BEKO HII64200FMTW induction hob, 4 zones, touch control, boost, timer, white

On an induction hob, a magnetic field generates heat directly in the base of the pot or pan, so heat is there instantly and changes the moment you turn the power down. The surface itself warms up mainly from the cookware, so spills burn on less and the hob is easier to clean. Compared with a standard ceramic hob, less heat is lost to the surrounding air.

The manufacturer lists zone diameters of 145, 180 and 210 mm and power ratings of 1600, 1800, 2000 and 2300 W. That gives you a smaller zone for a little saucepan and a larger one for a big frying pan or soup pot. When the base of the pan matches the size of the zone, heat transfers most efficiently and the pan heats evenly across its whole base.

The boost function briefly raises the power of the selected zone when you need to bring pasta water to the boil quickly or get a pan hot for searing. With touch control, you choose the zone and power level with a fingertip, and the flat surface is easy to wipe clean. The timer helps you keep track of cooking time, so eggs, rice or potatoes do not stay on the hob too long.

Pan detection means a zone only works when suitable cookware is on it – lift the pot off and the zone stops heating. The automatic switch-off turns the hob off if it has been running for a long time without any change. The residual heat indicator warns that the surface is still hot after cooking, which matters in a household with children.

The hob is 58 cm wide, 51 cm deep and 5.2 cm high, and weighs 9.85 kg. The manufacturer data does not give the worktop cut-out size, so check it in the installation manual before fitting. The white surface goes well with light kitchen furniture and makes the kitchen feel lighter. There is no wok burner on this hob.

The BEKO HII64200FMTW suits a light-coloured kitchen where you want fast induction cooking and simple touch controls. Zones of different sizes cover everything from a small saucepan to a large frying pan, boost helps when you are in a hurry, and pan detection, automatic switch-off and the residual heat indicator add safety in a home with children. The white finish is for anyone who does not want a dark surface in the kitchen.