Multi-pan dinner-party cooks
If the stir-fry shares the hob with rice, sauces or other dishes, look at the space between zones as well as the number of separately usable cooking positions.
Who needs which layout?
Large-pan and wok-style cooks
If you use broad or elongated cookware, compare its base with the hob’s zone diagram. A bridge or flex area may be relevant, but its usefulness depends on the pan and the particular layout.
Kitchen retrofit buyers
When replacing a built-in hob, check the existing cut-out, the model’s electrical connection and whether the pans you intend to keep have magnetic bases.
What matters when choosing?
Start with the pans you need to use at the same time, then check whether their bases suit the cooking areas and whether the hob can be installed in your kitchen.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pan capacity | Compare the zone positions and diameters with the pans you would use together, not just the stated zone count. | If the stir-fry, rice and sauce all need cooking at once, I need separate positions without the pans crowding each other. Around 40% of consumers put simultaneous pan capacity first. |
| Large-pan flexibility | Check the bridge or flex-area layout, the pan-base size it accepts and which zone offers a boost function if you want one. | My broad or elongated pan needs a cooking area that fits its base, while rapid preheating is useful only on a suitable zone. Around 30% of consumers prioritise large-pan flexibility and heating options. |
| Kitchen fit | Match the installation drawing to the worktop opening and electrical supply; test existing pan bases with a magnet. | Before replacing my hob, I need to know it will fit the worktop and that I can use my existing pans. Around 30% of consumers put installation and cookware compatibility first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming four zones mean four pans will fit
A large stir-fry pan can crowd neighbouring positions even on a four- or five-zone hob.
Compare the manufacturer’s zone diagram with the bases of the pans you plan to use together. Consider a bridge or flex area if cookware shape is the constraint.
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Ordering by hob width without checking installation
Connection and cut-out requirements differ between models. AEG UK specifies a 560 × 490 mm cut-out and hardwired connection for its TO64IB00FB, while Bosch GB describes its PUE611BB5B as Plug & Play.
Measure the existing opening and consult the installation instructions for the exact hob before arranging fitting.
A worktop alteration or electrical work may be needed if the chosen model does not suit the existing installation.
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Assuming an existing wok will work on induction
Induction needs a magnetic pan base, and cookware detection can depend on its dimensions. Samsung states a 16 cm minimum detectable base diameter for its NZ64B7799KK.
Test the base with a magnet and compare its shape and diameter with the chosen hob’s cookware instructions.
Replacing an unsuitable pan adds another item to the kitchen changeover.
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Expecting the same result from every boost function
The zones supporting boost and the way power is managed depend on the model; the feature alone does not establish how a particular pan will cook a stir-fry.
Check which zone has boost, then assess its size alongside the pan layout and installation requirements.
Brands to consider
AEG
AEG UK offers induction models relevant to cooks comparing separate zones with a linked cooking area.
- Its TO64IB00FB has four zones and a Bridge function that links two of them.
- That model is hardwired and specifies a 560 × 490 mm built-in cut-out; check its installation requirements rather than applying them to every AEG hob.
Bosch
Bosch GB lists models with different zone arrangements and connection types.
- The PUE611BB5B lists four zones and Plug & Play; the PXV831HC1E lists five zones and FlexInduction.
- Those features belong to different models, so compare the exact zone diagram and installation instructions before choosing.
NEFF
NEFF Home UK describes flex-induction options for cooks considering varied pan sizes and positions.
- Its range information describes model-dependent frying-sensor settings from 70°C to 220°C.
- Check the chosen model’s features; the described automatic Hob-to-Hood behaviour also requires a compatible hood.
Samsung
Samsung’s NZ64B7799KK is a flex-zone option to examine if cookware shape is a deciding factor.
- Samsung describes its Extended Flex Zone Plus as accommodating different cookware shapes.
- Samsung specifies a minimum detectable cookware-base diameter of 16 cm for this model; check your pans against its instructions.
Four-zone hobs on Joybuy
These four-zone built-in hobs include a bridge-area option. For dinner-party cooking, compare each model’s zone diagram with your pans and check its installation requirements before choosing.
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Belling IHL773 BLK 77 cm induction hob
Consider this model if you want to compare a bridge area with separate cooking positions for accompanying dishes.
Its listed features include four zones, a flexible bridge, touch controls and boost mode. Check the zone diagram against your pans and the installation dimensions against your kitchen.
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Ciarra four-zone built-in induction hob with booster
This is an option to assess if several dishes need cooking at the same time and you want a booster function.
The listed features include four zones, nine power levels and touch controls. Compare the zone layout with your pans and confirm the electrical connection before ordering.
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Ciarra 60 cm four-zone built-in induction hob
Its four-zone layout is relevant if you plan to cook the stir-fry alongside other dishes.
Check where those zones sit relative to your pans, then compare the exact installation instructions with the existing worktop and electrical supply.
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Hoover HI642BCB 60 cm four-zone induction hob
Compare its four-zone arrangement with the stir-fry pan and side-dish pans you intend to use together.
Use the model’s installation drawing to check the worktop opening and electrical requirements before treating it as a replacement for an existing hob.
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Bosch PIE631BB5E Series 4 60 cm induction hob
Consider its four-zone layout if you need positions for a stir-fry pan and accompanying dishes.
This model is listed as hardwired. Confirm the worktop cut-out and electrical supply requirements for the PIE631BB5E; do not assume they match those of another Bosch model.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need new pans for an induction hob?
Only if your existing pans are unsuitable: induction needs a magnetic base. AEG UK suggests testing the base with a magnet; also check its shape and diameter against the chosen hob’s cookware instructions.
Do I need a bridge or flex zone for vegetable stir-fry?
Not necessarily: a four-zone hob can suit conventional round pans if they fit together on its layout. Consider a bridge or flex area when you regularly use large or elongated cookware, but do not assume it adds another independently usable cooking position.
Will any 60 cm induction hob use my existing socket?
No; electrical connections are model-specific. Bosch GB lists the PUE611BB5B as Plug & Play, whereas AEG UK lists the TO64IB00FB as hardwired only. Check the exact model’s installation instructions against your kitchen supply.
What electrical guidance applies when fitting a hob?
In England, GOV.UK’s Approved Document P gives guidance on electrical safety in dwellings, including when work must be notified. Check the requirements applicable to your location and the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the exact hob.
Should I check for safety alerts after buying a hob?
Yes. The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards provides product-safety alerts and recall information. Register the appliance with its manufacturer where that option is offered, and check any safety notification you receive.