Question 1

What is the difference between induction and ceramic hobs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Do I need a Gas Safe engineer to install a gas hob?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Will my existing pans work on an induction hob?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is a 60 cm hob always the right size?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Are cheap hobs from lesser-known brands worth considering?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What safety features should I look for on a hob for a family kitchen?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Which hob brands offer the best after-sales support in the UK?

Accepted Answer

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.

Hobs Price Comparison

Hotpoint HR 620 R H Black Built-in 58 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint FTGHG 751 D/H(BK) Black Built-in 75 cm Gas 5 zone(s)

Hotpoint FTGHG 641 D/H(BK) Black Built-in 60 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint ACP 778 C/BA Black Built-in 77 cm Zone induction hob 8 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 4 PGP6B5K90 hob Stainless steel Built-in 58 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 6 PCP6A5I90 hob Stainless steel Built-in 58 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

AEG IAE84411FB Black Built-in 80 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

AEG HGB75500SM Black, Stainless steel Built-in 56 cm Gas 5 zone(s)

AEG HGB64200SM Black, Stainless steel Built-in 59 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint HR 724 B H Black Built-in 77 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint TB 3977B BF Black Built-in 77 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint TB 7960C BF Black Built-in 59 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint Induction Hob TQ 1460S NE

Hotpoint TS 5760F NE Black Built-in 59 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Smeg SI2641DUK hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Blomberg MKN54212 60cm Ceramic Hob with Touch Control

Blomberg MIX55487N 80cm Induction Hob with Touch Control

Blomberg MIN54483N 60cm Induction Hob with Touch Control

Bosch Serie 4 PIE631BB5E hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 4 PUE611BB5E hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Samsung NZ64F3NM1AB Black Built-in Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Smeg Victoria Hob SR975PGH Cream

Hisense E6431C hob Black Built-in Ceramic 4 zone(s)

Whirlpool WL S7960 NE Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hobs Price Comparison