Who each hob suits

Solo cooks short of worktop space

If you make one pan of vegetables at a time and need to put the hob away afterwards, a portable model fits that routine. Check its cookware size requirements against the base of your usual pan before choosing it.

Stir-fry cooks focused on pan control

If changing the heat during cooking matters most, look at the available power settings as well as pan compatibility. AEG advises using cookware with a magnetic base that is as thick and flat as possible; settings alone cannot make an unsuitable wok work on induction.

Kitchen upgraders who cook side dishes

If you want to use several pans now or later, a fitted four-zone hob offers a different setup from a portable one-zone model. Check the chosen model's cut-out, ventilation and electrical instructions before committing to the installation.

What matters when choosing

The main choice is whether your kitchen needs a hob for one movable pan or a permanent place for several pans. Once you have decided that, check the pan base and the requirements of the exact model.

Portable single-zone hob

Choose it when: You cook one stir-fry at a time and want to reclaim the worktop afterwards.

Accept that: Rice, sauce or another side dish cannot cook on the same hob at the same time.

Built-in four-zone hob

Choose it when: You are planning a permanent kitchen fit and want space to use other pans alongside the stir-fry.

Accept that: Fitting and electrical requirements depend on the exact model and intended configuration.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
One-pan cooking and storage Check the number of zones, the stated cookware size range and where you can place and store a portable unit. When I only make one pan of vegetables, I want to put the hob away rather than give it permanent worktop space; around 36% of consumers put compact one-pan use first.
Pan fit and heat adjustment Check for a flat, magnetic pan base within the model's stated diameter limits, then compare its power settings. If I use a favourite frying pan or wok, I need its base to work on induction and want to adjust the heat as I cook; for around 29% of consumers, pan fit and control come first.
Room for other pans Check zone count, cut-out measurements and the electrical arrangement specified for the exact built-in model. I may start with solo stir-fries but also want to cook a side dish at the same time; roughly 21% of consumers prioritise permanent multi-pan capacity.
Care and ownership safeguards Look for the timer or lock functions you would use, and follow the model's cleaning and registration guidance. After cooking with oil or sauce, I want manageable cleaning and clear steps if an appliance safety issue arises; around 14% of consumers place care and ownership safeguards first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming any wok will work on induction

    A traditional rounded wok may not make suitable contact, and induction requires a magnetic base. AEG advises that the cookware base should be as thick and flat as possible.

    Test the base with a magnet and compare its shape and diameter with the exact hob's cookware guidance.

    You may need different cookware if your current pan is unsuitable.

  • Choosing a built-in hob by its overall width

    The space needed beneath the glass is model-specific. Bosch notes that installation measurements vary by model, so a nominal 60 cm width does not establish whether a hob fits your worktop.

    Measure the existing opening and cabinet space, then follow the selected model's cut-out and ventilation instructions.

    A mismatched opening may require worktop alteration or installation work.

  • Equating four zones with one electrical setup

    CATA specifies a 2.8 kW default setting for its UBINDE60MT, configurable up to 7 kW, and supplies both a UK 13A plug and a hardwire cable. The number of zones alone does not tell you which configuration will be used.

    Confirm the intended connection and configuration against the instructions for the exact hob before ordering.

  • Forgetting the appliance details after purchase

    Electrical Safety First says product registration helps a manufacturer contact owners if an appliance proves faulty or dangerous.

    Keep the model and purchase details, register the hob where offered and check current recall information if a safety concern arises.

Brands to consider

These examples show how specific portable and built-in models address the choice; their features should not be assumed to apply to every hob from the same brand.

VonShef

VonShef's examined portable single hob is a one-pan option rated by the manufacturer at 2000W.

  • VonShef lists ten power settings from 200W to 2000W, temperature settings from 60°C to 240°C and a timer.
  • It has one cooking zone, and VonShef advises checking pan compatibility before purchase.

CIARRA

The portable CBTIH1-OW gives a stated cookware range for cooks checking an existing pan.

  • CIARRA specifies magnetic cookware with a 12–26 cm diameter, 400W–2000W adjustment, a 0–99 minute timer and a safety lock.
  • Its single zone does not allow a side dish to cook on another pan at the same time.

CATA

The UBINDE60MT is a 60 cm built-in four-zone option for a permanent kitchen arrangement.

  • CATA specifies a UK 13A plug, a supplied hardwire cable and a default 2.8 kW setting configurable up to 7 kW for this model.
  • Its stated 560 × 490 mm cut-out and intended electrical configuration need checking against the kitchen before purchase.

NEFF

The T36FBE1L0G is a fitted four-zone model that NEFF markets with Plug&Play installation.

  • NEFF lists touch controls, a timer and Power Boost for the examined model.
  • A permanent fit still requires checking the model's dimensions and fitting instructions.

Joybuy options for one-pan cooking

This portable induction cooker is relevant if you want a movable hob for a solo stir-fry. Check its cooking-zone layout and UK connection details if either is essential to your setup.

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 portable induction hob in black

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 portable induction hob, 2000W, black

A portable option to consider when you cook a one-pan stir-fry and want to move the hob afterwards.

The product name specifies eight power levels, 60–270°C temperature control, seven preset functions, a 3-hour timer and a child safety lock.

It lists suitable cookware at 12–26 cm. Check that your pan has a flat, magnetic base, and confirm the cooking-zone layout and UK plug and connection details before buying.

View on Joybuy

Questions about induction hobs

Will my frying pan or wok work on an induction hob?

It needs a magnetic base, and its base must meet the chosen hob's cookware requirements. A magnet is a useful first check; AEG also advises a base that is as thick and flat as possible, so check a rounded wok's contact area and the model's diameter limits.

Is a 2000W portable hob suitable for one vegetable stir-fry?

It can suit cooking one pan at a time if your pan meets that model's induction requirements. The examined VonShef and CIARRA portable hobs are specified at up to 2000W with adjustable settings, but a single-zone model cannot cook a second pan alongside the stir-fry.

What should I measure for a built-in induction hob?

Measure the worktop opening and check the selected model's instructions for worktop thickness and ventilation space. Bosch notes that installation measurements vary by model, so the hob's advertised width is not enough to establish a fit.

Do all four-zone hobs with a UK 13A plug have the same power arrangement?

No; check the configuration of the exact model. CATA specifies its UBINDE60MT at a 2.8 kW default setting, configurable up to 7 kW, with a UK 13A plug and a supplied hardwire cable.

Should I register my induction hob after purchase?

Register it where the manufacturer offers registration. Electrical Safety First says doing so makes it easier for the manufacturer to contact you if the appliance proves faulty or dangerous.