Induction Hob / Induction Cooktop
A type of cooktop that uses electromagnetic fields to heat compatible pans directly, rather than heating a surface beneath the pan.
An induction hob (called an induction cooktop in the US) is a type of cooking surface that uses electromagnetic energy to heat your pans directly. Unlike gas or traditional electric hobs, the hob surface itself does not get hot — the electromagnetic field generates heat inside the pan, which means faster cooking, better energy efficiency, and a safer kitchen.
How induction works
An induction hob contains copper coils beneath its glass-ceramic surface. When you switch on a zone and place a compatible pan on it, the coil generates a magnetic field that induces an electrical current in the pan’s base. This current heats the pan almost instantly. Remove the pan, and the magnetic field stops — no residual heat on the hob surface (beyond warmth transferred back from the hot pan).
Benefits of induction
- Speed — induction boils water significantly faster than gas or conventional electric
- Energy efficiency — because only the pan heats up, less energy is wasted heating the air or surrounding surfaces
- Safety — no open flame, no hot surface (the hob only warms from the pan’s residual heat), and most models switch off automatically when a pan is removed
- Easy to clean — the flat glass surface wipes down easily. Because it does not get extremely hot, spills do not burn on
- Precise control — temperature changes are instant, similar to gas but with finer control at low settings
Things to consider
- Compatible cookware — induction only works with pans that have a ferromagnetic base (cast iron, most stainless steel). A simple test: if a magnet sticks to the base of your pan, it will work. You may need to replace some of your existing pans.
- Electrical supply — induction hobs draw significant power (typically 7-7.4kW for a four-zone hob). Your kitchen may need a dedicated electrical circuit. Discuss this with your electrician during the first-fix stage.
- Noise — induction hobs produce a low humming or buzzing sound during use, particularly at high power. This varies by model and pan type.
- Cost — induction hobs are more expensive to buy than standard gas or ceramic electric hobs, though running costs are lower.
Planning your kitchen
If you are switching from gas to induction during your renovation, make sure the electrical upgrade is in your scope of work. You will also need a suitable extractor hood — induction produces less rising heat than gas, so some hoods are designed specifically for induction cooking. If your hob is going in a kitchen island, the electrical supply will need to run under the floor.