Induction Hobs

Induction Hobs

An induction hob, also called an induction cooktop, heats the pan rather than the surface using an electromagnetic field, so it responds instantly, wastes very little energy and leaves the glass cool enough that spills do not bake on. The catch is that pans must be ferrous, so cast iron and most stainless steel work while aluminium and copper do not unless they have a magnetic base. Width is the main decision: 59cm and 60cm suit a standard kitchen unit, 65cm and 78cm to 80cm give more room between zones for larger pans, and portable single and double counter top units suit a caravan, a utility room or extra capacity at Christmas. Zone count runs 4 or 5, with bridge and duozone models letting two zones combine for a griddle or a fish pan. A vented or venting induction hob has an extractor built into the middle of the hob itself, drawing steam downward, which removes the need for a cooker hood above and suits an island.

Bosch is the deepest range, spanning Series 4 and Series 6 at 60cm and 80cm including built-in, matt black and vented models. Electrolux, Zanussi and Beko cover 60cm four zone models plus 78cm and 80cm five zone and vented extractor hobs. Haier supplies 60cm, 65cm and 80cm models including a WiFi vented hob, Samsung 59cm and 60cm four zone, and De Dietrich 65cm duozone and 80cm venting hobs. Belling, Blomberg, Candy and Neff cover 60cm touch control models, with Judge, Cecotec and Daewoo supplying portable single and double table top hobs. See also Ceramic Hobs and the full Hobs range.