How to choose the best induction hob for ultra-fast energy-efficient cooking

Thinking of switching to the best induction hob? This revolutionary method of cooking with magnets instead of direct heat has changed the game in the last 10 years or so, signalling the death knell of old-style electric, and eating into the dominance of gas.

As gas prices rise, it'll increasingly struggle to compete with the energy efficiency of the best induction hobs. And they're so damn easy to clean, too.

Keep reading to find our top three induction hobs, and our advice on how to pick one.

T3's Top 3

Induction hob FAQs

How do induction hobs work?

The induction cooktop has become commonplace now, yet still feels like the stuff of sci-fi. Unlike ceramic or gas hobs that heat the entire plate, induction hobs heat only the base of the pan and its contents. What’s more, they’re so efficient they can usually boil water more quickly than a kettle and are said to be 50% faster than gas.

So how do induction hobs work? That’ll be our old underrated friend magnetism. Even when the hob is on it remains cool to the touch, yet as soon as you place a saucepan on it, a whopping amount of heat is generated and before you know it you’ve whipped up a four-course banquet.

Having said that, a word of warning: don't put your hand on the hob when you lift the pan up, as heat will have transferred from the pan back into the glass of the hob. And because the whole hob is completely smooth, any spillages are very easily cleaned with a simple flick of a kitchen wipe.

However, there is a small but fairly significant caveat that should be considered before jumping on the induction bandwagon: induction only works with ferrous metals like steel and cast iron, and chances are at least some of your current cookware is of the wrong variety, so you'll need to replace them.

For more about induction hobs, see our 'what is an induction hob and how does it work?' guide.

What power requirements do induction hobs have?

Some induction hobs draw up to 7.4kw of current and that means having a separate ring main fitted if your current setup is, like many older kitchens, just a standard 13 amp cooker plug. Boy, did I find that out the hard way.

If you also have an electric oven on the same ring, you may in fact need an even higher rated cable. Bear this in mind because it’s the single most important consideration when purchasing any electrical cooking appliance.

I’d advise employing the services of an electrician beforehand just to be sure you won’t be purchasing a product that needs a whole new ring main installed at great cost (upwards of £500).

Do I need different pans for an induction hob?

Not checking if your pans work with your hob is one of the biggest mistakes everyone makes with induction hobs. But it's easy to check if they do: simply place a magnet to the base of each pot and pan. If it sticks you’re in luck; if not, you’ll need to fork out on some new pans.

The majority of induction hobs are swathed in a beautiful looking slab of ceramic glass. Be mindful that this surface is quite easily scratched by rough-bottomed cast iron cookware so position your Le Creuset casserole dish with care or stick to steel pans with smooth bottoms.