Store-away, one-pot cooks
If the worktop needs to be clear between meals, a portable induction hob is worth considering for soup made in one saucepan. Check that the pan is induction-compatible and meets the chosen model’s size requirements.
Who each hob format suits
Compact-kitchen renovators
A permanent 30 cm, two-zone hob can make room for a soup pot and another pan without requiring a full-width layout. Check the installation drawing: the advertised width alone does not establish whether it will fit.
Cooks keeping their existing pans
If your saucepans are not magnetic, a ceramic hob may let you continue using them. Bosch UK distinguishes ceramic’s broader cookware compatibility from induction’s magnetic-pan requirement; ceramic surfaces also stay hot after switch-off.
What matters when choosing
Decide whether the hob must be stored away or permanently installed, then check the space, saucepan and electrical requirements of the exact model.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop space and storage | Check whether the hob can be put away after use, and compare its dimensions with your available worktop and storage space. | If I need the worktop back after making soup, a portable format matters more than extra cooking zones. Around 36% of consumers would put that space-saving need first. |
| Permanent fit and cooking zones | Compare the number of zones with your cooking routine; for built-in models, check the cut-out, clearances and installation instructions. | When I want to use a second pan beside the soup pot, I need a fixed hob that fits the kitchen. Roughly 29% of consumers would make that installation and capacity need their priority. |
| Boiling and simmering control | Check the available heat settings and controls rather than judging soup cooking by maximum wattage alone. | If I sauté ingredients before simmering the soup, I want to adjust the heat without fuss. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise that cooking control. |
| Cookware and power supply | Check induction compatibility and the stated pan-size range, alongside the exact hob’s electrical requirements. | I want to keep using my saucepan and connect the hob appropriately in my kitchen. Approximately 14% of consumers would put those compatibility checks first. |
Checks that are easy to miss
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Choosing induction before checking the soup pan
Induction needs magnetic cookware, and a pan outside the hob’s stated size range may not work as intended.
Check the saucepan’s induction marking or magnetic base, then compare its base diameter with the exact model’s instructions.
If the saucepan is unsuitable, using that hob may also mean changing cookware.
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Measuring the hob but not its installation space
A nominal 30 cm or 60 cm width does not establish the cut-out size, depth or clearances needed for a built-in hob.
Measure against the exact installation drawing before ordering, even when replacing a similarly sized appliance.
An unsuitable cut-out may require worktop alterations before the hob can be installed.
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Assuming every plug-and-play zone can run at full output
NEFF says its plug-and-play induction hobs can share available power between active zones when the total output limit is reached, which may lengthen cooking time.
If you plan to cook soup alongside another dish, check how the exact model manages simultaneous zones.
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Overloading an extension arrangement
Electrical Safety First warns that overloading extension leads, reels or adaptors can cause overheating and fire.
Follow the appliance instructions, check any lead’s marked current rating against the connected load, do not daisy-chain leads and fully unwind cable reels.
Relevant brands to consider
Tefal
Tefal UK lists the portable Everyday IH201840 for one-zone cooking, including soup and stew functions.
- The IH201840 is specified at up to 2,100 W and for pans measuring 12–24 cm in diameter.
- Its single zone does not provide space for simultaneous multi-pan cooking.
Beko
Beko UK lists compact built-in induction hobs, including the HDMI32401DT, alongside ceramic alternatives.
- The HDMI32401DT is a two-zone induction model for a compact installation.
- Induction requires magnetic cookware; confirm the model’s cut-out and electrical requirements before purchase.
Indesit
Indesit UK lists the IRD 2030 B as a compact electric ceramic hob.
- The listed ceramic format is an option for cooks retaining non-magnetic pans.
- A ceramic surface remains hot after switch-off; confirm the exact model’s zone arrangement and installation details before ordering.
Bosch
Bosch UK offers induction and ceramic hobs across compact and wider built-in formats.
- Its range lets buyers compare induction’s magnetic-cookware requirement with ceramic’s broader pan compatibility.
- Cooking zones, controls and installation requirements vary by model; a wider hob also needs a suitable worktop opening.
NEFF
NEFF UK describes selected plug-and-play induction hobs designed for a standard 13-amp supply.
- This supply arrangement is available on specific models rather than being a feature of induction hobs generally.
- Available output may be shared across active zones; check the exact rating plate and installation instructions.
Joybuy product choices
For soup made in one pan where worktop space matters, this portable induction option can be put away after cooking. Check its pan and electrical requirements before choosing it.
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ochama 2000W Portable Induction Hob, 10 Power Settings
A portable option to consider when you want to clear the worktop after making soup.
The product name specifies 2000W, 10 power settings, six functions, touch controls and a safety lock.
Use induction-compatible cookware and check the permitted pan size and electrical instructions for this model. The glass panel can become hot; do not move the hob while it is operating.
Common questions
Should I choose induction or ceramic for courgette soup?
Choose induction if your saucepan is magnetic and responsive heat adjustment matters to you; choose ceramic if keeping non-magnetic pans is the deciding factor. Bosch UK notes that ceramic accepts a wider range of cookware, but its surface remains hot after switch-off.
Will my saucepan work on a portable induction hob?
It must be induction-compatible and within the chosen hob’s supported pan-size range. For example, Tefal UK specifies a 12–24 cm pan diameter for the Everyday IH201840; check the instructions for any other model rather than applying that range to every hob.
Can I connect a portable hob through an extension lead?
Do not assume an extension lead is suitable for the hob. Follow the appliance instructions and check the lead’s marked rating against the combined load; Electrical Safety First warns against overloading leads and adaptors.
Do I need an electrician to fit a built-in hob?
Check the exact hob’s installation instructions and your property’s electrical arrangement before arranging fitting; a plug-and-play description is not a general installation rule. NEFF UK says its specific plug-and-play models are designed for a standard 13-amp supply, but other built-in models may have different requirements. Confirm the work involved with an appropriately qualified installer.