Bosch PIE61ABB5E induction hob, 59.2 cm, 4 zones, 7400 W, matt black

Induction uses a magnetic field to heat the base of the pot or pan directly, so water boils quickly and the hob responds to every change of setting without delay. The PIE61ABB5E has a total power of 7400 W. That reserve means several zones can run on high settings at the same time, even when several dishes are being cooked for the family at once.

According to the manufacturer, each zone has its own 17 power levels, so you can gently simmer a sauce on one zone while searing meat on high heat next to it. Booster temporarily raises a zone even higher when a large pot of water has to come to the boil fast. The timer helps you keep track of cooking times so rice or boiled eggs are not left on the heat for too long.

The hob recognises the pot or pan and switches the zone off when the cookware is lifted away, so an empty zone does not keep running. If the hob is not touched for a long time, the inactivity switch-off turns it off as well. The child lock disables the touch keys, and the residual heat indicator warns that a zone is still hot after cooking, which matters in a family kitchen with children around.

The surface of the hob is matt black. A matt finish looks calm and pairs well with dark or wood-effect worktops. The controls sit at the front edge, where they are within easy reach while you cook, and with no knobs or protruding parts the glass is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth once you have finished cooking.

The hob measures 59.2 × 52.2 cm, is 5.1 cm high and weighs 11.6 kg, so it suits a standard 60 cm kitchen unit. The manufacturer does not give the worktop cut-out size, so check it in the installation instructions before cutting. With a total power of 7400 W, the hob must be connected by an electrician, who will also check that the kitchen wiring and circuit protection are suitable.

The PIE61ABB5E suits cooks who often use all four zones at once and want enough power for every pan. Seventeen levels per zone and Booster give precise control, the safety functions suit a family kitchen, and the matt black surface appeals to those who prefer a more understated look than glossy glass.