How Much Electricity Does an Induction Hob Use? 

We have all heard things about induction hobs not needing much power to work. However, we also know they need to install on their own circuit. Therefore, they definitely are powerful appliances that do draw a lot of power. So, how much electricity does an induction hob use?  

Generally speaking, induction hobs use anywhere from between 1500 watts to about 3000 watts when in use. Of course, the bigger the hob, the more rings that are in use, and the more power it draws. 

But how does an induction hob’s power compare to that of other kinds of hob? Is it cheaper to use an induction hob? And how can you ensure that your hob is using the least amount of power possible? 

Do induction hobs use less energy than other kinds of hob? 

Generally speaking, induction hobs do tend to use less energy than any other kind of hob – it’s one of the biggest benefits to owning and using one!

However, both ceramic and electric hobs have both been noted as using 1200 watts to 3000 watts on average. So, how do induction hobs use less energy than the ceramic average, when they draw on approximately the same amount of power? 

When it comes to induction hobs, what really sets them apart is their efficiency. Induction hobs may use the same amount of power as other electric hobs, however, they need that amount of power for a much shorter amount of time. 

As you may know, induction hobs work by using a magnetic field. The magnetic field is created by the coil beneath the surface of the hob. Then the coil connects to the magnetic bases of the pots and pans on the rings of the induction hob, thus completing the magnetic field. Given that the hob, therefore, uses the pans to heat up, the heat is transferred directly through the pans in question.

On the other hand, other types of hobs such as ceramic, electric, and even gas, need to heat up the rings, then the pans, then the food or liquid inside. It, therefore, takes these hobs far longer to cook food than an induction hob might, thereby using more energy. 

Moreover, induction hobs will automatically stop heating up if a pan has been removed from a ring. Since the magnetic field has been broken, the ring will cool down very quickly, making there far less energy loss. That is why induction hobs are the most energy-efficient hobs on the market – it’s all down to science, fascinating really!

Are induction hobs cheaper to use? 

Despite the fact that induction uses a similar amount of power to work as other hobs, they do indeed use less energy. Therefore, induction hobs are certainly cheaper to use than any other hob – you need less electricity to power up and run, and therefore, the energy supplier demands less from you in terms of payment.

That being said, it is important to remember that induction hobs also tend to be amongst the most expensive cooktop types on the market to buy. Beyond the price of the appliance itself, you will also need to consider the pots and pans that you may have to buy in order for them to work on the induction hob – you’ll need to invest in magnetic cookware to stand a chance of using it properly.

However, due to the fact that induction hobs are lighter, and therefore easier to manoeuvre than other hobs, they also tend to be quite cheap to install. They will need to be fitted onto their own circuit, but other than that, the installation should not take long, especially if you prepare for their arrival. However, don’t try and install an induction hob yourself – make sure a professional electrician or engineer takes care of it for you.

Therefore, despite the initial expense, it should be cheaper for you in the long run to cook with an induction hob than it would be on a standard ceramic or gas unit.

In fact, they also tend to be the safest hobs on the market, which is why they are so popular with families! 

How do I ensure that my induction hob uses the least amount of power possible? 

The first thing that you can do is ensure that the pots and pans that you use match the size of the rings perfectly. If you use a pan that is either too small or too big for a given ring on the induction hob, then the hob will have difficulty recognising it, and it will therefore not heat it up evenly, and may even switch off. If that is the case, then you will likely be cooking for longer or on too high a setting, therefore wasting energy. 

Another thing that you can do is to ensure that you lock your induction hob when it is not in use. This will help to avoid children and animals turning it on accidentally when you are not around. Of course, this is also an important safety measure that can help to protect your loved ones, too.

Finally, even if your pan is the perfect size for the zone or ring, if it has not been properly placed on the ring, then it will not heat up properly. Ensure that your chosen pan is perfectly within the lines of the ring to ensure that it stands a chance of heating up – and that you use the least amount of energy possible. 

Is it worth buying an induction hob?

Induction hobs are absolutely changing the way that we cook – and while they may seem expensive outright, they can and will save you time, money, energy and hassle in the long run. Making them perfect for those who love to cook on the hob, be that from baking say, welsh cakes, to sauces and choux pastry.

As always, look for brands you can trust – Hotpoint, Smeg and Electrolux are just three that gain our seal of approval. Do make sure to take a look at our guides on how to use their systems across the site, too!