Hobs: How to buy the best hob Induction hobs
How an induction hob works
Induction hobs are quick, safe and efficient, and increasingly becoming a popular choice.
This cooking method uses electromagnetism to create a magnetic field between the pan, which needs to be made from iron, and a coil beneath the glass top. Electricity is passed through a copper coil magnet within the induction hob, creating electromagnetic energy. The energy passes through the cooktop directly to the iron-based pan, producing - or 'inducing' - a current which in turn releases heat.
Induction hobs are quicker and cheaper to run than other hobs – though more expensive to buy – because the heat is transferred directly to the pan rather than the whole cooking surface, meaning you can touch it without burning yourself.
Induction hobs are a quick and efficient way of heating food
Induction hob pros and cons
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Modern and stylish
- Quick to heat up and cook
- Safe to touch
- Lots of extra features like flexible cooking zones, timers and child safety locks
Cons
- Expensive
- You may need to invest in new pans
- Louder than other hobs
Induction hob brands and typical prices
AEG Electrolux, Miele, Stoves, Smeg and other big-name brands all produce induction hobs. We've currently got several induction hobs on test in our labs - look out for our full hobs test results coming soon, and keep an eye out for new product launches and innovations on our news pages.
You can expect to pay a lot more for an induction hob than a standard gas or electric hob. Prices start at around £300, going up to more than £3,000 for high-end models.
Induction hob in action
AEG Electrolux gave us a demo of one of its new induction models at the 2010 Ideal Home Show – take a look to see how one works in action:
Getting an induction hob installed
You’ll need to get an electrician to install your induction hob for you. Speak to the store you're buying the product from to see if an installation service is available as part of its delivery package, or - if you're getting your induction hob as part of a new fitted kitchen - if it will be installed as part of the fitting service.
You can look for recommended electricians in your area on Which? Local.
You'll need to use specialist pots and pans with an induction hob
Induction hob pans
You'll need to use 'ferrous pans' - in other words, pans that contain iron - on an induction hob.
As a general rule of thumb, if your pots and pans stick to a magnet they'll work on an induction hob.
Pans compatible with induction hobs are widely and fairly inexpensively available in kitchenware stores - we found a set of seven pans suitable for induction cooking for £25 from John Lewis.
