Induction Hobs – 30cm to 120cm Electric Hobs
Shop induction hobs from compact domino and modular cooking zones to standard 60cm, wide 80cm and 90cm-plus models. Compare cooking zones, bridge and flexible cooking areas, exact dimensions, electrical load, surface finish and flush or surface-mounted installation before choosing the right induction hob.
Shop induction hobs by size and format
- 30cm and compact induction hobs – two-zone and modular models for smaller kitchens or customised cooking layouts.
- 60cm induction hobs – the standard-width choice, commonly offering three or four induction zones.
- 70cm and 80cm induction hobs – wider cooking surfaces with additional pan spacing and flexible-zone options.
- 90cm and wider induction hobs – larger four-, five- and six-position cooking surfaces for several pans or flexible cooking areas.
- Vented induction hobs – induction cooking combined with built-in extraction for kitchens where an overhead cooker hood is undesirable.
How to choose an induction hob
Start with the worktop space and the available electrical supply. Induction hobs range from narrow two-zone modules to large multi-zone and full-surface designs, and their connected electrical loads can vary considerably.
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Width | Determines available cooking space, but the exact worktop cut-out can differ from the advertised nominal width. |
| Cooking zones | Two-zone models suit compact layouts, while four, five and six-position designs provide more room for several pans. |
| Flexible zones | Bridge, flex and full-surface systems can accommodate griddles, roasting pans and cookware that does not fit a conventional fixed zone. |
| Electrical load | Full-size induction hobs commonly require a dedicated hardwired supply and the required load differs significantly by model. |
| Installation | Check whether the hob supports surface mounting, flush fitting or both and use the exact manufacturer cut-out dimensions. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, app control and hob-to-hood communication are separate functions and should be compared individually. |
How induction cooking works
Induction uses an electromagnetic field to generate heat directly in compatible cookware. The pan becomes the main source of cooking heat, allowing the hob to respond quickly when the selected power level changes.
Because the cooking surface is not heated in the same way as a radiant ceramic hob, spills are generally less likely to bake firmly onto the surrounding glass. The surface can still become hot through heat transferred back from the cookware, so residual-heat indicators remain important.
Which pans work on an induction hob?
Induction requires cookware with a suitable magnetic base. Cast iron, carbon steel and many stainless-steel pans work, while some aluminium, copper, glass and ceramic cookware will not operate unless they include an induction-compatible base.
Also check minimum pan diameter and zone size. A pan can be made from a compatible material but still be too small for a particular cooking zone to detect correctly.
30cm and domino induction hobs
A compact induction hob commonly provides one or two cooking zones and can be used in a smaller kitchen or as part of a modular cooking layout.
Some compact models are standalone hobs, while others are auxiliary modules designed to work with a compatible primary hob. Fisher & Paykel's current Series 11 auxiliary induction modules, for example, pair with a primary modular induction hob and should not be treated as ordinary interchangeable domino products.
60cm induction hobs
Approximately 60cm is a common standard hob width. Current models usually provide three or four cooking zones, with options ranging from straightforward fixed-zone layouts to bridge functions and flexible cooking areas.
Actual dimensions can vary around the nominal size, so compare the exact appliance width and worktop opening when replacing an existing hob.
80cm and 90cm induction hobs
Wider induction hobs provide more pan spacing and can offer additional cooking positions or larger flexible areas. Five-zone 90cm models are useful where several dishes are prepared simultaneously, while some premium 80cm and 90cm models use flexible cooking surfaces rather than conventional circular zones.
Wider hobs can also have substantially higher connected electrical loads, so electrical requirements should be checked before purchase.
Bridge and flexible induction zones
Manufacturers use different names for systems that combine neighbouring zones into larger cooking areas, including Bridge, FlexiBridge, PowerFlex, SmartZone and MultiBridge.
These functions are useful for long griddles, roasting dishes and large cookware. Some systems link fixed zones, while more advanced designs automatically recognise pan position across larger flexible areas.
Full-surface induction
Selected premium induction hobs replace a conventional fixed-zone layout with a larger flexible cooking surface. Compatible cookware can be positioned more freely and the hob detects where individual pans are placed.
For these models, conventional zone count is not always the best comparison. Maximum cookware positions and usable flexible cooking area can be more meaningful than a simple number of zones.
Modular induction systems
Modular induction allows several compact cooking elements to be arranged together. Some primary modules contain the central controls and can also operate compatible auxiliary induction or specialist cooking elements.
Always distinguish between a standalone domino hob, a primary modular hob and an auxiliary module. An auxiliary product can use induction technology but still require another appliance within the same manufacturer system for full operation.
Touch controls and temperature functions
Most current induction hobs use touch or slider controls. Higher-specification models can add functions such as automatic boiling detection, frying sensors, temperature probes and guided cooking.
These functions are model specific. They should not be grouped under a single generic “Automatic Programmes” value without explaining what the hob actually detects or controls.
Boost and power management
PowerBoost or equivalent functions temporarily increase the output of a cooking zone for rapid boiling or searing. Available boost power and the number of zones that can use it simultaneously depend on the hob's total electrical load and internal power management.
Selected models allow the maximum connected load to be limited to suit a particular electrical installation. This can affect how much power is available when several zones are used at once, so check the exact installation documentation.
Smart induction hobs
A genuinely smart induction hob uses Wi-Fi or another network connection for functions such as app setup, monitoring, notifications or guided cooking. Fisher & Paykel's current connected modular hobs and many current Miele models are examples of appliances with explicit connected functionality.
Do not automatically classify a hob as smart because it can communicate with a cooker hood. Hob-to-hood systems should be stored separately from general Wi-Fi or app connectivity.
Hob-to-hood communication
Selected induction hobs can control compatible cooker hoods automatically or from the hob controls. Manufacturers use different systems and names for this, including Con@ctivity, Hob2Hood, InTouch and Link Mode.
This can be useful when choosing a separate cooker hood, but compatibility should be checked for both appliances rather than assumed from brand alone.
Flush or surface-mounted induction hobs
Many frameless induction hobs can be installed either slightly above the worktop or flush with it. Flush installation creates a more continuous surface but requires suitable worktop material and more precise machining.
Some models are designed only for one installation method. Use the manufacturer's exact cut-out dimensions rather than selecting purely by the hob's external width.
Matt and gloss induction hob finishes
Black glass remains the most common induction-hob surface, while current ranges also include matt black, grey glass, white and decorative finishes.
Colour and surface finish should be stored separately. A matt black anti-fingerprint surface and a conventional gloss black-glass hob may belong to the same broad colour group but have different appearance and care requirements.
Electrical installation
Most full-size induction hobs require a fixed electrical connection. Connected loads can range from relatively modest compact modules to more than 10kW on large multi-zone products.
Check voltage, total rated load, power-management options and the required circuit before purchase. Installation should be carried out by an appropriately qualified electrician in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Induction hob FAQs
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob uses electromagnetic energy to heat compatible cookware directly rather than heating a radiant element beneath the glass.
Do induction hobs need special pans?
They need cookware with a magnetic base. Many stainless-steel and cast-iron pans are suitable, but check both material compatibility and the minimum pan size specified for the cooking zone.
What is a bridge zone?
A bridge function combines neighbouring induction zones so that a larger item of cookware can be heated across one controlled area.
What is the difference between Bridge, PowerFlex and SmartZone?
They are manufacturer-specific names for flexible induction arrangements. The exact zone sizes, linking behaviour, power and pan-recognition functions differ by model.
What size induction hob should I choose?
Approximately 60cm is a common standard size, while compact 30cm modules and wider 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and larger products provide different cooking layouts. Measure the worktop opening as well as the visible appliance width.
Can an induction hob be fitted flush with the worktop?
Many models can, but not all. Flush fitting depends on the exact product, worktop material and manufacturer's cut-out specification.
Do induction hobs need to be hardwired?
Most full-size induction hobs require a suitable fixed electrical connection. Exact connected load and circuit requirements vary by model.
What is a full-surface induction hob?
It uses a larger flexible cooking area that detects cookware positions rather than relying only on a conventional fixed set of circular zones.
Are all induction hobs smart?
No. Wi-Fi and app connectivity are model-specific features. Bridge zones, automatic pan detection and cooker-hood communication do not by themselves make a hob a smart appliance.
Where can I find induction hobs with built-in extraction?
Browse vented induction hobs for models that combine induction cooking with a downdraft extractor in the same appliance.
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