Induction hobs: they’re one of our clients’ favourite addition to plenty of our kitchen designs. It’s no secret that we love them for their simplicity, speed and safety. For these reasons, today we’re looking at everything about them, including how induction hobs work, what pans work with them and much more.

What is an induction hob?

How does an induction hob work?

So, how do induction hobs work? Peculiar as it may sound, the main thing you need to know about induction hobs is that they don’t actually produce any heat by themselves. They create a magnetic field between the pan and a copper coil that sits underneath the glass. Then, through the field, energy reaches the surface of your pan.

What pans work on induction hobs?

Induction hobs only work with pans that are made from a ferrous metal. For instance, stainless steel, cast iron or any black metal or iron pans all work.

Therefore, some people do find the need to buy new pots and pans when they get their new hob.

How do I know if my pots and pans will work?

Here’s a handy tip: if you’re unsure, try holding one of your fridge magnets to the bottom of your pan. If it snaps together easily, your pan should work.

What kind of pans do not work with an induction hob?

If your pans are made from any of the following materials, they will not work:

• Aluminium
• Copper
• Glass
• Pyrex

You’ll need to replace them with induction-hob-friendly stainless steel or similar.

Do induction hobs save energy?

Induction hobs are faster and more efficient than regular hobs, simply because they only heat the surface of your pan. To compare the two, 40% of the energy in a common gas hob actually cooks your recipe, whereas an induction hob utilises 84% of the energy.

Are induction hobs safe?

If you’re wondering whether the absence of a visible heat ring is a safety risk, you’re not alone. Child safety locks are available for some of our favourite induction hobs.

Overall, however, they are particularly safe as they only work when a certain amount of ferrous material is in touch with the surface. As soon as you remove the pan, the hob turns off.

By allowing for flexible cooking zones and automatically switching off and saving energy, these hobs are a fantastic option for your kitchen design.

Do you want to add an induction hob to your bespoke kitchen? Do you have any questions about induction hobs?

Drop our friendly team a line at hello@sustainablekitchens.co.uk or give us a call on 0117 961 6471.