What is an induction hob?

An induction hob works similarly to an electric hob, but it has coils beneath its surface that induce electrical current to generate heat in the pan or metal object. It uses less power and remains cold until you place a pan on it, meaning it uses less energy than other types of electric hobs. Because the surface cools down much more quickly than traditional electric hobs, cleaning is often easier too. If you’d like guidance on the best way to clean your induction hob, see our step-by-step cleaning guide. Induction hobs are perfect for those who are looking for a quality appliance that works to save you money on your utility bills.

If you use a pacemaker, insulin pump or have metal implants, we recommend reading our dedicated safety advice before using an induction hob.

The benefits of induction hobs are plentiful. A notable feature of an induction hob is the level of safety it brings to a kitchen. When a pan is removed from a cooking zone, the induction current breaks and heat begins to reduce straight away. Because only the surface area of your pan is heated on an induction hob, the rest of the cooking zone remains cool, helping protect you and your family from burns. When using an induction hob, ferrous metal pans are required. Without a magnetic material, heat will not be able to transfer from the hob to the pan effectively.