Choose induction if quick heating and responsive adjustment from boiling to simmering matter most, provided your soup pot has a suitably sized magnetic base and the hob fits your kitchen's installation requirements. A radiant ceramic hob is worth considering if you want to keep a non-magnetic pot; compare individual models' heating and simmering performance rather than assuming they cook alike.
If you regularly cook a full pot of lentil soup, you need to bring it to the boil and then turn the heat down for a controlled simmer. Induction is a relevant option when your pot is compatible; Which? reports on induction boiling performance, while AEG and NEFF explain the magnetic-base requirement.
If you are replacing a built-in hob, the worktop opening, space below it and electrical supply all need to suit the chosen model. Bosch notes that induction-hob installation measurements and methods vary by model.
If replacing a large pot would be inconvenient, check its base before choosing induction. AEG and NEFF specify magnetic cookware for induction, and the hob's own guidance determines which pan-base sizes suit its zones.
Consider it when: You want to heat a family soup pot promptly and adjust the heat for simmering, and the pot has a magnetic base within the model's permitted size range.
Trade-off: A non-magnetic pot will not work on induction; pan fit and the model's installation requirements also need checking.
Consider it when: Keeping a non-magnetic soup pot matters, subject to the chosen hob's cookware guidance.
Trade-off: Which? reports substantial differences in heat-up time among ceramic hobs it tested, so compare individual models for both heating and simmering.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling and simmering | Compare independent heat-up and low-heat results for the exact model; check how its controls adjust heat. | When cooking a full pot for the family, I want to bring it to the boil without leaving it at an aggressive simmer. Around 36% of consumers put boil-to-simmer control first. |
| Kitchen and electrical fit | Match the model's connection requirements, worktop cut-out and ventilation instructions to your kitchen. | If I am replacing a built-in hob, I need to know it can be installed in my existing kitchen before choosing cooking features. Electrical and installation fit comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Pot and zone fit | For induction, test the pot's magnetic base and compare its base diameter with the model's zone guidance. | I would rather keep using my large soup pot than discover it does not suit the new hob. Keeping that pot usable is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and controls | Check the surface and whether the exact model has a child lock, residual-heat indication or timer. | After a spluttering family meal, I want straightforward clean-up and controls that are less easily changed by accident. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these everyday considerations. |
Connection requirements belong to the exact model. Belling specifies its IHT6013 as a 13 Amp Plug & Play hob, but that does not establish the connection method for another induction hob.
Read the chosen model's installation instructions and have the existing supply assessed by a qualified installer where there is doubt.
A different connection requirement can mean additional electrical or installation work.
AEG and NEFF state that induction needs a magnetic cookware base. The pot's base must also suit the chosen hob's cookware-size guidance.
Test the base with a magnet and measure it against the exact model's permitted pan sizes before ordering.
If the existing pot is incompatible, continuing to use induction may require different cookware.
A hob described as 60 cm or 80 cm still has model-specific cut-out and ventilation requirements. Bosch states that installation measurements can vary between models.
Measure the worktop opening and available space beneath it, then compare both with the chosen model's installation drawing.
A mismatch may require worktop alteration or prevent the planned installation.
In Which? testing, ceramic models took from under four minutes to close to 11 minutes to heat 1.5 litres of water. Those results do not establish how every model will simmer a family pot of soup.
If timing and gentle simmering matter to you, compare independent results for the specific models you are considering.
Bosch has induction and radiant electric built-in models relevant to this choice, including the PUG61RAA5B induction hob and PKH811BB1D radiant hob.
Belling is relevant if a specifically designated 13 Amp plug-in induction model would suit your kitchen.
AEG's induction-cookware guidance is useful when deciding whether an existing soup pot can stay in use.
These built-in induction hobs are options if your soup pot is induction-compatible. Compare the pot's fit and each model's installation instructions before choosing; the radiant ceramic alternative remains relevant if you need to keep non-magnetic cookware.
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Consider its four-zone layout if you need room for a soup pot and other pans during a family meal.
Check the pot's magnetic base and permitted zone sizes, then confirm the worktop, ventilation and electrical requirements in the installation instructions.
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Its four-zone arrangement is relevant when soup is simmering alongside other parts of a family meal.
Before choosing it for a large pot, compare the pot base with the model's cookware guidance and confirm the kitchen's cut-out, electrical connection and ventilation fit.
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The flexible bridge is worth examining if your family soup pot has a larger or unusual base; check that the pot suits the model's cookware guidance rather than assuming the bridge guarantees a fit.
Allow for the 77 cm hob width when planning the kitchen, and confirm its cut-out, ventilation and electrical requirements before ordering.
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Consider this model if a hard-wired induction hob suits the planned kitchen installation and your soup pot is induction-compatible.
Have the electrical supply assessed for the hard-wired connection, and check the exact cut-out, ventilation and permitted cookware sizes in the model instructions.
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Area Flex makes this model worth considering if you use a larger soup pot, subject to the model's permitted cookware sizes and the pot's magnetic base.
Check the exact worktop cut-out, electrical connection and ventilation instructions against your kitchen before ordering.
It will work only if its base is magnetic and suits the hob's permitted pan sizes. AEG and NEFF advise checking for a magnetic base; test yours with a magnet, then compare its base diameter with the exact model's cookware guidance.
No: the connection method depends on the model. Belling specifies its IHT6013 as a 13 Amp Plug & Play hob, but you should check the chosen model's electrical instructions and whether the existing supply is suitable before installation.
Compare your worktop opening and available space below it with the exact model's installation drawing, including its ventilation requirements. Bosch notes that installation measurements and methods vary by model, so nominal hob width alone is not enough.
No; heating performance varies between ceramic models. Which? reports that tested models took from under four minutes to close to 11 minutes to heat 1.5 litres of water. If meal timing matters, compare independent results for the exact hob, including its low-heat performance.