Hobs

How to choose a hob

The hob is the most used appliance in the kitchen: heating type, width and the electrical connection matter more than the brand.

• Induction, ceramic or gas. Induction heats the pan with a magnetic field: a litre of water boils in 2–3 minutes and the surface stays cool. A ceramic hob costs less and works with any pan but is slower. Gas gives an instant flame but needs a gas connection and a cooker hood.
• Width. 60 cm with four zones is the standard. A 30–35 cm Domino hob with two zones suits a small kitchen, 45 cm is a compact three-burner gas hob, 80–90 cm hobs carry five zones. A 60 cm hob needs a worktop cut-out of about 56 × 49 cm.
• Zones and flex zone. A family needs four zones, a couple gets by with three. A flex zone joins two rings under a long griddle pan, and a booster adds power for 1–2 minutes.
• Power and wiring. A four-zone induction hob draws 7–7.4 kW and needs a 32 A breaker or two phases — it will not run off an ordinary 16 A socket. Many newer models have a power limiter capping them at 3–3.5 kW on 16 A. The connection is a job for an electrician.
• Controls and safety. Touch buttons are easy to wipe clean; gas hobs have rotary knobs and electric ignition. Look for a child lock, residual-heat indicator and timer, and on gas a flame-failure device.

Hobs in our range

Most of the range is induction hobs at 60 cm with four zones: Bosch PUE611BB5E and Series 6 PVS63KHC1Z, Beko HII64200, Whirlpool WF S7560NE, Gorenje GI6401WSC, Indesit IB 65B60 NE, CATA IB 6304, Midea MIH744BE; with three zones, CATA IB 6403 and the white INSB 6030. Slim 30–35 cm induction hobs with two zones are the Bosch PIB375FB1E, Beko HDI32400TO, Simfer 3020 and CATA IB 2 PLUS. Ceramic hobs Bosch PKE611BA2E and Simfer H6.040, H4.030 and H3.020 (4, 3 and 2 zones) are the cheapest way to replace an old cooker. Gas hobs: CATA LCI 6031 and SCI 3002, Gorenje GW642AB, Candy CVW6BB, Beko HILW64225SW and 45 cm three-burner Simfer models. As an extra ring there are portable induction hobs from Caso ProSlim 2000 and ETA.

Brands

Bosch is the safe choice in induction and ceramic: precise control, quiet running and a long life. CATA is a Spanish maker strong in both gas and induction. Simfer offers the most affordable gas and ceramic hobs, including 45 cm. Beko and Gorenje are sensibly priced induction for a family, Whirlpool and Indesit a dependable mid-range. Candy, Midea and Caso cover the budget end.

Installation and delivery

Induction and ceramic hobs are hard-wired: call an electrician to choose the breaker and cable cross-section — it is a matter of safety and warranty. A gas hob is connected by a licensed gas fitter. A hob is fragile glass — we deliver it by courier across Estonia, so inspect the packaging on arrival.

Related products

An oven goes underneath and a cooker hood above. If you prefer one appliance, see cookers; for a summer house, table hobs do the job. The full selection is in home appliances.

Frequently asked questions

Can an induction hob run off an ordinary 16 A socket? A four-zone hob usually needs 32 A or two phases. If your breaker is 16 A, choose a model with a power limiter or a two-zone hob.

Induction or ceramic? Induction is 2–3 times faster, safer and uses roughly 20–30% less electricity; ceramic is cheaper and works with any pan.

Which pans work on induction? Those with a magnetic base: cast iron, most stainless steel pots and cookware marked “induction”. If a magnet sticks to the base, the pan works.

Why does an induction hob hum? A light hum and fan noise are normal, especially in booster mode. A heavy pan with a flat base is quieter.

Does a gas hob work on bottled gas? Yes, once the jets are swapped to LPG ones — most models include them. The job is for a gas fitter.