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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.