Induction Hobs – What is an induction hob and how does it work? Everything you need to know about the next generation of cooking
Thinking about choosing an induction hob for your new kitchen? This guide answers the most common questions we hear, from how induction cooking works to which pans you’ll need, and whether it’s worth the upgrade. Whether you’re weighing up induction vs gas or just wondering what all the fuss is about induction hob cooking, we’ve got you covered.
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob is a type of electric cooker that heats your pans using magnetism instead of a flame or metal element. Under the glass surface, copper coils create a magnetic field. When you place a magnetic pan on the zone, the pan heats up but the hob itself stays relatively cool. Because induction hobs rely on this magnetic connection, they only work with pans that have a magnetic base. If you’re switching from gas or ceramic, it’s worth checking whether your existing pans are compatible.
How does an induction hob work?
Wondering how an induction hob works? It uses an electric current running through copper coils beneath the glass surface to generate a magnetic field. When you place a compatible pan on top, the magnetic reaction heats the pan directly and not the hob. That’s why induction hobs are faster, more energy-efficient, and safer to use than gas or ceramic. The heat goes where it’s needed: straight to the food.
Do you need special pans for an induction hob?
You don’t need fancy pans for an induction hob but they do need to be magnetic. That means cast iron and most stainless steel pans will work perfectly. If you’re not sure whether your current pans are compatible, grab a fridge magnet. If it sticks to the base, you’re good to go.
What pans work on an induction hob?
Induction hob pans are usually heavy-bottomed and are made from either stainless steel or iron. Other cookware such as copper, glass, ceramic or aluminium won’t work unless they have an induction plate built into their base.
What kind of pans can’t you use on an induction cooktop?
- Copper
- Glass / Pyrex
- Ceramic
- Aluminium
None of these will work on an induction hob unless they have an induction plate built into their base.
Can you use stainless steel on an induction cooktop?
Yes. Stainless steel pans make great induction hob cookware.
Can you use Le Creuset on induction hobs?
Yes. All the Le Creuset cookware can be used on an induction hob aside of the stoneware range which is not magnetic as advised in the product section of Le Creuset FAQ.
Can non-stick pans be used on an induction stove?
Yes. As long as the induction hob saucepans are magnetic, non-stick coatings are fine.
What happens if you use a non-induction pan on an induction hob?
Basically nothing. If the pan isn’t a magnetic pan, it just won’t heat up.
How can you tell if a pan is an induction pan?
Induction hob pots are magnetic so if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan then it can be used on an induction surface.
What will an induction hob mean to me?
Having an induction hob essentially means saving time, money and energy in the kitchen because the step of heating up a burner to transfer heat to a cooking pot is skipped.
Are induction hobs energy efficient?
Cooking with an induction hob is very energy efficient as there’s no wasted heat or energy. Because you don’t have to heat up an element before heating the pan, energy, money and time are saved. With an induction hob, 85-90% of the energy is used for the cooking compared to 65-70% of gas or electric hobs. A pan of water can boil nearly twice as fast using an induction hob when compared to an electric or gas hob.
Are induction hobs any good?
If you consider energy-saving, time-saving, and increased cooking safety as good then yes, induction hobs are good in a number of ways.
Are induction hobs noisy?
During cooking, you may hear a humming, slight ticking or clicking from the hob. This is perfectly normal. Sounds from the hob also vary on the type of cookware being used.
Can an induction cooktop cause a fire?
Unlike electric or gas, induction hobs don’t use electric elements or gas lines so are relatively safe since the area around the pan stays cool. Induction hobs come with lots of safety features built-in but still have a small chance of causing a fire if using oil, there is a fault or you’re using poor quality cookware. Want to know more?
How to use an induction hob
1. Switch on your hob on at the mains
2. Place your pan on the hob ring you’d like to use
3. Press the power button on your hob
4. Select which ring your pan is on
5. Select which power level you’d like to heat your pan
Using an induction hob is really easy once you get the hang of it. The level of heating is so precise and accurate and if used alongside a timer can create consistent cooking results every time.
Is an induction hob better than ceramic?
In short yes. The performance of induction hobs is much more efficient than ceramic cooktops. They’re faster to heat and safer to use too.
Are induction hobs better than gas?
That depends on what your priorities are. Take a look at our induction hob advantages and disadvantages below to see which hob is the perfect fit for you. Alternatively, some manufacturers will let you have the best of both worlds where you can combine an induction hob with a gas burner.
Disadvantages of an induction hob?
Induction Hob VS Gas
More expensive to run / Less expensive to run
More expensive to buy / Less expensive to buy
Need a specialised induction hob model or flat bottomed pan to Wok fry / Easier to Wok fry
Need induction pans to use / Can use any pans
Advantages of induction hobs?
Induction Hob VS Gas
Easier to clean / Harder to clean
Easier to use / Harder to use
Faster cooking / Slower cooking
Cooler cooking environment / Hotter cooking environment
Sleek / Cumbersome
More precise / More responsive
More energy efficient / Less energy efficient
Safer to use / Less safe
Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
This is a real hot topic, one for a big debate!
As with anything, personal preference and chefs training will come into play as will the type of cooking being done.
Eurokeras blog talks about this in more detail here.
Does an induction hob get hot?
Although an induction hob doesn’t heat up itself, the surface does get hot from the residual heat from cooking pans.
How to clean an induction hob with burnt-on stains
If your cooktop is suffering from some burnt-on stains that cannot be removed with soap and water we’d firstly suggest the use of some cream cleaner and a dish-washing sponge. If the stains are still present you can employ the use of a specialist scraper specifically designed for use on glass and ceramic.
