BEKO HII64720QUF2T induction hob, 4 zones, 9 power levels, boost, timer, black

On an induction hob, heat is generated directly in the base of a magnetic pot or pan, so water boils quickly and the heat changes as soon as you adjust the power. The surface warms up mainly from the cookware, so spills burn on less. Four zones let you boil, fry, simmer and keep a sauce warm at the same time, even when cooking dinner for a larger family.

Nine power levels give enough steps from gentle warming to high heat: a low setting for melting chocolate or slow simmering, a high one for frying. Boost briefly raises the power of the selected zone when you need to bring a large pot of water to the boil quickly. The manufacturer lists the power as 2200/3100 W but does not specify which zone or mode these values refer to.

You select the zone and power level with a fingertip, and the flat surface without knobs is easy to wipe clean. The timer helps you keep track of cooking time, so you do not have to watch the clock for pasta, rice or eggs. The touch controls respond to a light press, so it is best to keep the control area dry and clear of pans and tea towels.

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 runs for a long time without any change. The residual heat indicator warns that the surface is still hot after cooking, which helps prevent burns, especially in a household with children.

The hob is 59 cm wide, 52 cm deep and 4.8 cm high, and weighs 11.7 kg according to the manufacturer. The worktop cut-out size is not specified, so check it in the installation manual before fitting. A black surface is a classic choice that goes with wooden as well as light-coloured kitchen fronts. There is no wok burner.

The BEKO HII64720QUF2T suits kitchens where you want fast induction cooking, clear touch controls and precise power selection. Nine levels cover both gentle simmering and frying, boost helps when you are in a hurry, and pan detection and the residual heat indicator add safety in a household where children are sometimes near the hob.