If you make custard regularly and have magnetic-base saucepans, consider an induction hob with adjustable low settings and a model-specific gentle-cooking function; a sensor designed to simmer water is not, by itself, a custard programme. A ceramic hob is worth comparing if you need to keep non-magnetic pans. Whichever you choose, check the exact model’s cut-out and electrical requirements before ordering.
You regularly make egg- or dairy-based custard and want manageable low-heat controls. If a gentle-cooking function interests you, check what it does on the exact model rather than assuming every simmer setting works the same way.
You have induction-compatible saucepans and need the new hob to suit both their base size and your kitchen opening and electrical supply.
You want an electric hob for custard without replacing cookware that will not work on induction. A ceramic hob gives you another route to compare.
Consider it when: You often cook custard and want a model with a stated melting, gentle-cooking or simmer function.
Bear in mind: You need a magnetic-base pan, and the function’s purpose varies by model. AEG describes the NII84B10AB Boil Sensor as maintaining a simmer for water, not preventing custard from splitting.
Consider it when: You want to adjust the heat yourself while stirring and do not need an assisted-cooking programme.
Bear in mind: The saucepan still needs an induction-compatible base; do not assume a standard model includes a dedicated simmer function.
Consider it when: Keeping a non-magnetic saucepan matters more than choosing induction.
Bear in mind: The glass can remain hot after cooking. Check the selected model’s cut-out and connection requirements rather than relying on its stated surface width.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Low-heat control | Check the exact hob’s adjustable settings and what any melting, simmer or assisted-cooking function is designed to do. | When I am stirring custard, I want to make small heat changes without treating a rapid-boil setting as a substitute for control. Around 45% of consumers put gentle-heat control first. |
| Cookware and installation fit | For induction, test the pan base with a magnet and compare its size with the zone. Check the built-in cut-out, connection type and electrical loading for the exact model. | If I am replacing a hob, I need my saucepan and kitchen installation to suit the new one before its cooking features matter; around 33% of consumers prioritise compatibility. |
| Cooking alongside other dishes | Check the manual for zone power-sharing, pause and timer functions, and residual-heat indications where relevant. | When custard is part of a wider meal, I need to manage interruptions and other pans without overlooking a hot surface. For around 22% of consumers, everyday cooking arrangements come first. |
NEFF says induction cookware needs a base attracted by a magnet. Pan-base size and flatness also matter for detection and heating.
Test the pan with a magnet and compare its base diameter with the cooking zone you expect to use.
An incompatible saucepan would need replacing if you choose induction.
Built-in openings and connections are model-specific. Electrolux specifies a 560 × 490 mm cut-out for the ceramic LRR6436, while AEG specifies 750 × 490 mm for the induction NII84B10AB; both are listed as hardwired only.
Measure the existing opening and check the exact installation instructions and electrical requirements before ordering.
Changes to the opening or electrical installation can add work before the hob can be fitted.
AEG explains that power sharing on relevant hobs can limit a selected setting when zones are used together.
If you cook custard alongside other dishes, read the chosen model’s power-management instructions.
A residual-heat indicator signals that the hob surface may still be hot; it is not an invitation to touch the glass.
Allow the surface to cool and keep heat-sensitive items away after cooking.
AEG’s induction range includes model-specific sensors and cooking-zone features worth checking if you want help managing a simmer.
Whirlpool has induction models with assisted-cooking and flexible-zone functions for cooks comparing gentle-cooking controls.
Electrolux offers a ceramic route to compare if retaining non-magnetic cookware is important.
These induction cooking surfaces include built-in hobs and a portable single-zone cooker. For custard, compare their controls with the pan you use; check the kitchen opening and electrical supply before choosing a built-in model.
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A built-in option if you want to adjust induction heat while cooking custard on one of four zones.
Check that your saucepan has a magnetic base and that the hob’s installation and electrical requirements suit your kitchen.
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A built-in four-zone option to consider if you adjust the heat yourself while making custard and cook other dishes at the same time.
Use an induction-compatible saucepan and check the hob’s electrical requirements against the property’s supply.
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A built-in induction choice for cooks who want to manage custard heat directly.
The product name specifies a hardwired connection. Check the required cut-out and electrical installation, as well as your saucepan’s induction compatibility.
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Consider this built-in hob if you want separate zone adjustment while preparing custard alongside other food.
Its stated Rapid Boil sequence reduces to a low simmer after five minutes; do not treat that sequence as a custard-temperature setting. Check pan compatibility, cut-out and electrical requirements.
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A portable cooking surface to consider when you need one induction zone for a custard saucepan rather than a built-in replacement.
The product name specifies 2,000 W, eight power levels, a three-hour timer and suitable cookware diameters of 12–26 cm. Check that your pan has a magnetic, flat base and confirm the connection arrangement before buying.
It needs a base attracted by a magnet. NEFF also advises checking that the base is flat and suits the cooking-zone size for cookware detection and heating.
The connection depends on the exact model, not simply on whether it is electric. AEG lists the NII84B10AB and Electrolux lists the LRR6436 as hardwired only; check your chosen hob’s installation instructions and the property’s electrical supply.
Do not assume a built-in hob is suitable for self-installation: check its instructions and the electrical rules where the property is located before arranging the work. GOV.UK’s Approved Document P covers electrical safety in dwellings in England; installation arrangements differ across the UK.
No simmer feature guarantees a custard result. Whirlpool describes gentle-cooking assistance on the SMP 778 C/NE/IXL, while AEG describes the NII84B10AB Boil Sensor as maintaining a simmer for water; follow your recipe and stir as required.