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Original poster

Tell me about induction hobs, please

87 replies

lurkingfromhome · 28/12/2019 15:06

I think I want an induction hob, but researching all the features and functions and reviews etc is making my head spin a bit. Can anyone tell me anything about them? Are there any features that are essential (or any that aren’t worth the bother)? Should I get a hard wired or a plug in type? Are any brands better than others? Please help while the sales are on and I might get a bit of a bargain!

OP posts:

RozHuntleysStump · 28/12/2019 15:29

Don’t. Get gas. I bought an induction hob and had it for over a year before going back to gas hob with massive wok burner. Gets super hot quick and is easier to control. Don’t need special pans either. Induction was easier to clean but that’s all.

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 28/12/2019 18:02

Oh bum, that’s not what I wanted to hear. House doesn’t have mains gas so the choice is either using a Calor gas tank outside the kitchen (which is rubbish) or finding another way. I’d hoped induction was going to be the answer. What didn’t you like about it?

OP posts:

MrsT1405 · 28/12/2019 18:08

I love induction jobs and have had several in different houses. I am having one fitted in my new kitchen. They are very fast, easy to clean and cold to the touch. I found a timer useful . I have a gas hob at the moment and its slow and dirty by comparison.

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BareBelliedSneetch · 28/12/2019 18:10

I love my induction hob. Didn’t need new pans as ours work fine with it.

So easy to use, easy to clean, easy to control the heat.

You do get what you pay for though. I’d avoid cheap ones.

TheFairyCaravan · 28/12/2019 18:11

I've got an induction hob. Once you get used to it they're fine. Make sure you've got pans that are compatible with it, though, that's the bane of my life. I'd rather have an induction than a traditional electric hob

bloodywhitecat · 28/12/2019 18:11

I would never go back to gas, I love my induction hob, I can pair the rings on mine for woks etc but rarely use the feature.

Oldraver · 28/12/2019 18:11

We replaced our old gas with induction two years ago and love it

Only issue I had was I managed to chip it with a glass worktop saver

billyt · 28/12/2019 18:12

We had a gas cooker before. When we had the kitchen refitted we had an induction range fitted. Wouldn't go back to gas now. Easy to control and no heat if pot not on the ring. Also, a heck of a lot easier to keep clean when only a glass top.

Duckyneedsaclean · 28/12/2019 18:13

Gas are shite compared to induction. If you think otherwise, you were using it wrong.

Mine brings a 5litre stock pot of cold water to the boil in a few minutes. They're immediately responsive, nothing gets burnt on, much safer than any other hob, much faster than any other hob.

Bloomburger · 28/12/2019 18:13

Don't get a Britannia one or one with a wide silver frame as it gets scratched v v easily.

TheNemesisOfLame · 28/12/2019 18:14

I love my induction hob.

Mine is good but basic. It does a set and forget thing - but I rarely use it.

It cleans up like a dream.
Getting wired in is better (I think) - but you have to check with electrician that you have enough power.
Pans may still be suitable- I think you can test them with a magnet.

AnnieOH1 · 28/12/2019 18:16

Another who won't go back to gas. They're soooo much better than any other hob currently on the market in my experience.

NannyR · 28/12/2019 18:16

I love my induction hob, I've had one for years and wouldn't go back to gas. They are super easy to clean, as responsive as gas and more energy efficient. People often state non-compatible pans as a problem but they are really easy to find - I use IKEA 365 stainless steel saucepans and circulon frying pans.

BaileysMadeMeDoIt · 28/12/2019 18:17

Love my induction hob. Always had gas before and induction is almost as responsive and much more energy efficient (only the area in direct contact with the pan heats up) and economical. Cleaning it is so quick and easy too. Mines a Zanussi, hard wired.

billyt · 28/12/2019 18:18

As per the NemesisofLame, I test pots with my watch strap(It's magnetic). If it sticks then the pot is good to go.

The levels on my range go up to P! Really only use 8 or 9 but P is a 'boost' and can get a pot boilings in seconds!!!

FeigningHorror · 28/12/2019 18:20

I agree with @RozHuntleysStump. Gas if you take cooking seriously. Induction is probably fine if you value speed and ease of cleaning more.

MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet · 28/12/2019 18:21

If you can do hard-wired easily, do that. I have the 13amp plug in version which was a massive upgrade from the horrendous ceramic hob I had, BUT if I want to use 3+ pans at once (say, doing a pasta dish, with vegetables) the power 'cycles' between the rings, so you don't have as much flexibility. BUT, it's still far superior to what I had before:

Amazingly fast to boil water (has a superfast boil function),
Easily and quickly adjustable for temperature,
Safe (isn't very hot to touch, or stay hot for very long at all),
Easy to clean.

I am really into Jamie Oliver by Tefal pans which are induction compatible, dishwasher safe, and non stick. When I upgraded the hob, all bar one of my pans worked fine (the hob has a testing function).

I have a Neff 4 ring plug in one which is great.

Henlie · 28/12/2019 18:21

I love my induction hob....we have a Miele one. It’s excellent. I prefer it to gas, which is what we had for over 10 years before.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 28/12/2019 18:22

I had an induction hob installed 6 years ago. It's brilliant and I would never go.back to anything else.

Bumply · 28/12/2019 18:26

Love my induction hob.
I did need to replace my steamer, but other pans were suitable.
I like that they only heat the size of the pan that's on them (and not the cereal box that DS2 left on the job. So you can put a plate (ready to serve onto) next to a boiling pan and it won't get hot.

safariboot · 28/12/2019 18:26

I've never had the chance to use one but I'd like one. We have regular electric at the moment, I've kind of got used to it but it's so slow to respond. Do need to watch out for the pan compatibility but I think the advantages will outweigh that. There are a few induction cookers that work with almost any pan, or you can get a heating disc if you've got favourite old pans to use.

In a home without mains gas I'd say an induction hob's a no-brainer if you have the money for one.

Last time I used a gas cooker I couldn't get a gentle simmer, even the lowest heat was too much, but that might just have been a crap cooker.

AIUI gas hobs can put out more heat, that matters for some cooking styles and is why most restaurants still use gas cookers. But I don't think it would affect anything I do.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 28/12/2019 18:30

Don't get a cheap one. I recommend Bosch as that's what I've had for the last 13 years. 3x faster than gas and would never have anything else.

confusedandemployed · 28/12/2019 18:31

Just moved into a house with an induction hob. Needed all new pans. It's fine but I prefer gas.

ringme · 28/12/2019 18:35

Love my induction hob. Responsive and heats/cooks just fine. Much much easier to clean. Would never go back.

Thecatisboss · 28/12/2019 18:45

We had gas in old house but moved and had induction in new kitchen. Easy to clean, very fast to heat up and cool down. We've got a neff and think it's brilliant.

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