Hobs Price Comparison 2026
Compare 1,311 hobs from Bosch, Smeg, Neff and more. Gas, ceramic or induction — find the best price across top UK retailers.
Choosing a new hob is one of those decisions that shapes how you cook every single day — yet it's surprisingly easy to get wrong. Our catalogue of 1,311 models spans everything from no-frills ceramic plates under 255 £ to statement induction hobs with integrated extractors pushing well beyond 729 £. The spread tells a story: this is a market where brand prestige and technology type drive price far more than raw cooking performance.
Gas remains the choice of instinct for many British cooks — instant flame, visual feedback, and compatibility with any pan in the cupboard. Hotpoint and CDA dominate the affordable end of the gas segment, while Bosch and Bertazzoni command a premium for build quality and burner configuration. Induction, meanwhile, has become the technology to beat on efficiency and precision. Bosch's Serie 2 entry-level induction sits comfortably below the median, making it far more accessible than it was even three years ago. At the top, models like the Bosch Serie 4 with integrated hood blur the line between hob and kitchen architecture.
Ceramic hobs occupy an interesting middle ground — cheaper to buy than induction, easier to clean than gas, but slower to respond and less energy-efficient than either. They suit renters or those who cook simply and don't want the faff of gas installation. If you're fitting a new kitchen from scratch, though, we'd push you firmly towards induction: the running cost savings are real, and the safety benefits — no residual heat, automatic pan detection — are genuinely useful in a busy household. You can explore ovens and cookers to complete your kitchen setup.
One thing worth flagging: Smeg, Neff and Siemens all average close to 729 £ or above, yet their products don't always outperform Bosch or AEG models at half the price in blind cooking tests. You're partly paying for aesthetics and brand cachet — which is a perfectly valid reason to buy, but go in with your eyes open. For those who want the look without the full outlay, teppanyaki hobs offer a niche but genuinely fun alternative for flat-surface cooking.
How to Choose the Right Hob for Your Kitchen
With gas, ceramic, induction and mixed-fuel options all competing for the same worktop space, the choice is less obvious than it looks. Our data shows the median hob price sits at 399 £ — but the right hob for your kitchen might cost half that or twice as much depending on three key decisions: technology, size, and how seriously you cook.
Gas, ceramic or induction — pick your technology first
This is the decision everything else flows from. Gas gives you instant, visual heat control and works with any cookware — but requires a gas supply and a qualified installer (Gas Safe registered). Ceramic is the simplest and cheapest to install (just plug in), but zones are slow to heat and slow to cool, which wastes energy and increases burn risk. Induction heats only the pan, not the surface — faster than gas for boiling, far more energy-efficient, and safer around children. The catch: you need induction-compatible cookware (magnetic base). If you're unsure, hold a magnet to your pan's base — if it sticks, you're good.
Width: don't assume 60 cm is enough
Most British kitchens are fitted with 60 cm hobs as standard, and the majority of models in our catalogue follow suit. But if you cook for four or more regularly, a 70–75 cm model with five burners makes a meaningful difference — you stop playing Tetris with pans. The Bosch Serie 6 PPQ7A6I40 at 75.2 cm is a good example of how the extra width pays off in usability. Going wider than 75 cm (80–90 cm) is a serious commitment — check your worktop cutout dimensions twice before ordering, and factor in the higher price that comes with the territory.
Number of zones and their individual power ratings
Four zones is the standard; five gives you a dedicated high-power burner (typically 3–4 kW on gas, or a boost function on induction reaching 3.6 kW) that's genuinely useful for rapid boiling or searing. What the spec sheet often buries is the minimum power setting — critical for simmering sauces or melting chocolate without scorching. Induction hobs generally win here, with finer gradations than ceramic. On gas, look for models with a proper simmer burner (around 1 kW) rather than just a small ring.
Controls: rotary dials vs. touch — a real-world trade-off
Touch controls look sleek and are easy to wipe clean, but they can be frustratingly imprecise mid-cook — especially with wet hands or when you need a quick adjustment. Rotary dials are tactile, immediate, and don't accidentally activate when you rest a cloth on the hob. Premium brands like Neff and Siemens have invested heavily in touch interfaces with haptic feedback, which closes the gap. For most home cooks, dials remain the more practical choice. If you opt for touch, check whether the model has a physical lock to prevent accidental changes.
Safety features — non-negotiable if you have children
At minimum, look for a child lock on any hob going into a family kitchen. On induction, automatic pan detection (the zone only activates when a compatible pan is present) is standard and genuinely reassuring. Gas hobs should have flame failure devices (FFD) on every burner — this cuts the gas supply if the flame goes out, preventing dangerous leaks. It's a legal requirement on new gas hobs sold in the UK, but worth confirming on older stock or grey-market imports. Overflow detection and automatic switch-off are useful extras, particularly on ceramic.
Installation cost: the hidden expense
The sticker price is only part of the story. A ceramic or induction hob can be swapped in by a competent DIYer in under an hour. A gas hob legally requires a Gas Safe registered engineer — budget an additional £100–£150 for installation on top of the purchase price. If you're switching from gas to induction, you may also need an electrician to upgrade the circuit to 32A or higher. Factor this in when comparing prices: an induction hob at 399 £ with a £120 installation job may still work out cheaper than a gas model at 255 £ once you account for the engineer's call-out.
- Budget picks (From 123 £ to 255 £) : Mostly basic ceramic and entry-level gas hobs from Hotpoint, CDA and Indesit. Four zones, standard 60 cm width, minimal extras. Perfectly functional for light everyday cooking — but don't expect precise simmer control or premium finishes. Good for rentals or second kitchens.
- The sweet spot (From 255 £ to 399 £) : Where the market gets interesting. Entry-level induction from Bosch and AEG appears here, alongside mid-range gas from Hotpoint and Teka. You get better build quality, more safety features, and — crucially — the first induction models with proper boost functions. This is where we'd point most buyers.
- Serious kit (From 399 £ to 729 £) : Neff, Siemens, AEG and upper Bosch ranges dominate. Expect full-flex induction zones, premium touch controls, superior simmer performance, and better-looking finishes. Smeg's retro aesthetic also enters the picture here. Worth it if the kitchen is a priority — less so if you're a casual cook.
- Premium and professional (Over 729 £) : Lofra, Bertazzoni, top-tier Smeg and specialist induction-with-hood combos like the Bosch Serie 4 PVS611B16E. These are statement pieces as much as cooking tools. Exceptional build quality and performance, but the law of diminishing returns applies sharply. Only justifiable if design and professional-grade output genuinely matter to you.
Top products
- Bosch Serie 6 PPQ7A6I40 hob Black Built-in 75.2 cm Gas 5 zone(s) (Bosch) : The most-compared gas hob in our catalogue, and for good reason — five zones across 75 cm gives genuine cooking flexibility. The black finish is sharp, build quality is solid Bosch. Not the cheapest gas option, but the extra width over a standard 60 cm model is hard to give up once you've used it.
- Bosch Serie 2 PKE61RAA8B hob Black Built-in 60 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s) (Bosch) : The go-to ceramic hob for buyers who want Bosch reliability without the induction price tag. Four zones, clean black finish, straightforward controls. Perfectly competent — but if your budget stretches even slightly, the Bosch induction equivalent is a meaningfully better appliance.
- Bosch Serie 2 PUG61RAA5B hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s) (Bosch) : Our top pick for buyers entering induction for the first time. Priced below the median, it delivers the core induction benefits — speed, efficiency, easy cleaning — without unnecessary extras. Four zones cover most households comfortably. A strong case for why you don't need to spend more.
- AEG ILB64334CB Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s) (AEG — 4/5) : AEG's entry into the affordable induction segment is a genuine rival to the Bosch Serie 2. Slightly more refined touch controls and a cleaner interface. Worth comparing prices directly between the two — whichever is cheaper on the day is the one to buy.
- Hotpoint PPH 60G DF IX UK Silver Built-in 60 cm Gas 4 zone(s) (Hotpoint) : The budget gas option we'd actually recommend. Stainless steel finish, four zones, flame failure devices as standard, and Hotpoint's UK service network behind it. Not glamorous, but reliable and sensibly priced. Ideal for renters or those replacing a like-for-like gas hob without fuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between induction and ceramic hobs?
Induction hobs heat the pan directly using an electromagnetic field, while ceramic hobs heat a glass surface that then transfers heat to the pan. In practice, induction is faster, more energy-efficient, and safer — the surface itself stays relatively cool. Ceramic is cheaper to buy and works with any cookware, but it's slower to respond and the residual heat is a burn risk. For most new kitchen installations, induction is the better long-term investment.
Do I need a Gas Safe engineer to install a gas hob?
Yes — in the UK, it is a legal requirement to use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas hob installation or connection. Attempting it yourself is illegal and invalidates your home insurance. Budget around £100–£150 for the installation on top of the hob price, and always ask to see the engineer's Gas Safe ID card before work begins.
Will my existing pans work on an induction hob?
Only if they have a magnetic base. Hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of your pan — if it sticks firmly, the pan is induction-compatible. Cast iron and most stainless steel pans work well. Aluminium, copper, and older non-stick pans typically do not. If you're switching to induction, factor in the cost of replacing incompatible cookware — a decent induction-ready pan set starts from around £50.
Is a 60 cm hob always the right size?
Not necessarily. 60 cm is the UK standard and fits most kitchen cutouts, but households that cook for four or more people regularly will benefit from a 70–75 cm model with five burners. The extra width means you can run large pots and frying pans simultaneously without them overlapping. Always measure your existing cutout before ordering — the nominal width of the hob and the required cutout dimensions are not the same thing.
Are cheap hobs from lesser-known brands worth considering?
With caution. Brands like CDA and Hotpoint offer genuine value at the budget end — they're established names with UK service networks and available spare parts. The real risk lies with unbranded or grey-market imports, which may not carry the required UK safety certifications (look for the UKCA mark) and often have no local repair support. A hob that fails after 18 months with no available parts is not a bargain. Stick to brands with a UK presence and a clear warranty policy.
What safety features should I look for on a hob for a family kitchen?
At minimum: a child lock, flame failure devices on every burner (gas), and automatic pan detection (induction). Overflow detection and automatic switch-off are useful extras on ceramic models. Induction is inherently the safest technology for families — the surface only gets warm from residual pan heat, not from the hob itself, which dramatically reduces burn risk for curious small hands.
Which hob brands offer the best after-sales support in the UK?
Bosch, AEG, Neff and Siemens all have strong UK service networks with readily available spare parts — an important consideration given that a hob is a 10–15 year purchase. Smeg and Bertazzoni have improved their UK support in recent years but can be slower for parts. For budget brands, Hotpoint has a wide UK engineer network, which is reassuring at that price point. Always check the manufacturer's warranty length before buying — some premium brands offer five-year cover as standard.