How to Know if you Have an Induction Hob?

Jen Hammond

May 19, 2022

Last updated on May 23, 2022

what-does-an-induction-hob-look-like

Induction hobs are generally easy to spot – they are sleek, glass worktops that normally arrive in black, and have flat heating zones instead of raised spots and rings. But are you still confused and wondering how to know if you have an induction hob?

Induction hobs appear to have taken the kitchen appliance by storm, especially with more and more kitchen owners wanting that sleek, modern style that the simple flat sheet of black glass can offer. However, they are not the only new hobs on the market, and they are certainly not the only fittings to offer such a style. 

So, how do I know if the flat black glass hob that I have is even an induction hob? Here’s what you need to look for.

What is an induction how to know if you have an Induction Hob? 

Induction hobs directly heat pots and pans using magnetic connectivity, therefore reducing energy expended.

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their modern style, low energy usage, and enhanced security features. Compared to traditional cooktops, such as those using electric or gas, induction hobs use far less energy and, in many ways, can be far easier to keep and maintain.

They use less energy simply because of how they work. Induction hobs use a coil under the glass to create a magnetic field between the magnetic coil and the bases of the pots and pans that are used on top. 

Therefore, the hob will only heat up when the pan is on top of it when the magnetic field is completed – your pan effectively completes the circuit. The hob will automatically stop heating up once the pan is removed and the magnetic field is broken. 

There is very little energy waste since the hob will automatically stop heating up once the pan is removed. Instead of having to heat up the hob and then the pan, the magnetic field ensures that everything heats up together simultaneously, thus saving on time, effort, and energy. 

What’s more, since there is no risk of leaving the stove on (as long as you do remove the pan), induction hobs can also be considered to be far safer, especially in bigger households with pets and children. 

What does an induction hob look like? 

Induction hobs all look relatively similar. They are generally completely black, glass surfaces that generally have touch screens for controls. As the rings heat up, you are usually able to notice red rings underneath the glass, as they are the coils heating up. 

Obviously, it would be easy to pick one out compared to a gas hob or a standard electric model – however, induction hobs do bear a sneaky resemblance to ceramic hobs. It is for that very reason that it can be difficult to distinguish whether you have a ceramic hob or an induction fitting.

How do ceramic hobs work? 

Although ceramic hobs may look a lot like induction hobs, they do not, in fact, work in the same way. Ceramic hobs work similarly to electric hobs in the sense that there is a coil beneath the surface that is heated, which in turn heats up the hob, then the pan. 

This means that, unlike induction hobs, the heat will continue to travel through the hob ring if the pan is removed until it is turned off. Ceramic hobs also can frequently be seen with or without buttons and dials to control them. They are a little more ‘traditional’ compared to induction models.

However, if the only real difference between induction hobs and ceramic hobs is the way that they heat up, then how can you tell whether you have a ceramic hob or an induction hob? Keep reading! But keep in mind, both are made from glass and will scratch, so you will need to be cautious and you may even wish to know how to remove scratches.

How do I know if I have an induction hob? 

There’s a quick solution – check how it reacts with your pans – your pots and cookware start to heat up as soon as you place them on your surface, then you’re working with an induction cooktop.

Since induction hobs create a magnetic field with the pan on top of them, they need pans with magnetic bases in order to complete the field. If a pan does not have a magnetic base, then the hob simply will not respond to it. 

Otherwise, it should be relatively easy to spot an induction hob from the various functions available on the cooktop. Many induction hobs have sliding or touch controls – and there’s likely to be a lock, too.

If you’re in a conundrum over whether or not you have induction friendly pans, meanwhile, simply test the base with a fridge magnet. If it sticks, it’s ready for induction cooking. Induction pans are generally made out of cast iron – so now you know!

Conclusion 

If you’re unsure whether or not your hob is capable of induction cooking after these tests, be sure to reach out to your manufacturer, and/or your supplier. At the point of sale, you should be able to tell whether or not you’re buying an induction cooktop. Otherwise, if you know the model number or serial number for your appliance, search online and you should be able to find a PDF manual.

Whether you have a ceramic hob top, halogen hob or an induction worktop, all are fantastic at cooking up tasty meals in very little time at all. Make sure to check these points above, and don’t be afraid to ask the questions posed – there are no daft queries when it comes to kitchen technology!

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