Choose induction if your custard saucepan is induction-compatible and you want heat generated in the pan while other dishes cook. Choose ceramic if keeping non-magnetic pans matters more, but account for its hot glass surface after cooking. With either type, check the lower heat settings, usable zones, worktop fit and electrical connection before buying.
If you regularly stir custard, white sauce or chocolate sauce, focus on how easily you can select and adjust a gentle heat. Which? includes simmering in its assessment of hobs; a stated number of settings alone does not tell you how a model performs.
If a custard saucepan shares the hob with vegetables, gravy or a main dish, check whether your pans fit on the available zones at the same time. A timer can provide a reminder, but it does not replace stirring or supervision.
If you are replacing a hob, check your pans, the worktop cut-out and the electrical connection before settling on induction or ceramic. A model that suits the cooking task still needs to fit the kitchen.
For a family meal that includes custard, check pan and installation compatibility before comparing low-heat controls, space for other dishes and features for a busy kitchen.
Consider it: If your custard saucepan is magnetic and induction-compatible, induction generates heat in the pan while you adjust the setting.
Trade-off: Non-magnetic pans will not work, and the connection requirements depend on the exact model.
Consider it: If keeping pans of different materials is the deciding factor, ceramic avoids induction's magnetic-pan requirement.
Trade-off: Elements heat the glass beneath the pan, and the surface can remain hot after switch-off.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle custard heat | Compare selectable lower settings, timer behaviour and independent simmering assessments where available. Do not use a boost setting as a proxy for low-heat control. | When I am stirring custard while the meal cooks, I need to adjust the heat without letting the pan get too hot. Around 36% of consumers put controllable custard heat first. |
| Space for several pans | Check zone count and diameters against the bases of your custard saucepan and other pans; assess a bridge zone only if you use larger cookware. | I need room for the custard pan as well as the rest of dinner, not just a hob with a convenient overall width. For around 29% of consumers, simultaneous pan space is the primary concern. |
| Hot surfaces and controls | Look at child-lock and residual-heat features on the exact model, particularly when considering ceramic; check its cleaning instructions too. | With children nearby and spills to clear, I want to avoid accidental control changes and know when the surface is still hot. This is the first priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Kitchen and pan compatibility | Check induction compatibility for existing pans, the required cut-out and the selected model's electrical load and connection instructions. | If I am replacing a hob, I need my saucepan, worktop and electrical supply to suit the new appliance. Around 14% of consumers put those compatibility checks first. |
A non-magnetic custard saucepan will not heat on an induction hob, even if the hob otherwise suits your kitchen.
Check regularly used pans for an induction symbol or test whether a magnet sticks to their bases. If retaining non-magnetic pans is essential, consider ceramic instead.
Connections differ by model: Bosch specifies the PUG61RAA5B as Plug & Play, whereas AEG specifies the TO64IB00FB as hardwired only, with a 7,200 W total electrical load.
Read the installation instructions for the exact hob and confirm the kitchen supply and fitting requirements before ordering.
A feature intended for rapid heating does not establish how steadily a hob maintains a gentle simmer.
Compare lower settings and timer controls, and consult independent simmering assessments for the exact model where available.
Ceramic elements heat the glass beneath the pan, which can remain hot after the controls are switched off.
Check for a residual-heat indicator, keep children clear of the hot surface and wait until it cools before cleaning.
Relevant when comparing built-in induction with an explicitly plug-in model, rather than assuming every induction hob has the same connection.
Relevant if your family meals sometimes involve larger cookware as well as a custard saucepan.
Relevant if you want to keep using mixed cookware and are considering a ceramic electric hob.
These induction hobs offer four-zone layouts for cooking custard alongside other dishes; the two-zone ceramic hob is an option to consider if keeping mixed cookware matters more than simultaneous pan space. Check the exact model's low-heat behaviour and installation requirements before choosing.
No image available
Consider the four-zone layout if your custard saucepan needs its own space while other dishes cook. Check that your pans are induction-compatible, then confirm the lower settings, timer behaviour, worktop fit and connection requirements for this model.
No image available
Consider this model if a hardwired induction hob suits your planned kitchen installation. Check the cut-out and electrical supply with an installer, confirm your custard pan is induction-compatible and assess the lower heat controls rather than relying on the induction label alone.
No image available
The four-zone layout is relevant if you need a custard saucepan alongside other pans. Confirm that your cookware is magnetic, the zones fit your pan bases and the model's connection instructions suit your kitchen; also check how its lower settings work.
No image available
Consider the flexible bridge if larger cookware is part of your family cooking as well as a custard saucepan. Check the 77 cm hob's worktop fit, your pans' induction compatibility, its connection requirements and whether the lower settings meet your cooking needs.
No image available
Consider ceramic if retaining non-magnetic cookware takes priority and two zones are enough for the dishes you cook together. The product name specifies nine power levels, a timer and child lock; check timer operation, low-heat control, worktop fit and the electrical connection. Allow for the glass remaining hot after cooking.
Induction suits a compatible magnetic saucepan if you want heat generated in the pan; ceramic lets you keep using non-magnetic pans. With either type, assess the lower settings and timer controls for the exact model, and keep stirring rather than relying on a feature to prevent overcooking.
It will work only if its base is magnetic and induction-compatible. Bosch states that induction requires magnetic cookware, so check the pan's induction symbol or test its base with a magnet before choosing the hob.
Only choose that installation route when the exact model specifies it and the kitchen supply is suitable. Bosch specifies the PUG61RAA5B as Plug & Play, while AEG specifies the TO64IB00FB as hardwired only with a 7,200 W total electrical load; follow the selected model's installation instructions.
Check the selected hob's connection instructions and have a suitably qualified installer assess the planned work. In England, GOV.UK's Approved Document P provides guidance on electrical safety in dwellings under the Building Regulations; ask the installer or relevant local authority which requirements apply to your work and location rather than assuming England's guidance applies throughout the UK.
Check for a child lock and, particularly on ceramic glass, a residual-heat indicator on the exact model. Neither replaces keeping children away from hot pans and supervising cooking; Electrical Safety First advises against leaving cooking appliances unattended.