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

AEG HK614000CB hob Black Built-in 60 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s)

AEG IAE64421FB - 949597819 Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint TS 3560F CPNE Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Beko HIIP64530UFT 60cm Plug & Play Induction Hob

Blomberg GEN73415E 60cm Gas Hob with Front Control

Neff T58FHW1L0 hob Black Built-in 80 cm Zone induction hob 5 zone(s)

Blomberg MIN54308N 60cm Induction Hob with Touch Control

CDA HG6151SS hob Stainless steel Built-in 60 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

AEG ILB64334CB Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 2 PUG61RAA5B hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

CDA HC6212FR hob Black Built-in 57.5 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s)

Neff N 30 Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint PPH 60P F IX UK Silver Built-in 60 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

Neff T69FUV4L0 hob Black Built-in 90 cm Zone induction hob 5 zone(s)

Neff T66FHE4L0 hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 6 PIX631HC1E hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 6 PXV831HC1E hob Black Built-in 80 cm Zone induction hob 5 zone(s)

Hotpoint HR 612 C H Black Built-in 58 cm Ceramic 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint HGS 72S BK Black Built-in 60 cm Gas 5 zone(s)

Bosch Serie 4 PWP611BB5B hob Black Built-in 60 cm Zone induction hob 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint HGS 61S BK Black Built-in 60 cm 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint PPH 60G DF IX UK Silver Built-in 60 cm Gas 4 zone(s)

Hotpoint PPH 75G DF IX UK Silver Built-in 75 cm Gas 5 zone(s)

Hotpoint PPH 75P DF IX UK Silver Built-in 75 cm Gas 5 zone(s)

Hobs Price Comparison