Whirlpool WB B8360 NE BM induction hob, 4 zones, 59 cm, timer, black

An induction hob does not heat the surface first; it generates heat directly in cookware with a magnetic base. That is why it reacts quickly to setting changes and water comes to the boil faster than on a standard ceramic hob. As the surface is warmed only by the pan, spills do not burn on as easily, and the hob is easier to clean after cooking.

With four cooking zones you can make a complete dinner at once: soup, a side dish, a sauce and a main course. The electronic control panel sits at the front of the hob, where it is easy to reach and never hidden behind pots. There is no dedicated wok burner on this model, so for a wok use a standard zone and a flat-bottomed, induction-ready wok pan.

The timer helps you keep track of cooking times, so you do not have to watch the clock for pasta or potatoes. The keep-warm function holds finished food at serving temperature until the family sits down, without it carrying on boiling or burning on the bottom. These small helpers make preparing dinner calmer even when several dishes are on the hob at the same time.

The hob measures 59 × 51 cm with a thickness of 2.8 cm and weighs 9.4 kg. The slim body leaves more room under the worktop for drawers or an oven. With its black ceramic surface it suits both light and dark kitchens. The worktop cut-out size is not stated in the manufacturer data, so have the installer check it against the manual before cutting the worktop.

The surface of an induction hob gets less hot than a standard ceramic hob, because the heat is created in the pan itself. After cooking it is usually enough to wipe it with a damp cloth and a hob cleaner. To avoid scratches, lift pans onto a zone rather than sliding them across the glass, and remove sugary spills as soon as the surface has cooled a little.

The Whirlpool WB B8360 NE BM suits homes where people cook every day and want a quick, easy-to-clean four-zone induction hob. The timer and keep-warm function help when several dishes are on the go, and the front electronic controls are always within reach. It works both as a replacement for an old hob during a renovation and in a new kitchen.