Induction hobs?

[museumum]

Do I want one???

And, more importantly what kind of electrics do I need in order to have one?
I’m replacing an ordinary ceramic electric freestanding cooker and don’t want to do building works / rewire the house.
I cannot understand what if any special higher power electrics I might need.

Thanks!!

I used to be all about gas hobs, but I've been totally converted.

They're the best option if you don't want/can't have gas.

Before buying a particular model, make sure the controls aren't insane. MIL got a new one with her kitchen remodel and it's a bit mad with touch sensitive, context sensitive controls that light up and then vanish. I'm amazed she can drive it tbh.

I'm considering one but have also heard horror stories of lots of buttons to press to turn it down.

You can buy induction jobs that will plug into a 13a socket. Here are a few

markselectrical.co.uk/search.html?keyword=Induction+hob&types=induction-hobs&attributes=125

No doubt they may be slightly less powerful than the hardwired ones but I am not sure this would be very noticeable in day to day use.

If you want to try induction before you commit, pick up ones of those portable induction hobs for around £30 to try it out. It will also be useful for occasions when you need an extra hob and while you are fitting the new kitchen.

I had one of these Frog - still have it in the garage. Used it with a rented house with an Aga between house purchases.

I went for a modern ceramic and don't regret it. It is probably like anything in life, largely you get what you pay for.

I’m another one who swore I couldn’t live without a gas hob. Now I’d never go back. No need for bain maries, there’s instant heat, it’ssafe for the kids to use, super easy to clean - fabulous. The only thing I miss is not having a handy naked flame for heating up the brandy to light the Christmas pud once a year!

I love my induction hob.

• it has a boost button which can bring a massive saucepan to the boil faster than the kettle
• super easy to clean
• so responsive it's unreal. Temperature changes are instant
• easy to use. Mine has a touch button for each hob and numbers. I just click the one I want to change and choose the right temperature number. You get to learn what number is perfect for each of your meals.
• switches itself off if anything boils over
• doesn't stay hot or set fire to things

The only thing I don't like is that it makes a humming noise coming to the boil. Buying new pans was a bonus. Mine were 30 years old and had wobbly handles and I finally had a proper excuse to get rid of them.

My daughter has one and it's quick, efficient and easy to clean. I do worry that they'll be without any means of cooking in a electricity power cut though. They'll have to fire up the barbecue.

I love my induction hob, I love that it has a boost function which boils a full 2l of cold water in less than two minutes. I love the immediate heat change. I love that it gives me fair warning of any residual heat in the hob by means of a big or little "h".

I don't love that I can accidentally switch it on by putting pretty much anything on top of it.

As well as what everyone else has said, I like that on the lowest setting my induction hob turns any pan into a slow cooker. I don’t leave it on if I go out for more than an hour or so (use an actual slow cooker in that case) but can get on with other stuff around the house or garden and just leave it to get on with cooking.

I'm going against the grain here. In our last rental we had induction and I loathed it; in the current one we have ceramic, and it's much better. I find I can control it better.

I would never go back to gas after living in two houses with induction. Just as responsive as gas without the mess or danger to kids.

I can't think of one thing I don't like about mine.

I had one fitted last year in my 1930s semi. We did have to rewire though which was costly but at least I know electrics all up to date/ safe etc.

Absolutely love mine, would never go back to gas.