Induction Hobs - Are they all the same?

[DeeDub]

Hi All,

I'm intending to buy an induction hob and I've noticed a huge variety in prices. However, when I look at the descriptions, they all look pretty much the same. Also, visually, they all look the same too. So, is there any reason not to go for a cheaper one?

I'd also mention that I'm probably looking at a new kitchen in a few years time and no doubt there'll be some deal for new appliances that fit better with the new design. So I'm not necessarily looking for a hob that'll last a lifetime.

Thanks,

Dee

Well I’ve come across people who hate induction hobs. Mainly because they have used crap ones in rented properties or holiday lets. So I think I would go for the best I could afford.

I love induction, very good choice. As far as I know the basic functionality is the same and some cheap ones are very good, some of the more expensive ones have 'extras' you probably don't need like 'bridging' for extra large pans. However it is worth reading the reviews as some do have annoying features/flaws and that can go for expensive as well as cheap ones, e.g. a very loud buzz or rattle when it's working, or ours is a bit oversensitive to things that aren't pans being put on it and will beep very loudly and indignantly, and if the offending item isn't removed quickly will activate it's 'lock' safety feature and turn off all heat whilst flashing '!' at us, which is quite annoying! So do check that out before you commit!

Look at the wattage and number of rings etc. When we got ours (17 years ago) it was the top of the Nef range - heat guage goes from 1 to 9 in .5 increments, has a boost function for even faster heating etc and 5 rings in 3 sizes. When I replace it I'm having another expensive one, this time a Miele, which is whole surface heating (so doesn't matter if your pan doesn't fit the ring) and you can move the pan to somewhere else on the hob and the heat setting you are using moves with it.

I love mine. It was on the cheaper end of the price range - matmassig from IKEA. I was unsure but it was one the highest rated in various independent tests and reviews - and has far exceeded my expectations. I love the boost feature - a pan of water boils faster than my kettle. Very rarely I want one with 5 hobs or a double for a large pan but overall it's been brilliant - would recommend.

The higher the wattage the better. The cheap ones you can only use 2 hobs at a time unless you have them on really low.

Look at what connecting cable is required. The cheaper hob we originally ordered needed a huge electric cable and we had to upgrade to a big brand which needed a much more sensible cable

I got an AEG with bridging thingys do you can use big pans and spread across 2. I use it a lot as we have lots of stir fry meals for a family of 5. It was mid range.

We had a standard 4 ring induction when we moved in, we've just done the kitchen and the new induction is sooo much better. Holds more pans, has the bridging to put a large skillet on, can set timers for all seperate rings etc. Ours if neff.

I find a separate control for each ring easier than the single one where you have to select the right ring first (this adds a bit to cost).

When you want to turn off a pan boiling everywhere (because they are super speedy) you just want to hit off not have to press a button three times first.
It's not a major issue but a feature I prefer having had both.

Induction is a joy to clean compared to other options. Just wipe clean even if like me, you regularly boil things everywhere!

No they are not the same. Some cheap ones are borderline uncontrollable (hence the sometimes bad rep) - they don't have enough difference between power settings so you can't for example set and leave on a nice rolling boil - adjacent settings either go off boil or boil over.. Some are also noisy

Thanks all for the good information so far. It’s seeming as though I may have to pay a bit more if I want to make sure I avoid a hob that is noisy, has poor controls, etc. Or I could just reconcile myself to live with it to save money.

My current gas hob is my only gas appliance so I’m having to pay the £100/year standing charge to keep it going. I’m quite keen to ditch it.

I think not necessarily pay more, I had a bargain basement cheap induction hob that did none of these things, it's just that some do - read reviews carefully and shop around I'd say...

The one I have is a Zanussi, it came with the house and drives me mad! If you try to wipe anything off the surface while one ring is on it senses something being put down and turns itself off, which is hopeless if something has boiled over and you need to wipe up. I also have to press button after button to perform the simplest tasks, I really just want to turn a dial to turn a ring up, not fiddle about! Plus, if my hands are wet it won't register me pressing, so when something is boiling over I get really wound up.

I'm sure they are lovely really, but mine came as a complete shock. When I get the kitchen redone I'll probably get another induction hob but I will try to find one that's a bit more responsive to me and less responsive to a damp wipe.

A PP mentions size of cable for connection. We were severely limited but we were able to find one with a 13amp plug (Neff) then you can have it almost anywhere. It is brilliant and I wouldn't go back to gas for a pension.