Users rate this hob extremely highly and praise it for its incredible speed at boiling stuff and generally making the task of cooking a hell of a lot more pleasurable. The Neff’s TouchControl interface is very easy to use and includes a boost setting and the obligatory timer. We should also add that it doesn’t come with a bridge function so you can’t link two zones together. Mind, this is pretty much the norm with most plug-and-play models and the best way round it is to either stir the food a little more to distribute the heat or don’t use so many zones at once. However, with all four hobs running at once, some zones don’t heat as evenly or as quickly because of the unit’s relatively low 3kW power rating. The Neff’s ceramic top is comprised of two 180mm zones (up to 3kW), a 145mm medium-sized zone (up to 2.2kW) and a small 210mm zone (also up to 3kW). If you only have a 13-amp plug socket to hand and no special cooker-specific ring mains knocking about, consider installing this keenly-priced, four-zone model from every high-end property developer’s favourite cooking appliance manufacturer. If you’re in the market for a reasonably-priced, well specified, German-branded model that will plug straight into your existing 13 amp socket then stop right here. The Bosch also has useful functions such as PowerBoost, which provides up to 50% more power in a thrice, automatic pan size recognition sensors in each zone and a touch-sensitive control panel that's a breeze to use. Rather handily, the two cooking zones on the left can be combined into one long zone for oblong casseroles and other large cookware.Ī bridge function like this won’t be used everyday but it’s always good to know you have the option should the need arise. What’s not to like? The Bosch comes with four induction zones embedded in a decently alluring slab of black ceramic glass. So what the devil are you waiting for? The best induction hobs, in orderĪside from the attractive price and excellent set of features, this Germanic induction hob hogs the #1 spot for one reason in particular: it’s one of only a handful of induction models that can be plugged straight into a standard UK plug. For those with slightly dated kitchens and only a 13 Amp plug in the vicinity, that’s music to the ears.Įnergy consumption is just 3 kilowatts as opposed to 4.7kw for the other models on this page and that equates to lower electricity bills, too. Right, you’ve read the pros and cons of induction hobs. I’d advise employing the services of an electrician beforehand just to be sure you won’t be purchasing a product that needs a whole new ring main installed at great cost (upwards of £500). If you also have an electric oven on the same ring, you may in fact need an even higher rated cable.īear this in mind because it’s the single most important consideration when purchasing any electrical cooking appliance. Some induction hobs draw up to 7.4kw of power and that means having a separate ring main fitted if your current setup is, like many older kitchens, just a standard 13 amp cooker plug. Be mindful that this surface is quite easily scratched by rough-bottomed cast iron cookware so position your Le Creuset casserole dish with care or stick to steel pans with smooth bottoms.įor more about induction hobs, see our ' What is an induction hob and how does it work?' guide. The majority of induction hobs are swathed in a beautiful looking slab of ceramic glass.
If it sticks you’re in luck if not you’ll need to fork out on some new pans (here's our pick of the best saucepan sets and best non-stick frying pans). It’s easy to check with pans will work on an induction hob: place a magnet to the base of each pot and pan. However, there is a small but fairly significant caveat that should be considered before jumping on the induction bandwagon: induction only works with ferrous metals like steel and cast iron, and chances are at least some of your current cookware is of the wrong variety, so you'll need to replace them. And because the whole hob is completely smooth, any spillages are very easily cleaned with a simple flick of a kitchen wipe. Having said that, a word of warning: don't put your hand on the hob when you lift the pan up, as heat will have transferred from the pan back into the glass of the hob.
So how do induction hobs work? That’ll be our old underrated friend magnetism.Įven when the hob is on it remains cool to the touch, yet as soon as you place a saucepan on it, a whopping amount of heat is generated and before you know it you’ve whipped up a four-course banquet.