Ceramic Hobs and Induction Hobs: What's The Difference?

A new hob is an investment that will nourish your family for years to come. From a quick weekday dinner to a Christmas roast with all the trimmings, you need a hob that fits your lifestyle.

Consumers are spoilt for choice with the likes of AEG, Bosch, Rangemaster and Fisher & Paykel among others all offering cutting edge hobs.

To help you along the way we’ve put together this guide on the pros and cons of ceramic hobs and induction hobs.

What is an Induction Hob?

Induction hobs are at the forefront of the hob industry. These hobs work electronically, by creating a magnetic field on the hob.

When an induction pot or pan is placed on the hob it completes the circuit and the base is heated.

Do you need to buy special pans for an Induction Hob?

Pots and pans made from ferrous materials such as Cast Iron or Stainless Steel will work with Induction Hobs.

If you have pans made from Aluminium, Copper, Glass or Ceramics, these may not work unless they have an inductive base, made from Iron or Steel, for example.

To check, simply hold a magnet to the base of your pan. If the magnet sticks, you can use your pans on the hob. If the magnet falls away, the circuit on the Induction hob will not be complete, so your pan will not heat up.

What are the advantages of using an Induction Hob?

Unmatched Speed

Induction cooking provides instantaneous heat. As the connection is directly between the hob and the pot there is no lag as the pot gets up to temperature.

If you select a medium-high heat, the pan is instantly at medium-high heat.

Some producers even claim it’s quicker to boil water on an induction hob than in a kettle. 

Quick Response

This incredible speed between temperatures means changing from low to high and vice versa is seamless.

This simplifies cooking as you can change the temperature with the touch of a button.

Boiling water for pasta, grilling a steak, simmering a stew, all these dishes and more can be controlled quickly and efficiently. 

Energy Efficient

Speaking of efficiency, energy efficiency is increasingly important. Luckily induction cooking provides unrivalled energy efficiency.

As the connection is direct between the pan and the hob no energy is lost to heat or light. For example, if you were to heat a pan on an induction hob there would be no heat on the hob around the pan at all.

This incredible energy control saves you money on energy loss and helps reduce your burden on the power grid. 

Easy to Use

Induction hobs are user-friendly with interfaces that are designed to help you control every element of the cooking process.

Brands such as Samsung have created nifty graphics like their virtual flame to show the heat levels.

Some induction hobs even have zoneless heating. This technology allows you to heat your pot or pan wherever you place it on the hob.

This means you’re no longer limited to a number of rings but rather the number of pots and pans you can fit on the surface. 

Easy to Clean

Sleek and flat without any components or gaps, cleaning an induction hob requires little more than a cloth and some soapy water. 

What are the disadvantages of using an Induction Hob?

More expensive

Induction heating is at the forefront of technology and as such comes at a premium.

An induction hob is more likely to cost you more than its more traditional cousins so be sure to look out for any deals that will help you save that little bit extra. Who knows. You may just find a bargain!

Compatible Pots and Pans

Another limiting factor is the need for induction pots and pans. Your mum’s old frying pan won’t cut it anymore.

Shelling out for new pots and pans, especially induction-specific ones can be pricey so be sure to price these into any kitchen calculations. 

Specialised Installation

Induction hobs require very specific electrical installation. You’ll need a qualified electrician to install an induction hob to ensure it works efficiently and safely.

This means you’ll have to also consider the cost of hiring a professional for the installation. 

What is a Ceramic Hob?

Ceramic hobs refer to the material of the surface. Made of ceramic glass, these hobs are versatile and available in a wide range of fuel types. The ceramic glass is heated by the heat source which, in turn, heats your pots and pans. 

What are the advantages of using a Ceramic Hob?

Easy to clean

The ceramic glass surface is smooth and sleek.

This makes ceramic hobs some of the easiest to clean. All you need is a cloth and some soapy water.

This makes cleaning much easier as you don’t need to remove gas rings, covers or worry about any other cracks and crevices. 

Rapid heating

Depending on your fuel source you’ll find ceramic is quick to heat.

A natural conductive material, ceramic glass is strong and can withstand incredible temperatures.

This means you don’t need to worry about any warping or damage from exposing it to high temperatures for extended periods. 

Multiple fuel types

As mentioned above, a ceramic hob can be fuelled by electricity, gas, induction or a combination of all three.

This versatility means a ceramic hood will be within the reach of all budgets, whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge induction hob or a cost-effective, electric ceramic hob. 

Stylish

One of ceramic’s biggest selling points is its style.

The glass is sleek and understated and looks great in any kitchen.

From a traditional country kitchen to an inner-city bolthole, ceramic fits seamlessly into any design. 

What are the disadvantages of using a Ceramic Hob?

More expensive than conventional hobs

One sticking point for ceramic hobs is their cost.

This premium product looks the part and costs as much.

While usually cheaper than the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs are more expensive than conventional electric and gas hobs. 

Heat distribution

In some instances, ceramic hobs have been known to suffer from uneven heat distribution.

While these cases are rare and usually the result of wear and tear in conventional heating, it is worth choosing a good quality hob from a trusted supplier.

A hob is built to last for years so choose a brand and product that you can invest in. 

Ceramic Hobs vs Induction Hobs: Which is right for you?

We can see that ceramic hobs and induction hobs are not necessarily different.

While induction is a type of heating mechanism, a ceramic hob is a type of hob surface. Whatever your preference, both ceramic and induction offer a sleek, modern look that is easy to clean.

Ceramic induction hobs are usually pricier than conventional ceramic hobs but they allow for an incredibly high-tech cooking process. 

Overall, if you’re looking for precision cooking then the obvious choice is an induction hob.

If you’re looking for a conventional oven that is easy to clean then going with an electric or gas ceramic hob will work perfectly.

Contact us now to find out more about which hob is right for you or take a look at our store and you’ll find multibuy options and other savings to get the most bang for your buck.