So, you’ve just got yourself a new CDA induction hob. As you will come to find, these induction hobs are incredibly efficient, stylish, and easy to use. But how to use a CDA induction hob?

If you have transferred from a standard hob to an induction hob, then chances are that you might be a little confused as to how to use your new kit. Yes, there are some pretty self-explanatory symbols, but knowing what the symbols are for is not the same as knowing how to use them! 

Whether you’ve misplaced your manual or want to know a little more about making the most out of your CDA hob, here’s a quick guide on what you can expect.

How to use your CDA Induction Hob 

Using an induction hob is as simple as making sure you have induction-ready pans that you can connect directly to the magnetic surface. These will power up your hob zones providing the main power is already active. Be sure to invest in specifically cast iron or stainless steel cookware if you want to cook meals on your new hob top!

That, however, is just the basic science of induction cooking. Every manufacturer and model is going to offer slightly different operations, meaning it makes sense to ‘get to know’ your cooktop before you use it properly. We’d advise reading your instruction manual in full, or contacting CDA directly for support if you are unsure of anything.

In any case, here are some basic functions you’ll need to know when using your CDA induction hob from day to day.

How to Turn on your CDA Induction Hob

The first thing that you will need to do is locate the power button on the bottom right-hand corner of the hob. Press the symbol and hold it for about two seconds. The hob will make a beeping noise, and all of the zone displays will show the number “0”. 

How to turn off your CDA induction hob

When you have finished using one particular zone or ring, you can simultaneously press the plus and minus symbols for your corresponding point. You can also simply press the minus symbol for that particular ring until it reaches 0. 

Once all of the zones have been set to 0, your CDA induction hob will automatically switch off. However, if you would like to turn off all of the zones at once, then you can simply hold the power symbol for around two seconds, at which point all of the zones, and the hob itself, will power down.

How to Set a Temperature on your CDA Induction Hob

Once your hob is switched on, you will have about ten seconds to set a temperature on the ring(s) or zone(s) that you plan on using before the hob automatically turns off. You will find plus and minus symbols for each zone (as mentioned above). 

You can select your chosen zone by pressing either symbol. If you press the plus symbol, then a zone will automatically start at a number 4 temperature. On the other hand, if you press the minus symbol, then the hob will automatically set at a number 9 temperature. 

In order to increase the temperature (up to level 9), simply keep pressing the plus symbol until you reach the desired temperature. Otherwise, to decrease the temperature, keep pressing the minus symbol until you reach the lowest setting, which is 1. 

How to Use the Timer on your CDA Induction Hob

As you might see, there is a clock symbol on the bottom left corner of your CDA induction hob. This is, of course, the timer. You can set the timer for between one minute and 99 minutes to cook as you please. 

As you will see, there are six dots surrounding the timer. The front-middle dot indicates the minute minder, whereas the other five represent the zone times. In order to set a cooking finish time for a zone, select your chosen zone before touching the timer and the plus and minus symbols at the same time. 

You will then notice the timer light turn up. You will then have to keep pressing the timer symbol and the plus and minus symbols repeatedly until you reach the control area for the zone you need. Once you have reached the zone that you want, you will notice that the zone time indicator is flashing, and therefore waiting for you to set the time using the plus symbol (which starts at 0 minutes and will go up as you keep pressing it), or the minus symbol (which starts at 30 minutes, and will keep decreasing as you keep pressing it). 

Once the timer has been set, the zone time indicator will stop flashing (after about five seconds), and the countdown on the timer will begin. The time remaining will show on the timer display. 

Once the timer has finished, that specific zone will turn itself off, and the hob will make a beeping noise for about one minute, indicating that it has finished cooking. To turn off the beeping noise before the end of the minute, simply press either of the timer symbols. 

Are CDA Induction Hobs Easy to Use?

Yes – CDA induction hobs are some of the easiest-to-use systems you can invest in for your kitchen. However, they do still arrive with a little bit of a learning curve, so make sure to keep your instruction manual handy should you have any problems on the way to cooking success.

One of the most desirable features of induction hobs is their inherent safety. Most models, including Indesit induction hobs, arrive with a built-in locking mechanism to help keep things cooking and your loved ones safe. But if it does get locked, and even by accident – you want a speedy answer to how to unlock an Indesit Induction hob.

First of all, it’s always a good idea to consult the manual for your Indesit induction hob, or to consult Indesit customer care, if you’re unsure how to proceed with a problem or concern. However, if you’re simply wondering how to unlock your Indesit induction hob, here’s the full lowdown.

How to Unlock an Indesit Induction Hob 

As you may have noticed, there is a key symbol on your control panel at the bottom right corner of your Indesit induction hob. This is the control button for your locking mechanism. 

In order to turn on the locking mechanism, simply turn on the hob using the power button, then press the key symbol for about three seconds. After those three seconds have passed, you should hear a beeping noise and see a light next to the key to indicate that the lock has been turned on. This means that the entire hob has been turned off, and cannot be used, except for the power button. 

In order to turn off the lock, simply repeat the process until the light next to the key turns off. Once the light is off, you will be free to use your induction hob in its entirety. 

Why Might I Need to Use the Locking Mechanism on my Indesit Induction Hob? 

First of all, the lock on the hob acts as extra security, especially around children and animals. If they happen to turn the hob on, they will not be able to set a temperature, and thus the hob will not heat up. 

You can also lock the hob while you are cooking to ensure that no one can change the settings of the hob as you are cooking. 

Locking your induction hob will be especially useful if you have a tendency to leave pots and pans on it, even when it is not in use. An induction hob will not heat up without pots and pans on top – however, if that is where you do store them, then anyone in the house could turn on the hob without realising it. 

In fact, even leaving things like a cookbook, a heavy towel, or cooking utensils on the control panel could easily turn on the hob. Thankfully, as long as you have turned the lock on and nothing is touching the lock symbol, then you’re good to go.

However, it is not just the lock on your induction hob that can prevent you from cooking, and some of the other things will need to be handled before you can do anything with your induction hob! 

Why Won’t my Hob Work or Lock Properly?

As easy as Indesit’s fantastic line of induction hobs can be, they can fall foul of a handful of issues over time. Locking and unlocking your hob should be relatively simple, however, if you find that you can’t get your lock to work properly, it may be that there’s a fault in play you need to report to the manufacturer.

It’s worth remembering that warranties exist for a reason. If your induction hob ever develops a fault and it’s through no action of your own, then you may be covered for a repair or replacement. No one wants to have to muddle around with new kitchen appliances – they want to be able to get started with their cookware as soon as possible.

In fact, in some cases, it may be worth investing in an extended warranty, though there’s some discussion as to how useful warranty extensions can be in practice.

Unfortunately, while useful, induction hobs can be sensitive beasts. Reasons for your hob lock failing to work properly could be related to internal wiring, or it may be as simple as there being something sitting on the control panel – such as a little debris – that’s preventing it from working as you expect it to.

Do I Absolutely HAVE to Use My Indesit Induction Lock?

Yes – ideally, regardless of whether or not you have children or pets likely to turn your hob tops on, locking your induction hob means there’s no chance of your cooking getting interrupted. We recommend you make full use of all the safety features you’re provided with.

While some induction hob users may not feel they need to use the lock function on their cooktops, it’s a handy tool to use if you are worried about hazards in your kitchen. 

Do make sure to take a look for Indesit induction hobs – and those developed by other leading brands – that offer advanced safety features and functions. Just because an induction hob is more efficient and is, overall, safer than traditional cooktop systems, doesn’t mean you can’t hurt yourself if things are left unlocked. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry.

We’d always recommend that you take a close look at the instruction manual for your Indesit hob before you switch it on. You may be able to access it online before you purchase, or you may be able to get additional advice from Indesit experts before your maiden voyage. Happy cooking!

One of the biggest barriers to entry when buying an induction hob is the added expense of having to buy a completely new set of pots and pans for your new induction hob. Yet, there is another way…by using Induction hob convertors – but what is an induction hob converter?

Induction hob converters take away the hassle of you having to buy induction-friendly pans. Want the benefits of quick, precise cooking but don’t want to completely restock your cookware? An induction hob converter disc or two might be just what you’re looking for.

Why should I buy an induction hob converter?

Induction hob converters save you time, money and hassle – and let you get into induction cooking without the need for you to buy a whole new set of magnetic pans.

If there were to be a drawback to owning an induction hob, many would agree that it is the price that comes on top of buying and installing the hob – buying a whole new set of pots and pans. 

As you know, induction hobs work using magnetic fields. The coil underneath the surface of the hob creates the magnetic field, which needs to be completed by connecting directly to a magnetic base. Sadly, not all pans have magnetic bases! So, unless all of your pans are made of cast iron or magnetic stainless steel, then the chances are that you have to buy a new set of cookware.

Simply put, induction hob converters are almost like completely flat pans that you place on induction zones. Their bases are magnetic, and their tops are designed to be able to hold various cookware, whether they have magnetic bases or not. That way, you can easily cook your food in your non-magnetic pans while still using your induction hob. 

How do induction hob converters work? 

Converter discs connect to the induction hob, completing the magnetic field. Therefore, the induction hob heats up the converter as if it were an induction pan. 

Then, the induction hob converter uses the heat that it has gathered from the induction hob and transfers it through to the pot or pan that is on top, thus heating up the pan. Therefore, they will heat up any pot or pan, no matter its material. 

Are induction hob converters expensive? 

Generally speaking, you can buy an induction hob converter for about £15 to £20. Moreover, you can easily find them online or in kitchenware shops. There are a wide variety of induction hob converters to choose from, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one to match your budget and even the style of your pots and pans. 

Many people choose induction hob converters simply because the costs of completely new cookware can escalate – and may not be convenient to purchase. What’s more, induction hobs alone can be very expensive – meaning if you haven’t yet budgeted for a new set of pans, converters may hold the key.

Are induction hob converters worth the money? 

Yes – providing you are happy to continue cooking with your existing pans, induction hob convertors really do help you make the most of that fantastic, instant heat. However, there are a few things to consider – for example, some feel that using induction hob converters may actually waste more time than you anticipate. Are induction hob converters really that inefficient?

One of the most appealing factors to induction hobs is that they can heat up and cool down quicker than standard cooktops. That is due to the fact that the heat passes directly through the hob into the cookware. 

Standard hobs need to heat up the hob first and then the pan, thus causing a delay. However, by using an induction hob converter, you may lose even more time. Yes, the heat should pass directly through the converter from the hob – however, it will take longer for the converter to heat up whatever pan or pot is on top of it. 

Therefore, you will end up potentially using more energy and time, thus losing one of the best qualities of the induction hob. 

Moreover, given that many of us want to save time and therefore put the hob on as high as possible (and heating up the converter as hot as possible), you will also need to consider how much heat the converter will retain. Many of us tend to forget that the heat that the converter is transferring tends to stay in the disc for quite some time. 

By heating up the converter to such a high level and leaving it scalding hot for the time you need, you risk damaging your induction hob. 

Therefore, there are always going to be a few pros and cons you will need to keep in mind. Yes, you’re saving money, and yes – your cooking is still efficient – but in the long run, you might find it better value to just upgrade your cookware.

So you’ve just got yourself a new Beko induction hob – we bet you can’t wait to start cooking! Thankfully, Beko induction hobs are built with simplicity in mind. You will have no trouble transferring from your standard gas or electric hob to a Beko induction.

Learning how a Beko induction hob works is, reassuringly, very straightforward. While you may already have received an instruction manual for your hob, if you can’t find one online, here’s a guide to take you through how to get started with Beko induction.

How to Turn a Beko Induction Hob On and Off 

As you can imagine, the first thing that you will need to know about your Beko induction hob is how to turn it on. Thankfully, this part should be relatively easy! 

Simply press the on button on the bottom, right-hand side of the induction hob. Once you have turned the hob on, you will have one minute to set the temperature for the hob. You can set the temperature by pressing the plus button (to increase the temperature, or the minus button ( to lower the temperature). 

If the temperature of the hob has not been set within one minute of the hob being on, then the hob will automatically turn off. This helps to ensure that should the hob be turned on by accident, by an animal, a child, or simply by placing something on the hob that activates the control panel, the hob will not turn on. 

Once you have finished using the hob, and have removed the induction pan from on top, then the hob will automatically turn off. This is because the induction hob needs to connect to the magnetic base of the pan in order to complete the magnetic field, which is what’s used to heat up the pan. 

Therefore, if there is no pan in place, the hob will not heat up and will automatically switch off for the sake of safety. To ensure that the entire hob is truly switched off, press the off button (the same button you use to switch on). When you turn off your hob, you may notice an “H” flashing around the control panel. This is to indicate that the hob is hot to the touch and that it will need to cool down before you can safely use it again. 

How to Lock Your Beko Induction Hob 

It should be easy to see that there is a lock symbol on the control panel of your Beko induction hob. This particular locking mechanism is best used during cooking. Simply press the lock symbol once, at which point the light next to the lock should flash. This indicates that the hob is therefore locked, and only one button on the control panel can be used. 

Only the on and off button will function once this lock is turned on. All of the other temperature settings, various functions, and timers will be blocked off until the induction hob is unlocked once again.

In order to unlock your Beko induction hob, simply hold the lock symbol for a few seconds. Once the light next to the lock symbol switches off, the lock is disabled, and you can once again use all of the functions on your Beko induction hob as normal.

This lock is a massive help if you want to keep your kids and pets safe during cooking – and honestly, why wouldn’t you?

Quick Tips on How to Use the Beko Induction Hob 

Generally, you’ll need to plug in or hardwire your Beko induction hob before you can start using it. If you’re unsure how to do this, it’s always safest to consult an electrician who can carefully guide you through the process.

Once it is plugged in, select the pot or pan you plan to use and place it on the hob before turning it on. Remember that the pots and pans you plan to use on your Beko induction hob will need to have magnetic bases. Therefore, only pots and pans made of magnetic stainless steel or iron will work on the induction hob. 

Once you have placed the pan on the hob, you can then turn it on. Select the temperature you wish the pot to cook on, and select the function you would like to use. On Beko induction hobs, you can make cooking even easier for you simply by setting the hob at one of the following settings: deep fry, fry, boil, simmer, or keep warm. 

Once you choose your desired setting, you can then lock the hob for further security. 

When you have finished cooking, remember to unlock the hob before removing your pan and turning off the hob. 

Let the hob cool down entirely before cleaning it. However, cleaning it as soon as possible is always a good idea to prevent food debris and liquids from damaging the glass surface. Ensure that you only use cleaning products produced for induction hobs, as well as clean, soft cloths, to prevent the cleaning process from scratching the glass surface of your Beko induction hob. 

Running a Beko induction hob shouldn’t be too difficult – their products are built for ease of use! However, it always makes sense to ensure you know your way around an appliance before you get started with it. If all else fails, be sure to consult your instruction manual, and contact Beko’s experts directly for further help.

Gravy is one of the most common recipes that we all love to make, be it for big family dinners or meals for two. Let’s face it, no Sunday dinner is complete without it. But how can you make Gravy on an induction hob? 

It’s easier than you might think – and it’s all about siphoning those roast juices into a pan and letting your gravy cook away in an induction-ready pan of your choice.

Many of us buy induction hobs for their style, ease of use, safety, and energy efficiency. However, given that induction hobs can only work with induction pans and have a tendency to heat up far quicker than gas or electric hobs (due to the energy-efficient heating system), we also find that we have a whole load of recipes that we have to modify! 

Thankfully, cooking gravy on an induction hob is super-easy, and you won’t have to worry about resorting to the powdered kind.

Warning – the following recipe is not vegan or vegetarian friendly – and will involve the use of meat juices.

The Best Gravy Recipe for an Induction Hob 

To make the best gravy in an induction pan, you’re going to need to have a roast already cooked and ready to be served. You’ll need its juices to help make the gravy, which thankfully, shouldn’t take you too long to bring to the dinner table.

First of all, you will need an induction-ready pan on the hob zone of your choice. Put the pan on a high heat before adding the juices from your roasting tray into the pan. Put the meat on the side, and cover it in foil, keeping it warm. By the time your gravy is done, your meat will still be warm, juicy, and ready to devour! 

Once the juices from the meat have started to heat up (which you will notice with the bubbling of the juice), add some red wine to the pan. One third of a cup of red wine should do the trick, and keep stirring it until the combination becomes sticky. 

Then, add about 500ml of vegetable stock to the pan, and keep stirring it until it is well combined. Then, add about one teaspoon of butter to the pan, giving the gravy a nice, thick, creamy texture. 

The best thing about gravy is that you can completely make it your own. Season the gravy to suit your meal, your loved ones’ tastes, and yours, too! You can add anything from salt and pepper to herbs such as thyme and sage to help add extra flavour and kick to the gravy. 

Remember to season your gravy gently, however, and don’t add too much of anything in one go! Taste it as you go along to ensure that no one ingredient overpowers the whole dish. 

Should you be concerned about the consistency of the gravy, given that many of us like it to be nice and thick, then remember that simply adding a bit of cornflour can help it along! Add the cornflour bit by bit, stirring it in thoroughly every time to ensure that it does not thicken the gravy too much. 

You can always add more cornflour, but adding more of the other ingredients, such as the juices from the roasting tray, will be far more difficult! 

If you are not keen on having bits of meat from the roasting pan in the gravy, then remember to strain it before pouring it into your gravy boat. 

Finally, remember to clean the induction hob before leaving once you have finished enjoying your wonderful meal, and the induction hob has completely cooled down. Gravy is wonderful to eat but can be a pain to clean! The longer you leave it to persist on your induction hob, the harder it will be to remove it. 

Sadly, the harder you scrub to remove it, the more likely you are to scratch the glass surface of the induction hob, too! It is, therefore, a good idea to wipe away any excess juices and gravy from the induction hob before it becomes too difficult to remove. Induction hobs made by leading brands should cool down fairly quickly – so don’t worry about making a mess.

Can I Make the Best Gravy on an Induction Hob?

It’s entirely possible. While many of us get by on simple powdered or packet gravy, nothing really beats that delicious flavour of gravy made from roast juices. However, all tastes are different.

That said, we defy you not to give the above recipe a try if you eat meat – it’s a special dish that doesn’t need much more help other than a fantastic induction cooktop to help provide the heat and if you enjoy making it, you may enjoy trying to make welsh cakes on your induction hob for Sunday breakfast.

Whether your induction hob is newly installed or not, it is never too early to learn how to clean it. Cleaning your induction hob properly plays a crucial role in maintaining it, and once you know how to clean a Neff Induction hob properly, you will better ensure its longevity and pristine finish for as long as possible.

One of the best things about induction hobs is their perfect glass surfaces. Not only do they provide quality cooking, easy-to-use control panels, and of course, sheer style for any kitchen, they’re also incredibly easy to clean! You will no longer have to spend ages getting between every nook and cranny of the hob’s elements and instead will only need a clean, soft, dry towel and the right cleaning products to wipe over your Neff induction hob quickly. 

That being said, using the wrong products on your hob, neglecting to clean it, or rubbing debris all over it are all easy ways to damage your surface. That is why learning how to clean it properly as early as possible will be the very best thing for you. 

With that in mind, here is a quick guide to cleaning your Neff induction hob.  

How to Clean Your Neff Induction Hob 

Cleaning your Neff induction hob, on the whole, shouldn’t take as long as cleaning any other model. Of course, it makes sense to check your operations manual if you’re unsure how to care for it properly.

However, as long as you use the right products and take the time to clean it efficiently, your Neff induction hob will stay looking and working perfectly for years to come! 

Thankfully, cleaning the hob will not take you a lot of time and does not require expensive or even hard-to-find products. Simply follow these few steps, and your Neff induction hob will look brand new after every use: 

Let the Hob Cool Down

The first thing that you will need to do is let the hob cool down. If you have already been cooking on your Neff induction hob before cleaning, then the chances are that one or more of the rings will be hot. 

As eager as you may be to clean it, doing so when it is hot runs multiple risks. Not only do you risk burning yourself, but you also risk burning the products that you will use to clean the induction hob. If these products burn, then they could release toxic fumes into the air, thus endangering you and those around you. That is why it is essential for you to wait for your induction hob to cool down completely before you start cleaning it. 

Start by Cleaning the Hob with Soapy Water

Take a simple sponge and some warm, soapy water, and scrub the hob. This will help to remove any of the grease, dirt, liquid, etc. Remember only to use the soft side of the sponge to avoid scratching the glass surface of the hob. 

Use a Glass Scraper

If you happen to come across stubborn debris or food, then use a glass scraper to remove the detritus. Again, remember to do so carefully so as not to scratch the glass surface! Keep the glass scraper at a 30-degree angle for the most efficient scraping. 

Use Specialist Hob Cleaning Fluid or Product

You might not need to use hob cleaning fluid as soap and water can do a great job on its own. However, it’s worth keeping in mind.

There are plenty of hob cleaning fluids available online and in supermarkets that have been specifically designed and developed for induction hobs. It is best to opt for the ones that have been developed for your type of hob – otherwise, you may do undue damage to the surface without intending to.

Pour some of the cleaning fluid onto your hob, then rub it in using a clean, dry, soft towel. If at all in doubt, always read the instructions on the bottle of product you wish to use – this is just a general guide, after all.

Use a Sponge to Wipe Away the Excess Fluid

When you have finished wiping your Neff induction hob with the cleaning fluid, use a clean damp cloth or the softest side of a damp sponge to wipe away the excess fluid, and clean away any product. Again, it’s worth reading the instructions on your chosen product to make sure you’re following the best process.

Dry the Induction Hob

Then, finally, use a clean, soft cloth to dry the induction hob, ensuring that you have removed the moisture from all of it and buffed out any traces left by the water or the cleaning products! 

Always make sure that your hob is completely clean and dry before you start using it again. This is a process that shouldn’t take too long, but it’s worth doing regularly.

Conclusion 

As you can see, cleaning your Neff induction hob does not have to be difficult! In fact, it should take you a fraction of the time that it would with a standard hob. Giving your hob some cleaning attention every night will help to keep it looking and running great.

Cleaning a Neff induction hob shouldn’t be any different to cleaning induction hobs from different manufacturers and lines – however, it’s still a good idea to keep a close eye on keeping your nifty new Neff nice and clean.

Induction hobs are amazingly efficient – by providing direct heat to pots and pans, you can be sure of faster, more precise cooking. They’re also much safer than the average electric and gas hob tops, too. But what is the best induction hob to buy?

It can be quite difficult to know what exactly to look for in an induction hob, The truth is that, as is the case with all appliances, the best one to buy for you depends on your specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll take you through what you need to consider when it comes to buying the best induction hob for your needs. Before that, however, it’s worth considering some of the biggest brands on the market.

Which Brands Should I Look for When Buying an Induction Hob?

If there is a kitchen appliance brand you recognise and trust already, it’s likely this will be an option you can rely on. In our experience here at Which Kitchen Appliance, we believe that brand appeal isn’t the be-all and end-all. However, it can have some effect on the reputation and performance of a given induction hob.

Therefore, consider looking for brands such as Smeg, Neff, Bosch, CDA, Miele, AEG, and Beko. If you take a look across our site, you’ll see that we have all kinds of different buying guides and how-to pages to help you find the right fit for your kitchen including what different symbols mean on induction hobs, for example, what does ‘f’ mean on a Miele induction hob.

Beyond brands, think about warranty. If a brand offers you a warranty of a year to three years, then it’s likely to be an induction hob they’re confident in. The longer the warranty, the longer time you will have to report faults or get repairs/replacements – so this is a great measure of confidence from the manufacturer.

What is your Budget? 

Induction hobs can be expensive – you’re paying hundreds of pounds for some incredible technology, after all. However, it is not just the price of the induction hob alone that you will have to consider. You will also need to plan and budget for the installation of the induction hob and any particular changes that will need to be made to your home to accommodate it.

Many shops and suppliers provide the installation of induction hobs in the cost of the appliance – however, you should always check these details before making a purchase. 

Remember, too, that unless your pots and pans have magnetic bases, you will also need to budget for a new set of pots and pans that can be used on your induction hob. 

Add all of these details together, and you’ll have a ballpark budget to work with. Don’t always aim for lowest-priced appliances for good value, however, especially if you don’t already know and/or trust the brand.

What Features are You Looking For? 

From child safety locks and timers for each zone to power boosters and programmable cooking features, there are so many things that you can now look for in your perfect induction hob. Even the less expensive models arrive with interesting features, all of which you should take a look at before making a snap decision. 

Of course, you should remember your budget, and only opt for the features that you actually believe will be useful for you. That said, there’s no harm in window shopping, and taking a closer look at some of the more fascinating pieces of technology out there. That said, if you’re only really looking for the convenience of magnetic cooking, you probably won’t have to go too overboard on the extra frills. 

How Many Zones Do You Need? 

Along with your budget, you will naturally have to consider the size of the induction hob perfect for your kitchen and cooking needs. A good rule of thumb is to base the size on the number of people that you usually cook for. The more people there are in your household, the more zones you will likely need. Many induction hobs arrive with five or six cooking zones or rings, and some can even merge together!

That being said, even if you live alone, and enjoy cooking, it could be worth investing in a bigger induction hob. Even lower-cost hobs can be good investments. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to save up a little longer (if you have to) and opt for the induction hob that will best suit your needs. 

The worst thing to do will be to settle for an induction hob that doesn’t give you the space, support and power you need. What would be the point?

What Space Do You Have Available?

Finally, ensure that you do consider the size of the space you have for an induction hob before making your choice. You will need a surface that is at least 20mm thick, with space underneath for elements of the induction hob beneath the glass’s surface. You will also need a space that is wide enough for the hob to be safely fitted on all sides. 

It’s worth taking a look at a fitting guide or two for your specific hob – these will normally be available online, either directly through the manufacturer, or via the supplier you shop with.

What is the Best Induction Hob?

There’s no such thing! One induction hob may work great for some families, but may be a waste of money and energy for another. Some people may be keen cooks and want boosters for extra fast cooking for stirfrys, steaks and pancakes. As much as we’d like there to be a simple answer here, it’s always a good idea to plan out your perfect hob setup before you buy.

If you have recently bought a Lamona induction hob, then this guide is for you! Although Lamona’s standard of hob is very efficient, there are certain features that you will need to get to know how to use that may not be as self-explanatory as you anticipate

This guide will show you all of the basics, including simple functions and how to use your Lamona induction hob.

Lamona Induction Hob – How to Turn On 

To turn on your Lamona induction hob, first of all, you will need to locate the control panel. It should be at the bottom of your induction hob, in the middle of the glass surface. 

At the bottom of the control panel, you should see two of the ring controls and one symbol in the middle shaped as such “I”. This symbol is the on button. You simply need to press it once for the induction hob to turn on. You will then have ten seconds to select a ring / zone and set the temperature. If no ring is selected, then the hob will automatically turn off.   

How to Turn Off Your Lamona Induction Hob 

To turn off your Lamona induction hob, all you need to do is press the on and off switch and hold it in for one second. The hob should then make a beep sound to indicate that it has indeed been turned off. 

If you want to turn off one ring, but not the entire hob, then simply select the hob that you want to turn off, then hold the lower temperature symbol (the downwards facing arrow) until you see the number “0” appear next to the symbol of the ring that you have selected. 

How to Lock Your Lamona Induction Hob 

Since there is no lock symbol on the Lamona induction hob, you may assume that there is no locking mechanism on the hob – however, thankfully, that is not the case! Locking systems on appliances are incredibly useful.

To lock your Lamona induction hob, you will need to press the downwards facing arrow and the front right ring control. Hold the two together until you hear a beep. Once you hear the beep, press the front right ring control and release it. Once you have removed your fingers, you should see an “L” symbol appear next to each ring symbol. You can then press the off symbol to turn off the hob. 

When you want to unlock the hob, press on the on the control button, at which point the “L” symbol next to each zone control again, then repeat the process by pressing and holding the downwards facing arrow and the front right ring control together. 

Remove your fingers, then press the downwards facing arrow. You can then turn on the hob by pressing the on button, selecting a hob from the zone controls, and setting the temperature. If the hob has not been unlocked, repeat the process until the “L” symbol disappears. 

Other Interesting Functions On Your Lamona Induction Hob

The Lamona induction hob generally arrives with a few extra features and functions worth reading up on. For example, as you may already expect, it benefits from pan detection. This means that you should know when you place your cookware on a zone whether or not it is suitable to cook with.

As with all other induction hobs, the Lamona standard will only work with magnetic-based cookware. If you place your cookware on the live hob and the “U” symbol persists, that means it’s not suitable to cook with. The “U” symbol will normally appear when a hob zone is live, but when there’s no magnetic pan detected.

Do also look for the “H” symbol on your Lamona induction hob. If this appears next to any zone, it means that there is still residual heat. This is a fantastic warning in case you accidentally place your hand on the hot surface, or if you want to make use of any remaining warmth. Once the “H” disappears, it’s cool to touch and safe again.

Is Lamona’s Induction Hob Easy to Use?

On the whole, yes, Lamona’s standard induction hob is very easy to get used to. However, we always recommend that you follow your instruction manual the first time you come to use it, and if you do have any concerns or queries, it’s a good idea to contact Lamona directly for advice. 

Over time, using an induction hob should be easier to adjust to than using standard gas or electric rings. You might surprise yourself!

Welsh cakes are a staple piece at any afternoon tea gathering – they are easy to make and timeless. Moreover, who doesn’t like an excellent Welsh cake? Do you know to make welsh clakes on an induction hob?

Somewhere between a biscuit and a scone, they prove to be tasty treats for the sweetest teeth amongst us. As simple as they are, they also tend to be firm favourites at high tea-style gatherings.

Many of us learned how to make Welsh cakes with our parents and grandparents. However, with that being the case, many learn how to make them on gas stoves – and electric hobs. But what about induction hobs – surely it’s tricky to cook something as traditional as these treats on a modern system?

Thankfully, that isn’t the case. The recipe will only need to be slightly altered based on the cooking time, but otherwise, they should be the very same Welsh cakes that you may have enjoyed growing up. 

So, whether this is your first time making Welsh cakes, or you would simply like to adjust your recipe to your induction hob, here is an easy-to-follow recipe for your induction hob. 

How to Make Welsh Cakes on Your Induction Hob – Step by Step

In order to make the perfect Welsh cakes, you will need to start with an iron bakestone. Whether you are using an induction hob or a standard hob, this is a wise investment. 

The great thing about iron bake stones is their base construction. Since the iron is magnetic, it will connect magnetically to an induction hob. However, opt for a heavy frying pan if you do not have a stone available. The results may vary, but they’re just as delicious!

Put your pot on the hob and set the temperature at a low setting. Then, coat the base of the pot with a thin layer of butter. 

Get a mixing bowl and blend 100g of butter, 100g of caster sugar, 230g of self-raising flour, and 1 tbsp of powdered milk. Mix together until you create what feels like breadcrumbs. 

Then, take one large egg and beat it in a jug. Add the beaten egg and about 75g of currants or other dried fruit into the crumbly mix until it forms a pastry. 

Once you have created the perfect pastry, roll it out to about one to two centimetres in thickness. Then, you can cut the pastry into circles (the size, of course, depends on your preference, but medium-sized circles will help them to cook better and provide more Welsh-style cakes). 

Place the pastries onto your bakestone, on your induction zone, and cook them on each side for about three minutes. Both sides should have a golden brown colour and that’s it, in little over 15 minutes your Welsh cakes will be ready, now the temptation is, can you leave them to fully cool before serving?

While not essential, some choose to sprinkle their Welsh cakes with extra sugar or to serve them with butter, jam – your choice!

Conclusion 

As your grandparents, parents, or even you yourself might have experienced, you often need to cook the Welsh cakes only on the outer rims of a bakestone over gas or electric to ensure that they do not burn and cook more evenly. However, thanks to the innovation of induction hobs, you will be able to place your Welsh cakes all around the bakestone, ensuring that they cook evenly. 

Moreover, by being able to place more Welsh cakes in there at once, you will be able to cook more at a time, saving you cooking time, effort, and energy! It’s hard to believe that you can create delicious Welsh cakes in just a few minutes on an induction hob – but we may have just found you a fantastic new reason to make that big kitchen investment.

It’s time to get baking – and no, you won’t need an old-style hob or rings to get those Welsh cakes looking and tasting great. Why not give it a go? And if all this talk of speed and energy has made you think about energy consumption, then read about how much electricity an induction hob uses.

One of the best things about induction hobs is that they will directly tell you when something is wrong. If it is unsafe or incapable of cooking, then the hob might simply turn off. However, as you may have come to find out, it can sometimes flash certain codes, telling you what is wrong. If you don’t have an instruction manual to hand, working out specific problems isn’t always so simple.

One of its most common codes is “F.” The “F” on a Miele induction hob means there’s a fault, likely that something is preventing the hob from turning on, heating up, or even cooling down. 

If you don’t have your Miele induction hob manual to hand, or are just getting started with using your new hob for the first time, here’s a quick guide to what those “F” errors on your new kit actually mean.

Error F

If the simple “F” symbol has appeared on your Miele induction hob, then the chances are that something is covering the hob. 

If there is liquid, food, physical objects or any kind of debris covering the hob’s zones, the control panel, or even surrounding the induction hob, then this error code will likely appear. 

This is because the debris is interfering with the magnetic field, which needs to be complete for the hob to heat up – or because liquid has leaked into the electrical workings of the induction hob. Therefore, this leak could be causing issues underneath the surface of the glass that you can’t see. 

To continue cooking, you will need to wipe down the induction hob and all around it, ensuring that nothing is covering or touching it in a way that could damage or interfere with the cooking zones. Remember to use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down your Miele induction hob to prevent it from getting damaged as you clean it. 

If Error F persists, it’s a good idea to contact Miele directly for support, as manufacturer’s warranty may cover you.

FE37, FE44

These error codes indicate that the induction hob is overheating. While the Miele induction hob does have a powerful fan, it can occasionally overheat. If that is the case, then simply turn off the hob and let it cool down completely. Once it has completely cooled down, it will be safe to use again – and go easy on heating back up just in case.

FE47, FE48

This error code means that the fan beneath the surface of the glass is blocked. If you have a cupboard or drawer beneath your induction cooktop, open them and ensure that nothing underneath blocks the fan from running properly. 

A blockage could be anything from a cooking utensil to food or anything that you have stored beneath! Switch off your hob, gently remove whatever is blocking the fan so as not to damage it, then continue cooking. 

FE91, FE92, FE93, FE94

Any of these error codes could indicate that the electrical connections within the hob have not been properly installed. Therefore, the induction hob could be on far too high voltage or far too low. 

Sadly, since this is a serious issue, then the only way to resolve it is by contacting an engineer. Again it’s a good idea to reach out to Miele directly if you can – as the company will dispatch an engineer to look carefully at what may be causing your problems. It’s even better to call if you have an extended warranty or an aftercare plan in place. That way, you may not have to pay for any repairs or replacements. 

It’s another good reason why you should avoid installing your induction hob yourself – these are very sensitive pieces of equipment!

FE and Any Other Number

You may see FE light up with any number other than the ones mentioned above. This usually means that there has been a malfunction within the hob itself. Therefore, you will need to unplug the hob from the AC power and leave it unplugged for about a minute. 

After this time, you can then plug the induction hob back in and turn it on. It should then work perfectly fine, however, should you still have difficulty getting it to turn on, or you are repeatedly seeing error codes, then it is a wise idea to contact the manufacturer for their advice.

Can I Fix My Miele Induction Hob Myself?

If you’re qualified to do so, then yes, but it’s likely you’re going to need the help of an engineer. We don’t recommend that you attempt to repair your induction hob yourself.

Repairing a broken hob yourself could further damage the appliance, or even cause injury. A professional should be able to quickly determine the source of the issue and may be able to get you back cooking again in no time. Never be too hasty to go hammer and tongs at your induction hob!

If you are looking at buying an induction hob, then you may have recently learned that you will need specific types of pans in order to make them work. This is true, and you will need the right ones, or your hob will simply not turn on! So what saucepans for induction hobs should you invest in?

Chances are that you may already have the right kind of pots and pans for your new induction hob without even knowing it. Let’s take a look at how you can tell, and how you can easily prepare for induction cooking.

What Pots and Pans do I Need for an Induction Hob? 

Whether it is saucepans, frying pans, grilling pans, or any other cookware, you will need to look for magnetism, first and foremost. Without this feature, you won’t be able to use your cookware on your induction hobtop.

Obviously, the size and style of the pan will depend entirely on what you are looking for – however, it is the base of the pan that you will need to keep an eye on. 

Essentially, induction hobs will only work with pans that have a magnetic base. This is due to the fact that induction hobs use coils beneath the glass to create fields of magnetism. These fields will only be complete, or closed, with the base of an applicable magnetic pan. Without it, the hob will simply not activate or get hot.

This is an efficient way of heating up the pan and the hob at the same time, without having to lose as much energy and time as other hobs do (having to heat the hob first, then the pan, then the food). It’s also an extremely safe way to ensure that your hobs don’t stay scalding hot when children and pets are around.

Induction hobs heat up everything at the same time, making your everyday cooking quicker, easier, and more energy-efficient. 

How do I Check to See if my Pans will Work on an Induction hob? 

Ideally, try and shop for pots, pans and other cookware made from cast iron or stainless steel. These will certainly magnetise to an induction cooktop – any saucepans made from aluminium, for example, simply won’t make the right connection. Not all metals magnetise!

Check the bottom of your cookware for a symbol, too. Most induction pots and pans come with symbols or simply an inscription to tell you that they can be used on induction hobs. 

However, if there is no symbol, then there may not need to be a reason to worry yet – your pan could still be suitable for an induction hob. You will simply need to test it!

All you need to do to check them is to grab a fridge magnet. If the magnet sticks to the base of your pot or pan, then it is perfectly suitable for your induction hob. If, on the other hand, it does not stick to it, then the pan will – regrettably – not be induction suitable. 

However, if you notice that your induction hob still does not turn on even after having checked your pans, then it could be that there is another issue. You might want to try unlocking your hob, checking your induction surface is clean, or consult your user manual.

Are Saucepans for Induction Hobs Scratchproof?

Not always – sadly, even the best pots and pans can easily damage your induction hob, especially by scratching them. The best thing to do to better preserve your induction hob is to simply use them mindfully!

For one thing, you should never slide your pots and pans across the hob, as you might be tempted to do when stirfrying or cooking pancakes, in case there is anything underneath that could scratch the surface. From food debris that has fallen while you are cooking to things that have dried underneath your pots and pans, there are multiple things that, if slid along the surface of the hob under the weight of a pan, could easily scratch up.

What’s more, you should never prepare food directly on the hob, and preferably, not too close to it, either. Food can easily make its way onto the surface, from peelings to spices, liquids, and more. All of this food debris is dangerous for the hob, especially if it heats up and even burns onto the surface.

Of course, food can spill out of pans, as well as liquid, at any point as you are cooking. If that does happen to you, then there is no need to panic, as long as you know how to correctly clean your induction hob. Always have some kitchen roll or a clean cloth handy to mop up immediate spillages without burning yourself. Then, wait for the unit to cool down completely before going in for an all-over clean and dry.

Conclusion 

While it may seem like a pain to have to invest in specific pans and pots for your induction hob, it’s actually more to your benefit. Without this magnetism in place, you are at risk of leaving your hob rings turned on – potentially making things very hazardous for those around you. At least when you remove your saucepan from an induction ring or zone, you know that the heat is cut!

Ultimately, it’s worth trying the fridge magnet test on any pots and pans you come across. Otherwise, shop for specific cookware – and you’ll be glad you did in the long run!