Ready to choose a new induction or ceramic hob? Our Hob Finder makes it easy. After answering a few questions about your kitchen space and personal tastes, we'll tell you which model ticks all the boxes.
Home Appliances
6 key questions for electric hob buyers.
Which is the best electric hob for your needs?
What is an induction hob? What is a ceramic hob? What is the difference between an induction hob and a ceramic hob?
Which induction hob sizes are available? What about a venting hob? You might be asking yourself these great questions if you're looking for a new electric hob. Our buying guide for induction hobs and ceramic hobs is here to help.
The first choice to make is between induction and radiant heat. You might also want to look at venting hobs, which have an integrated hood fan. Factors like hob sizes and hob controls are also important. Perhaps you also want to look at a hob's energy-efficiency or are interested in the latest advances in technology.
Below we explain what to consider when choosing a new electric hob for your kitchen.
1. Which type of electric hob: induction or ceramic?
With a flat black cooking surface, induction hobs and ceramic hobs (radiant hobs) are visually very similar. The main difference lies in their performance: induction heats much more quickly and efficiently. An induction model is also easier to clean. Since the surface of an induction hob doesn't get hot, there are no burnt food bits to scrape off. If your current hob is ceramic (radiant), you can install an induction hob in the same cutout.
2. Which hob size fits my cutout?
Both induction and ceramic hobs come in varying widths, ranging from 30 to 90cm. The right one for you depends on your cooking habits and the space available in your kitchen. A wider hob lets you comfortably cook with multiple pots or pans at once.
Ceramic and induction hob sizes.
Ceramic and induction models are available in the following widths:
- 30cm (domino)
- 60cm (standard)
- 70cm
- 80cm
- 90cm
Pro tip: If you have an extractor hood, your hob should be the same width or slightly narrower.
3. How do I want to control my hob?
An induction hob is controlled either by knobs on the oven or a type of touch-based controls on the hob's surface. Depending on the model, the touch-based options range from basic touch buttons to an advanced touchscreen:
- A TFT touchscreen provides a clear overview and helpful guidance.
- Premium touch control has extra-large illuminated elements that disappear when turned off.
- Comfort touch control has options printed directly on the glass.
- Basic touch control lets you select the power level using + and - symbols.
Ceramic hobs come with either touch-based controls or physical knobs. While most people prefer the sleek look of touch controls, others feel more in control of their hob with knobs they can turn. The knobs are located either on the hob or with the oven controls.
4. How much cooking flexibility do I need?
If you cook with large pots and pans, or rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans, you might want a hob with a flexible cooking zone.
4. How much cooking flexibility do I need?
If you cook with large pots and pans, or rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans, you might want a hob with a flexible cooking zone.
5. Does a venting hob make sense in my kitchen?
A venting hob, also known as a downdraft hob, is essentially an electric hob and a hood fan in one appliance. Built in below the hob is a powerful extractor fan that, when in use, sucks away steam and odours from pots or pans on the cooking surface.
Pro tip: In a venting hob, the "hood" is cleverly hidden below the worktop. It's perfect for an island or for those who don't want a visible hood fan. However, it's slightly deeper than a non-venting hob.
6. What about a smart hob and other innovations?
Many of our hobs come with innovative and smart features that make sautéing, frying and boiling more enjoyable.
Smart hob: Models with Home Connect let you verify remotely that your hob is switched off.
Hob-hood connection: Depending on your chosen appliances, you can operate your hood directly on your hob or synch them with Smart Hood Automatic. That way ventilation will start when you switch on the hob and adjust to the cooking setting. With PerfectAir sensor, the fan will even regulate extraction in keeping with the amount of vapour and odours produced on the hob.
Explore options with Smart Hood Automatic
Find hoods with PerfectAir
No more scorching: Once you've selected one of 11 temperature settings measured in degrees Celcius, the PerfectFry Plus sensor monitors and maintains the heat during frying, adjusting it automatically if needed.
Need help choosing an electric hob? Hob Finder.
Which is the best induction hob brand?
High-quality and reliable Bosch induction hobs are among the market leaders. Our German-engineered induction hobs are made according to high quality standards. So you can be certain to get a reliable appliance that will serve you well long term. Numerous awards from independent test institutes prove their excellence.
