is flat and confirm that its diameter is suitable for the cooking zone you plan to use.
Are stainless steel saucepans always compatible with induction?
No. The material alone doesn’t determine whether a pan is compatible. Test the base with a magnet and compare the pan’s diameter with the hob’s specifications.
Should I get the electrics checked before buying an induction hob?
Yes. Ask a professional to check the circuit and connection for the hob before you choose one. Promotelec says an electric hob needs a dedicated circuit, and Que Choisir recommends having a professional connect it. Also check the fitting and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions.
Does a ceramic hob mean I can skip the magnet test?
A ceramic hob doesn’t require the ferromagnetic base needed for induction. According to Que Choisir, its cooking zones use a different heating technology. If you want to keep non-magnetic cookware, still check the hob’s guidance and the instructions for each pan.
Does a commercial guarantee replace the statutory guarantee of conformity?
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer; any commercial guarantee is separate. Check its terms and the installation instructions, and keep your proof of purchase.