The Ultimate Guide to the Best Induction Hobs, From Budget-Friendly to High-End

No more burners taking ages to heat up, and no more intense heat sources that are hard to control. You have probably already observed an induction hob in action, thanks to its many benefits, such as energy-efficiency, control, stability and safety. However, the current availability of multiple models might leave you feeling more overwhelmed than encouraged to buy one. But fear not!

This buying guide is here to help you find the induction hob that matches your kitchen and your cooking style. Firstly, we’ll review some important points about induction technology, before exploring the main features to consider when choosing a model, followed by the most common types of induction hobs. Next, we’ll review the 10 best models to consider, and finish with some tips and tricks. Ready? Let’s start.

Understanding the Magic of Induction: How it Works

The magic of induction is that, unlike hobs that heat up electrically or with gas, energy is transferred to the ferromagnetic material in the cookware, not to the surface of the hob. The hob itsself remains relatively cool, which means it’s less likely to get burned, and families can use the hob safely.

Imagine this: you switch on a pot on an induction hob and, even before you have turned your attention away, it simmers. That increased power and instant responsiveness or, rather, the extraordinarily efficient heating of a pot or pan – by means of a magnetic field, which, unlike most forms of heat transfer, does not heat the surface on which the pan sits, thereby reducing energy waste and the overall heating of the kitchen – is wonderfully impressive.

Types of Induction Hobs: Finding the Perfect Fit

Induction hobs come in a variety of designs to fit with different kitchen layouts and requirements. Here, we look in more detail at the most common types available.

• Built-in Induction Hobs: The most classic induction hob you can find are built-intos, which are meant to be integrated to your already existing kitchen countertop. These are by far the most common, and they come in a wide range of sizes, features and power outputs. With a built-in induction hob your kitchen will look even more integrated and beautiful with no countertop space lost.
• Freestanding Induction Cookers: these are the cooking powers of the induction hob and oven combined into a single, versatile unit. If space is at a premium, one freestanding induction cooker can replace both a hob and an oven. This might be the one idea you needed to convert a snug kitchen into a bigger, better, brighter one. Or maybe your space is even tinier, like that of a studio apartment. Here, a freestanding induction cooker means you could have a complete cooking centre in just a single appliance.
• Portable Induction Hobs: These hobs can be transported easily since they are lightweight and small. They offer induction cooking without the need for permanent installation. Great for small kitchens, camping trips or students. Or allow the look and feel of expensive Italian kitchens in your vintage caravan camping holidays. You don’t have to make a big investment to have the benefits of induction cooking.

Top Induction Hob Picks in 2023: Unveiling the Best Models

Now that I hope you have a clear vision of what is a must-have for a good induction hob, so let's discover in details some reviewed and rated 2023 models. Following, you will get familiar with many different brands, sizes, and prices so you can fit any shopping budgets:

Best Overall: AEG IKB64401FB Induction Hob

With four powerful cooking-zones and the flexibility of zone-technology, the AEG IKB64401FB hasn’t got its high rating for nothing. This premium induction hob can do it all. And, sure to sit comfortably in your kitchen because of its fresh, modern look, it really is an investment-piece for the right cook. It’s the induction hob for cooks who want the absolute best in flexibility and power, and don’t mind spending the coins on it.

Best Value: Bosch PIB655FB1E Induction Hob

Price: reflects those features, and offers excellent value for money. Four zones: plenty of space for multi-step recipes or cooking all together, and allows more people to get involved. 60cm width: one of the widest induction hobs you’ll find, great space for the social cook. Simple and intuitive to use: great for newbie and experienced cooks alike. Ideal induction hob: four zones, 60cm width and great value. Should-have Bosch hob: our winner in the budget friendly induction hob category. A great induction hob without the huge price tag. Hobb tastes superb.

Best for Large Families: Neff T48T52N0 Induction Hob

With its 90cm width and five cooking zones including a bridge zone, you’ll have space for the school run and an impromptu dinner party before you know it. There are also timer settings to allow for precise cooking, and a boost feature for rapid heat-up. A hob fit for large families or fanciers of the dinner party.

Best Induction Hob with Integrated Extractor: Siemens EX675LX11E

An induction hob with an integrated extractor. So you only need a hob, not extractor too. The more space you have, the better. This is perfect if you have an open-plan kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, then this is just for you. It’s for a contemporary kitchen. Siemens EX675LX11E.

Best Portable Induction Hob: Cuisinart CIH-700

The little Cuisinart CIH-700 is an induction hob that can take induction cooking wherever it fits, such as into a small kitchen, the back of your van or share-house living with students. It’s a slim, compact induction hob all on its own. The Cuisinart CIH-700 features a single cooking zone with several power settings you can dial up. Take the power of induction cooking with you wherever it fits.

Best for High-End Performance: Gaggenau CI 490 110 Induction Hob

If you want to push yourself as far as possible in the kitchen, or if you just like an ultra-stylish kitchen accessory, then the Gaggenau CI 490 110 induction hob is likely to be the jewel in your crown. A four-zone hob with a powerful boost function and a host of extra functions, it’s also a beautiful-looking object that promises to invite you into the world of everything Gaggenau has to offer when it comes to culinary performance and design. Imagine a hob that’s as beautiful and as hard-working as this one.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Heston Blumenthal by Rangemaster 60cm Induction Hob

The Heston Blumenthal by Rangemaster 60cm induction hob at £699.99 is the best value for money model we’ve tested, without sacrificing performance. This induction hob has four cooking zones, a boost function for quicker heating, and simple controls – the perfect starting point for those who want the benefits of induction cooking without buying a scary-looking new gadget. Heston Blumenthal by Rangemaster 60cm induction hob at £699.99 Photo by Sara Owens.

Beyond the Hob: Expanding Your Induction Kitchen

Induction technology is not just for hobs. There are a growing number of other appliances based on this innovative heating method. Can you tell which is an induction model? The similarities are impressive, perhaps a little too good. Here are the most common appliances with induction technology:

• Induction Stove Tops: For the chefs who want to experience induction cooking without replacing their cooktop, enjoy all the benefits of induction with an easily mountable and transportable stove top that you can add to your cooktop.
• Induction Hotplates: These single-burner appliances are the perfect culinary companion. They are a great option for those who work in small kitchens or college dorm rooms, and, best of all, can be used as an addition to your current cooktop. You can then have a dedicated induction hotplate for your favourite cooking tasks, or create a smaller induction kitchen set-up.
• Induction cookers: Recall what was mentioned above, freestanding induction cookers combine in a single unit an induction hob and a cooker, generating an integrated reduced-depth cooking centre providing for the simultaneous generation of heat and cooking. It’s the kind of cooking centre that puts together the best features in induction technology, hob and oven, in a single appliance that also occupies much less space.

Induction Cooking: The Next Level of Culinary Experience

Want to head to the world of induction cooking? Don’t you worry. There’s something for everyone – and every wallet – in this vast and exciting landscape of induction technology. Whether you’re a professional chef or have only just learnt the difference between an udon and an éclair, induction equipment will have something useful to offer you. Its sheer efficiency, precision and safety compared with conventional cooking methods is probably why we are seeing induction hobs fast becoming the industry benchmark for the kitchens of the modern age. Come on in, the water’s fine, that is to say, hot. Happy cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of cookware work with induction hobs?

Induction hobs work with certain types of cookwear made from ferromagnetic materials such as cast iron, stainless steel or some enamelled steel. If you hold a magnet to the bottom of your cookwear and the magnet sticks, your cookwear will work.

Can I use an induction hob with a glass top?

No, induction hobs will work only with ferromagnetic cookware (which means that the base of the pan is made of materials attracted to magnets), and glass is not magnetic.

What are the benefits of using an induction hob compared to a gas hob?

Paraphrase: Usually the post-writer would also have done the editing. scrambled egg and burnt toast as an analogy;gas hobs tend to be quicker to heat up and give a more precise control of temperature, resulting in a cleaner and safer cooking environment than induction hobs. On the other hand,gas hobs tend to create a more authentic cooking ambience and are often more economical.The best option is dependent upon one’s own preferences and priorities.

How do I clean an induction hob?

An induction hob is very easy to clean. If any liquid spills, wipe it away with a damp cloth and a little household detergent. Do not use an abrasive cleaner as the surface can be scratched.

Are induction hobs expensive to run?

It is less energy-efficient than an induction hob as far as the amount of power required for cooking is concerned. Therefore it helps you to save your energy consumption in the long run. That means you can save money on your energetic bills.An induction hob on the other hand is most energy-efficient compared with the other cooktops. The need of power is minimum therefore it helps you to save your energy consumption which means you can save money on your energetic bills.The initial cost of purchasing an induction hob is also high in contrast with the other traditional cooktop.