Induction cooker hobs have revolutionized home cooking. They are efficient, fast, clean, and safe, making them perfect for modern kitchens. With so many options available, Food and Meal have done the research for you. Check out our top 9 Best induction hobs 2024 to enhance your cooking experience. Jump aboard the induction train and enjoy the benefits!
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob is a sleek, glass-topped surface designed to heat pots and pans using magnetism instead of traditional methods like direct heat (gas hobs) or heated plates (electric hobs).
Beneath the smooth glass surface of an induction hob, there are coils that carry an alternating electrical current. When an induction-compatible pan (a pan with magnetic properties) is placed on the hob, a magnetic field is generated between the coils and the pan. This magnetic field induces an electrical current in the pan, which in turn produces heat to cook the contents.
Here’s a handy tip to determine if your pan is suitable for induction hobs: simply hold a magnet against the underside of the pan. If the magnet sticks firmly, your pan is induction compatible and will work seamlessly. On the other hand, if the magnet doesn’t stick, it means the pan lacks the necessary magnetic properties and won’t function on an induction hob.
How to choose the best induction hob for you
What’s so special about induction hobs?
While induction hobs may come with a higher price tag for purchase and installation, their efficiency is truly remarkable, offering significant advantages in terms of speed and energy consumption. In fact, they outshine both gas and electric ceramic models by being up to 50% more energy efficient. When using an induction hob, approximately 84% of the energy from the electricity supply is directly transferred to the food you’re cooking. In comparison, gas hobs lose around 60% of heat energy as it disperses into the surrounding air, leading to wastage.
To conduct a speedy comparison between gas and induction hobs, we conducted a test using a cold, lidless Le Creuset pot filled with 500ml of water. The gas hob method took 4 minutes and 17 seconds to bring the water to a boil, whereas the portable Tefal induction model, which we reviewed below, accomplished the task in just 2 minutes and 17 seconds.
One of the most significant advantages of flat-topped induction hobs, appreciated by many, is their effortless cleaning process. Simply wiping them over with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep them sparkling clean.
How do induction hobs work?
Unlike traditional hobs that heat the entire surface, induction hobs utilize a different approach by heating only the pot or pan itself. This is achieved by passing an alternating electric current through a coil of copper wire located beneath the hob’s surface. As a result, a magnetic field is generated, inducing an eddy current in the pot placed on the hob. The pot’s electrical resistance generates significant amounts of excess heat, rapidly heating up the pot or pan.
The efficiency of this process is remarkable, often boiling water faster than a kettle. Additionally, the moment you lift the pot or pan from the hob, the heating process ceases. While the contents of the pot or pan will remain hot, the hob surface itself reaches a temperature no higher than a radiator at full blast, allowing you to touch it safely without the risk of severe burns. Therefore, induction hobs are an ideal choice for households with young children, as they offer enhanced safety.
Among current users of induction hobs, there is a unanimous consensus that once you experience their benefits, it is difficult to go back to gas or any other cooking system. In fact, we have yet to meet a single induction hob user who doesn’t swear by the system. If you are skeptical or prefer traditional methods, we encourage you to give induction cooking a try. Chances are, you will prefer it over gas and wonder why you didn’t make the switch earlier. In summary, induction cooking is environmentally friendly, safer, more efficient, and the hobs themselves are easier to keep clean.
Best induction hobs 2024
Neff N50 T36FB41X0G
The Neff induction hob is a high-performance and efficient appliance, equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen and a modern design. The responsive display panel is complemented by a convenient lock button, ensuring that the controls remain secure even if accidentally bumped.
With intelligent cooking zones, the hob activates when it detects an induction pan, focusing the heat directly on the pan instead of the hob surface. This feature prevents spills from getting burnt and makes cleaning a breeze. For rapid heating, you can utilize the boost mode, which provides an additional burst of heat for quick results.
Samsung Infinite Range CombiHob NZ84T9747VK venting hob
Installing an induction hob in your kitchen is often influenced by the location of ventilation points. However, this model breaks free from that constraint by incorporating a built-in downdraft cook hood. This innovative feature draws in steam from below and effectively captures cooking odors. As a result, you can install the hob on any surface in your kitchen without requiring a separate extractor fan.
In terms of eco-friendliness, this model boasts an impressive A+ energy rating and comes with a five-year warranty. The Dual Flex zone is another notable feature, as it expands the cooking area, allowing you to use larger pots and pans. The hob’s sleek and clean design enhances its appearance, while the smooth surfaces make cleaning a breeze. Additionally, a convenient timer feature keeps you informed and alerts you when your culinary creations are perfectly cooked.
Hisense I6433C7
According to experts at UK Whitegoods, Hisense is a highly regarded budget brand, and this glass-ceramic model is no exception. Priced at under £300, it offers remarkable flexibility and ample cooking space, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. The power-boost mode is an added advantage, especially when you need to prepare meals quickly.
Similar to most induction hobs, this model heats the pan directly, prioritizing safety. On the left-hand side of the hob, there’s a bridging zone that allows you to combine two rings, creating a larger cooking area to accommodate bigger cookware. The sleek LCD display adds a touch of modernity and seamlessly integrates into a contemporary kitchen design.
Bosch Series 2 PUG61RAA5B electric induction hob
If you’re in search of a hassle-free induction hob that can be conveniently plugged into a socket, the Bosch model is an excellent option. Its Plug & Play design eliminates the need for hardwiring and operates at a lower power output, making it perfect for households that frequently prepare smaller meals.
With lockable controls, you can ensure that your temperature settings remain fixed, even if buttons are accidentally pressed. The hob also boasts user-friendly features such as quick-start mode, which activates when a pan is detected and illuminates the control panel. Boost mode provides an extra burst of heat for speedy results, and the hob’s surface remains cool during cooking, ensuring safety.
Neff N70T48FD23X2
Designed with larger households in mind, this five-ring hob offers exceptional versatility. It boasts two individual heating zones that can be merged to form a larger cooking area, providing ample space for your culinary endeavors. For added convenience, the boost mode ensures rapid heating whenever you need it.
Temperature adjustment is effortless with this hob. Simply slide the pan back and forth to increase or decrease the power levels without the need to press any buttons. The control panel suspension feature is an added bonus as it temporarily locks the controls for 30 seconds when it detects excessive boil-over, allowing you to wipe the surface without inadvertently changing the settings.
In case of accidental shutdown, fear not! The restart function swiftly turns the hob back on and restores all your previous settings within a mere four seconds. Additionally, if you’re conscious about energy consumption, you can easily view the energy usage of the last cooking process, helping you keep an eye on your energy costs.
Elica NikolaTesla induction venting hob
If you have a generous budget, this innovative induction hob with a built-in extractor fan stands out from others on the market. It has received high ratings from experts at UK Whitegoods, particularly for its reliability, and its sleek and simple design seamlessly blends into modern kitchens.
Equipped with intelligent technology, this hob ensures optimal energy usage. The venting component adjusts automatically based on the number of cooking zones in use and their power settings. Additionally, the hob rings remain cool until a pot is placed on the induction ring, minimizing energy waste.
An added convenience is the Stop-Go mode, which allows you to pause cooking and resume exactly where you left off whenever you’re ready. This feature offers flexibility and ease of use in the kitchen.
electriQ Single Zone Portable Induction Hob
Introducing the electriQ single zone portable induction hob, designed with a slimline and compact body, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option that won’t occupy much space.
The hob features a clear and well-lit display panel, along with intuitive controls. While the temperature dial may initially pose some confusion, as it deviates from the traditional 1-10 scale for heat levels, it offers the flexibility to choose between wattage or temperature settings (ranging from 60-240°C in 20°C increments). This unique feature makes it ideal for precise cooking methods like deep-frying or sous vide, ensuring an even and consistent heat throughout.
In terms of performance, the hob excels in bringing a liter of water to boil quickly, taking only three and a half minutes to achieve the desired result. During a boiling-over test, the hob demonstrated its responsiveness by preventing the milk from spilling over, thanks to its quick reaction time. Despite its high wattage, the induction hob is impressively cost-efficient, consuming just 4.31p of electricity to run for 10 minutes, making it the most economical option among the induction hobs reviewed.
Amzchef Double Induction Hob
Securing the title of the best double portable induction hob, this sleek and visually appealing addition to your kitchen is bound to catch your eye. With its slim and lightweight design, it can be easily stored when not in use, maximizing your kitchen space. The touchscreen controls seamlessly blend into the surface, offering a highly responsive touch experience, while the smooth surface ensures effortless cleaning.
Featuring ample space around each hob ring, this induction hob provides convenient maneuverability for your pans. In terms of heating performance, it strikes a balance, neither exceptionally fast nor slow, taking approximately five minutes to boil a liter of water. Additionally, it delivers consistent and even heat distribution, as demonstrated by the gentle browning of our caramel test.
However, the hob’s downfall lies in its reactivity. Unfortunately, during our test, the milk boiled over due to the hob’s approximately 2-second delay in responding to temperature changes. Regrettably, this delay resulted in a significant puddle that required cleaning. Nevertheless, the hob rin.
AEG MaxiSense IKE64450FB
One of the common challenges with induction hobs is their requirement for pots or pans to fit within the designated circular cooking zone. If a pot’s base is too large and overlaps the zone, the hob may not function properly and could emit a humming noise. While most cooking pans are typically circular and pose no issue, what happens when you wish to use an oblong casserole cocotte alongside a round saucepan while boiling water?
Fortunately, the AEG induction hob addresses this problem with its ingenious self-sizing Multiple Bridge function. This feature automatically detects the size of the pots or pans placed on the hob, regardless of their number (within reasonable limits), making it an incredibly convenient addition.
In line with the sleek design of most induction hobs, the AEG model boasts a stylish bevelled brushed-steel surround, lending a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Cleaning the hob is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly and easy-to-clean surface. The responsive “Direktouch” slide control panel offers intuitive operation, allowing you to adjust temperatures precisely and instantly with a simple swipe of your finger. And when you’re in need of boiling water quickly, just tap the PowerBoost button, and it will be ready in less than 90 seconds.
If you’re seeking a premium induction hob that combines practicality and efficiency, this model from AEG is the ideal choice.
FAQs about Induction Hobs of 2024
Q1: What is an induction hob, and how does it work? A1: An induction hob is a cooking appliance that uses electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. It works by creating a magnetic field that induces heat in the base of compatible cookware, making the cooking process faster and more efficient.
Q2: What are the advantages of using induction hobs over traditional gas or electric cooktops? A2: Induction hobs offer faster heating times, precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and a safer cooking surface since the cooktop itself doesn’t get hot. They are also easier to clean due to the flat, smooth surface.
Q3: Can I use any type of cookware on an induction hob? A3: No, induction hobs require cookware with a magnetic base. Materials like cast iron and stainless steel work well, while aluminum or copper cookware may not be compatible unless they have a magnetic bottom.
Q4: How fast do induction hobs heat up compared to other types of cooktops? A4: Induction hobs heat up significantly faster than traditional cooktops. They can boil water in a fraction of the time it takes on gas or electric cooktops.
Q5: Are induction hobs energy-efficient? A5: Yes, induction hobs are generally more energy-efficient than traditional cooktops. They only generate heat where it’s needed—directly in the cookware—resulting in less wasted energy.
Q6: Can induction hobs be used with special cooking techniques, such as simmering or melting chocolate? A6: Yes, induction hobs provide precise temperature control, making them suitable for various cooking techniques, including simmering, melting, and maintaining low temperatures.
Q7: Are induction hobs easy to clean? A7: Yes, the flat and smooth surface of induction hobs makes them easy to clean. Since the cooktop itself doesn’t get hot, spills and splatters are less likely to burn onto the surface.
Q8: Do induction hobs make noise during operation? A8: While some induction hobs may produce a slight humming sound due to the magnetic fields, it’s generally minimal and not disruptive during regular cooking.
Q9: Can I install an induction hob myself, or do I need professional installation? A9: The complexity of installation depends on the model and your kitchen setup. While some induction hobs are designed for easy installation, others may require professional installation to ensure proper electrical connections.
Q10: Are there safety features on induction hobs, such as child locks or overheat protection? A10: Yes, many induction hobs come equipped with safety features, including child locks, overheat protection, and automatic shut-off. These features enhance safety during use, especially in households with children.
