Who each format suits

Occasional custard makers short on space

If you use one saucepan and need to clear the worktop afterwards, a portable hob is a starting point. Check that its lower settings and accepted pan size suit your saucepan before choosing it for custard.

Home bakers focused on heat control

If you make custard regularly, compare manual low-power settings and useful controls such as a timer or pause function rather than choosing by maximum output. Your saucepan also needs a suitable magnetic base that the hob can detect.

Small-kitchen renovators who cook two pans

A built-in 30 cm two-zone hob can give you a permanent place for custard and another pan. Check the model’s cut-out, cabinet clearances and electrical requirements before planning the installation.

What matters when choosing

Start with whether the hob needs to be stored away, then consider low-heat control and how often you need a second cooking zone.

Portable induction hob

Choose it when: One saucepan is usually enough and you need to avoid a permanent worktop alteration.

Trade-off: It occupies worktop space while in use and must have a safe position for its lead and socket.

Built-in 30 cm hob

Choose it when: You want a permanent compact installation with room to cook a second pan.

Trade-off: The worktop opening, cabinet and electrical connection must suit the exact model.

Built-in 60 cm hob

Choose it when: You routinely cook with several pans and have room for a wider fitted hob.

Trade-off: Its larger worktop footprint is hard to justify for custard in one saucepan alone.

Concern Buying check Who this matters to
Removable setup Check the hob’s footprint, storage dimensions and where its lead can safely reach a socket. I use one saucepan but need the worktop back afterwards; around 45% of consumers put a removable setup first.
Gentle heat control Compare stated lower manual settings and confirm that your pan base falls within the accepted size range. When custard starts to thicken, I want to reduce the heat promptly; roughly 36% of consumers make controllable heating their primary concern.
Room for another pan For a fitted hob, check the number of zones alongside the exact cut-out and electrical requirements. I often need another pan beside the custard but still want to conserve worktop space; about 19% of consumers prioritise permanent multi-pan capacity.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by maximum wattage alone

    Maximum output tells you little about how readily you can turn down the heat as custard thickens. A stated power setting does not guarantee a particular temperature in the saucepan.

    Compare lower manual settings and control steps, then consider whether a timer or pause function would help your routine.

  • Assuming your saucepan will work

    Induction needs a suitable magnetic pan base. A saucepan that the hob cannot detect will not serve your custard-making plan.

    Check the induction symbol, test the base with a magnet and compare its flat base diameter with the hob maker’s accepted range.

    If your existing saucepan is unsuitable, you may need a compatible one.

  • Using the nominal hob width as the cut-out size

    A 30 cm hob does not necessarily fit a 30 cm opening. Smeg gives a 478–482 × 252–256 mm cut-out for its SI2321D; fitting still depends on the model’s full installation instructions.

    Check the technical drawing, below-worktop clearances and electrical connection before ordering a fitted hob.

    An unsuitable existing opening may require worktop alteration.

  • Placing a portable hob too close to water

    A portable hob needs a stable, dry position with its lead kept clear of heat and water. Electrical Safety First advises keeping kitchen switches and socket outlets at least 30 cm horizontally from a sink where possible.

    Follow the appliance manual, keep the lead undamaged and avoid overloading the socket outlet.

Relevant brands for reference

Tefal

Tefal’s Everyday Slim IH210840 illustrates the plug-in portable format for a kitchen where the hob may need to be stored.

  • Tefal UK states seven manual power levels from 300 W to 2100 W and compatibility with induction pans from 12 cm to 26 cm.
  • This is a one-zone option; check your saucepan diameter and do not treat its lowest stated setting as a guaranteed custard temperature.

Smeg

Smeg’s SI2321D is a 30 cm built-in example for a permanent compact cooking space.

  • Smeg UK describes two induction zones and nine power levels.
  • The specified worktop cut-out and electrical fitting requirements matter more than the nominal width when planning installation.

Bosch

Bosch’s PUE611BB5E illustrates a wider built-in option for kitchens that routinely use several pans.

  • Bosch GB specifies four cooking zones and hob dimensions of 592 × 522 mm.
  • Its larger footprint needs to earn its place on a small worktop; PowerBoost is not a substitute for checking low-heat control.

AEG

AEG UK lists induction formats from compact two-zone hobs to larger multi-zone layouts.

  • The range provides formats to consider when deciding how many pans you need to cook at once.
  • Check the dimensions, connection and low-control functions of the particular model rather than applying range-wide descriptions to every hob.

Portable induction hobs on Joybuy

These portable options are relevant if you need a hob that can be moved or stored rather than fitted into the worktop. Check each model’s saucepan fit and lower controls for your custard-making routine; neither is presented as a substitute for a built-in two- or four-zone installation.

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 portable induction hob

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 portable induction hob, 2000 W

Consider this portable model if you need to clear the worktop after making custard and have a suitable saucepan.

The product title lists eight power levels, a three-hour timer and suitable cookware from 12 cm to 26 cm. Settings do not guarantee a particular custard temperature; check the supplied electrical connection for your setup before buying.

View on Joybuy
ochama 2000 W portable induction hob

ochama portable induction hob, 2000 W

Consider this portable hob if you want selectable cooking controls in a setup that can be put away after use.

Its product title lists ten power settings, six functions and a safety lock. Before choosing it for custard, confirm the lowest manual setting and the accepted saucepan diameter; the number of settings alone does not establish how it will heat your pan.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a portable or built-in induction hob more practical for custard?

A portable hob is the more relevant starting point if you make custard in one saucepan and need to put the appliance away. A built-in two-zone model suits a permanent setup with another pan in use; a wider four-zone hob makes more sense when multi-pan cooking is a regular need.

Will my existing saucepan work on an induction hob?

It needs a suitable magnetic base and must fall within the hob’s accepted pan-size range. A magnet sticking firmly to the base is a useful first check; also look for the induction symbol and make sure the base is flat.

Which hob controls matter when thickening custard?

Look for manual lower-power settings that you can adjust as the custard thickens. A timer or pause function may suit your routine, but stated settings do not guarantee a saucepan temperature, so continue to monitor the pan.

What should I check before choosing a built-in hob?

Check the exact model’s cut-out, cabinet clearances and electrical installation instructions before committing to it. The work needed depends on your kitchen and property; for work that may require building-regulations approval, GOV.UK points readers to the Electrical Competent Person Register when looking for an electrician.