Induction Hobs - now totally confused

[Desperatelyseekingreason]

A month ago I had a new induction hob fitted and I haven’t even switched the thing on yet as I’m worried about ruining it.

I want to get some protectors so that it doesn’t get scratched or marked but I’ve researched silicon ones and also those that are some kind of mesh but I’m none the wiser. Reading reviews for both types, some people say they’re fabulous and others say they have left marks which cannot be removed.

Can anyone please help me with any recommendations or experiences?

This is crazy!

What does it matter if it gets scratched?

I've had a few, I've never scratched one. I place heavy saucepans and cast iron very gently.

I have smashed the corner of one once by knocking over a bottle of wine or oil onto it. I keep bottles that could be knocked over away from it now.

I’ve had mine a couple of years and have yet to scratch it. Do you have very scratchy pans?

I have induction now for the first time and was worried about scratching it but it’s been fine. I don’t use any sort of protector but have bought a special cleaner. They’re great, you will love it once you get started.

We had one in our previous house for 11 years and never scratched it. Well tiny scratches if you looked hard enough. Had one installed in this house a couple of months ago too. We are fairly careful but not to the extent of not using it or using any protectors.

10 years here and one tiny scratch about 5mm long. I'm not domestic goddess either, just basic care.

I noticed yesterday that mine has a scratch. But just one, and I’ve had it 11 years and am absolutely not particularly careful.

No marks on mine and its about 20 years old.
V easy to clean.

The only issue I find it that some pans that are advertised as induction hob compatible are not and I have had to return them.

I use the round silicone mesh ones. They do sometimes leave marks, if something has boiled over, but these have been easy to remove.

I’ve had mine 4 years, no scratches. I just wipe it with a soft cloth every time I use it. It’s a functional item, not a piece of artwork. It shouldn’t have to look perfect.

Thank you for your replies.

I am the sort of person who would be very bugged by scratches hence my question.

But I’m very reassured that others have had no issues, particularly as my pans are not scratchy. Thanks.

Mine has a few scratches caused by overenthusiastic teenagers thinking they were Gordon Ramsey cooking on gas and shaking pans on the stove without lifting. I think it can happen if there has been a spill of something like rock salt or the pan base had something burnt on it before shaking.

Obviously, being careful and lifting pans would eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk.

I did try a mesh mat, but didn't like using it. The teens are more careful now.

Thanks for the advice.

I guess I’m twitchy about the hob because I’ve had 2 portable versions in the past. One from Ikea which stayed perfect until DH dropped a bottle on it. And one from Lidl which inexplicably marked very quickly. Both were treated the same.

First world problems I know but I’ve spent ££££s replacing my shabby 1980s kitchen and I’d be gutted to mess it up from the get go.

Ours was installed only in Feb 2025 and already has several very visible scratches on it. I am not hard on my appliances by any stretch. Avoid the N50 80cm Air Venting Induction Hob (##GLASS##) Model:Neff V58NBS1L0 P/N: 4242004277460

Sorry to hear that I would have expected better of neff.

Ours is 11 years old. Bosch. No visible scratches, no special cleaners. I'm not particularly careful. Use Le Creuset heavy pans and others.

The quality of the appliance is good (bloody should be for the price). Works wonderfully well. Aesthetics and ease of scratching, not so much.

I have a Bora. No scratches and very easy to keep clean.

I’ve got a Rangemaster - been fitted around 13 months and no scratches so far, despite my clumsiness.

Also, I don’t know if it’s the same for all induction tops, but some types of “induction saucepans” can invalidate the warranty. Ours have to be completely smooth underneath - there are so-called induction pans with ridged bottoms that apparently invalidate the warranty, if used.

I've had a Bosch for nearly 18 years and it's fine. Few light scratches but you can't see them unless you look really closely.