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Induction Hob Buying Guide
Planning a new kitchen or simply upgrading your hob? There are many reasons to choose an induction hob. In our induction hob guide, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know. From how they work, to the best induction hob brands, we’ve got you covered!
What is an induction hob?
Induction hobs have a smooth toughened glass surface. Usually controlled by LED touch controls, you can quickly and easily adjust the heat. An induction hob looks sleek and modern, making it a great option for any new kitchen. You can find out more of the benefits of induction cooking in our Hob Buying Guide.
How does an induction hob work?
An induction hob has an electromagnetic coil underneath its cooking zones. When electricity passes through this coil, it creates a magnetic field. When you put an induction safe pan on the hob, the magnetic field creates lots of small electric currents in the base of the pan. This focused method of cooking makes it the most responsive type of hob on the market. Induction cooking is extremely energy efficient. Unlike a gas hob, you are only heating the base of the pan, so there is no wasted energy or heat loss around the sides.
How do you clean an induction hob?
One of the key advantages of an induction hob is how easy they are to keep clean. Thanks to the smooth flat surface, you can simply wipe an induction hob down after each use with a damp cloth. For more advice on how to keep your hob in tip top condition, read our Hob Maintenance Guide.
What cookware can I use on an induction hob?
There is one important consideration when using an induction hob. You will have to make sure that your pans are compatible. Because this type of hob uses magnetic currents, your pots and pans will also need to have magnetic bases. Apart from being magnetic, the bases of your cookware will also need to be flat. This is so the heat can evenly distribute to avoid uncooked areas. If your pans have textured bases, you also run the risk of damaging the hob surface with scratches. Not sure if your pans are induction safe? You can check if they are magnetic by using a fridge magnet! Induction friendly cookware will feature a coiled icon (pictured left) on its base.
What happens if I use a normal pan on an induction hob?
In short, nothing will happen! For an induction hob to work, you need a magnetic based pot or pan. A compatible pan would be made of either iron or stainless steel, this would complete the electricity circuit between the hob and the pan. A normal pan would not heat up and therefore not work.
Are induction hobs energy efficient?
You might wonder how energy efficient an induction hob is compared to gas or ceramic? The answer is, induction hobs are much more energy efficient! This is because there is no energy loss around the sides of the pan. Ceramic hobs can take longer to heat up and gas hobs use naked flames which heat the area around the pan not only the base. Induction hobs use minimal electricity and target the desired area, making them much more effective.
What’s the difference between ceramic and induction cooking?
Although ceramic and induction hobs look almost identical in appearance, they heat in different ways. Both have flat glass surfaces, which are easy to clean. Ceramic hobs use heating elements beneath the glass surface which heat the hob itself, rather than just the base of the pan. A disadvantage of ceramic hobs is that they can take longer to heat up, as well as to cool down.
Ceramic vs induction: Which is better?
Whilst both hob types look great and are easy to clean, induction hobs are safer and more energy efficient. You can enjoy rapid heat with induction, whereas ceramic hobs take longer to reach temperature. Ceramic hobs do offer a lower price point, which can be handy if you are shopping on a limited budget. However induction hobs are more durable and more responsive. Both are important factors to consider if you use your hob regularly.
What to consider when buying an induction hob?
There are several things to consider when buying a new induction hob. Before you start shopping, make sure you have checked the following:
- Number of Zones – Our induction hobs have between 3 and 6 cooking zones. If you enjoy batch cooking or have lots of mouths to feed, you may want to choose a larger hob with more zones. Some models feature bridging zones where you can combine two to make one larger cooking area. This is particularly handy with bigger pots or griddle pans.
- Connectivity – Some induction hobs can connect to your cooker hood. This allows you to control the power level of the extractor directly from the hob. In order for this to work, you’ll need a compatible hob and hood. Check before you buy!
- Extraction – If you don’t already have a cooker hood and need to extract steam and cooking smells in your kitchen, you may want to consider an air venting induction hob. These offer two appliances in one, so you can remove vapour and odours directly from the source.
- Health – If you have a pace maker fitted, it is not recommended that you use an induction hob. You can find out more about this on the British Heart Foundation’s website.
- Cost – Induction hobs often cost more upfront than gas or ceramic alternatives. However the running costs are considerably less.
Which induction hob brand is best?
We supply an extensive range of induction hobs from leading brands. From well known household names like Bosch and NEFF, to specialist brands like Miele, we have options to suit every home. Want to know more about our hob brands? Read our Best Hob Brands guide to help you narrow down your search!
Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
Cooking style very much depends on personal preference. You might prefer a gas hob if you love sizzling stir fries as you can use a wok burner to cradle the pan and produce a more intensive heat. Love making lots of sauces from scratch? you’ll want to use lower temperatures to gently simmer. This is easier to do using induction. As with home cooks, all chefs will have personal preferences. According to an interview with Ideal Home, Michel Roux Jr expressed his preference for induction cooking; “It’s very fierce, and as easy to control as gas. But it’s super energy efficient which is great”.
Induction Hobs: Conclusion
Now we’ve discussed all the important topics surrounding induction hobs, the choice is yours! Take a look at our extensive range of models online, visit our showroom or call our sales team on 0115 965 1937. We’re on hand to help you find your ideal hob!
