An induction hob is a good choice if the pans you want to keep have a ferromagnetic base, its cooking zones suit the way you cook and the model can be fitted into your kitchen. If some of your cookware is incompatible, weigh up replacing only those items against choosing a combined induction and gas hob or a ceramic hob. Be sure to consider the installation requirements of each option too.
Before choosing a new hob, take stock of the cookware you use and check the constraints in your kitchen. These two checks can influence your choice just as much as the number of cooking zones.
If you’re replacing a hob but don’t want to replace all your frying pans and casserole dishes, check the base of each piece you rely on. UFC-Que Choisir points out that cookware without a ferromagnetic base won’t activate an induction zone.
If you often use a casserole dish, a large pan or several pans at once, compare the size and layout of the cooking zones. Flexible zones available on some models may be useful for larger cookware.
An existing cut-out in your worktop limits the models you can choose from. Compare the fitting dimensions and installation requirements of your chosen model with your kitchen, rather than relying on its stated width alone.
When switching to induction, first check your cookware, then consider which cooking zones you actually need and whether the hob will fit your kitchen. If keeping cookware that isn’t compatible is a deal-breaker, compare other technologies that could work in your kitchen too.
Consider it if: the cookware you’re keeping has a ferromagnetic base and the cooking zones suit the way you usually cook.
Bear in mind: incompatible cookware won’t activate a zone. You’ll also need to check the installation requirements for the specific model.
Consider it if: you want to keep a gas burner for certain types of cooking or for cookware that isn’t suitable for induction.
Bear in mind: the installation and maintenance requirements of both technologies. Check these for the model you choose.
Consider it if: the ferromagnetic base required for induction is the main reason you can’t keep your current cookware.
Bear in mind: it uses a different heating technology. Check that your cookware is suitable and review the installation requirements for the model you choose.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware compatibility | Look for an induction symbol or check whether a magnet sticks to the base of the cookware you want to keep. Identify any pieces you may need to replace. | I want to keep the pans I use regularly and replace only the sizes I need; around 36% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Number and size of cooking zones | Compare the size of the zones with your cookware and count how many dishes you cook at the same time. Check whether a flexible zone would be useful. | When I’m making several dishes or using a large casserole dish, I need zones that suit the way I cook; around 29% of consumers would prioritise cooking capacity. |
| Fitting and installation | Compare the existing cut-out with the fitting diagram and check the electrical requirements in the manual for the exact model. | My new hob needs to fit a worktop that’s already been cut; around 21% of consumers would make fitting their top criterion. |
| Choice of technology | Work out which cookware and cooking habits call for an induction, combined or ceramic hob. Then check the usage and installation requirements for each model. | I want to keep cooking in ways that aren’t possible on my induction zones; around 14% of consumers would prioritise their choice of technology. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, cookware without a ferromagnetic base won’t activate an induction zone. The hob you choose could therefore mean replacing pans you use regularly.
Make a list of the frying pans, saucepans and casserole dishes you rely on most. Before choosing any replacements, check for an induction symbol or see whether a magnet sticks to their bases.
Two hobs with a similar stated width may need different cut-outs and have different installation requirements. A model that looks suitable on paper may not fit your existing worktop.
Measure the existing cut-out and compare it with the installation diagram for the exact model. If you’re considering electrical work, ask a qualified professional to assess the installation.
An unsuitable cut-out may mean modifying the worktop or cabinetry.
Bridge or flexible zones on some models are mainly designed to accommodate different cookware sizes. They don’t remove the need to consider the size of the cooking zones and how many dishes you prepare at once.
Measure the bases of your largest pans and think about how you usually cook to decide whether you need a flexible zone.
The configurations below highlight features to compare on specific models. A feature found on one model isn’t necessarily available across the brand’s entire range.
Worth considering if you’re deciding between separate cooking zones and a flexible layout.
A brand to compare if you use large cookware and are looking for a flexible zone.
A model to look at if being able to adapt a zone to your cookware matters to you.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a wider hob with several cooking zones.
These products let you compare two induction hobs, a ceramic hob if you want to keep cookware that isn’t suitable for induction, and two pans for a targeted replacement. First choose the technology and size that suit the way you cook, then check the details for each product.
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Worth considering if you use up to four pans at once and want to switch to induction.
The title lists a Boost function, timer, child lock, touch controls and residual heat indicator.
Check that your cookware is compatible and confirm the cut-out required. Before installation, ask for confirmation of the connection requirements that apply to this model.
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Worth considering if three cooking zones match the number of pans you usually use at the same time.
The title lists a power rating of 7 200 W. Also compare the size of the zones with the bases of your pans.
Before replacing a built-in hob, compare the existing cut-out and electrical installation with the manual for this model.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for an alternative to induction so you can keep certain pans; this is not an induction hob.
The title lists four cooking zones. Check that your cookware is suitable for this model.
Before choosing it, compare the model’s fitting dimensions and electrical requirements with your installation.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a small pan you often use on an induction hob.
The title describes a 16 cm saucepan with a removable handle and states that it’s compatible with induction hobs.
Check exactly what’s included before choosing this size: the information about the number of pieces doesn’t match.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a small pan rather than a large saucepan.
The title lists a 14 cm diameter and 1.3 L capacity, and states that it’s compatible with induction hobs.
Compare this size with the pan you’re replacing, particularly if you cook several portions at a time.
Their bases must be ferromagnetic: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a pan without this type of base won’t activate the hob. Check for an induction symbol or see whether a magnet sticks to the base of each pan you want to keep.
Choose based on how many pans you use at the same time and how much space each one needs. If you cook with large pans, check the size of the zones and whether there’s a flexible zone too, rather than relying on the number of zones alone.
Measure the existing cut-out and compare it with the fitting dimensions listed for the model you’ve chosen, not just its overall width. Also check the manual for other installation requirements. If the electrical installation needs to be modified, ask a qualified professional to assess it.
It may be an alternative worth comparing, as it doesn’t require the ferromagnetic base needed for induction. However, check that your cookware is suitable for the ceramic model you’re considering, along with its dimensions and installation requirements.