Choosing an induction hob: one or two phases, zones, flex and extractor

One phase or two phases

An ordinary 230 volt, 16 amp circuit delivers at most 3,680 watts (230 times 16). A 60 cm induction hob with four zones often has a total power of around 7,400 watts, as Bosch gives for the PVQ631HC1E. To reach that you need two circuits: a two-phase connection, in the Netherlands usually with a perilex plug.

Many hobs can also run on one phase. Inventum puts "1 or 2 phase" in the name of the IKI6028 and the IKI6045, Amica "1, 2 or 3 phase" on the AI3048IT. On one phase the hob limits its total power: if you cook on several zones at once, together they get less. A 30 cm domino with two zones, such as the Inventum IKI3008, needs less power. How to set the power is in the installation manual.

Not sure what is in your fuse box? An electrician can check it for you.

Width and cut-out

Induction hobs come as a 30 cm domino and in widths of 60, 70, 80 and 90 cm. The width in the name is the outer size of the glass. For fitting, the cut-out in the worktop is what counts: it is in the installation manual, as is the minimum distance to a drawer or oven below. If you replace an old hob, measure the existing cut-out and compare it with the size the new one needs.

Mind the edge too. Inventum calls some models frameless, others have a bevelled edge. That is mostly a matter of looks, but it can affect how the glass meets the worktop.

Zones, bridge and flex

A simple hob has fixed round zones. Many hobs can join two zones into one large one, for a griddle or an oval pan. Each brand has its own name for it: Bridge at AEG, as on the AEG 6000 Bridge V84IO00FB; CombiZone at Bosch; Switchzone at Inventum.

A flex zone goes further: you put the pan wherever you like within a large area. Bosch calls this FlexInduction Plus, as on the PXY83KHC1E; Siemens puts "Flex" in the name of the EX875LEC1E. A wide hob of 80 or 90 cm gives more room between pans. The Bosch PIF651HC1E has a 28 cm frying zone, according to its name.

Hobs with a built-in extractor

On a hob with a built-in extractor, the extractor usually sits in the middle of the hob and draws the steam down. You then need no cooker hood above it. There are two ways:

• recirculation: the air passes a filter and returns to the kitchen. You replace the filter as the maker prescribes.
• ducted: the air goes outside through a duct. That needs an outlet in the wall or floor.

A hob with an extractor takes up space in the cabinet below, for the motor and the duct; the installation manual says how much. The extraction rate in m³ per hour is in the specifications. Examples are the Bosch PVQ711H26E, the ETNA AKI870ZT and the AEG XCD6847IB. If you prefer a separate hood, look under cooker hoods.

Pans for induction

Induction heats the pan itself through a magnetic field. So the pan needs a magnetic base. Test it with a magnet: if it sticks to the base, the pan works. Pans that are suitable often carry a symbol with a coil. Choose a pan with a base about as large as the zone; according to the manuals a small pan on a large zone is sometimes not detected.

Controls and extras

Most hobs have touch controls or a slider. Bosch calls its version DirectSelect, where you pick the level per zone directly. Also handy: a boost to bring water to the boil quickly, a timer per zone and a child lock. Some Bosch models have PerfectFry Plus, a sensor that keeps track of the pan's temperature, and Home Connect, which according to Bosch also lets the hob control a matching hood. All models are under hobs.