Induction Hob Installation and Pan Compatibility in the UK
What an induction hob needs from your electrics, how to test whether your pans will work, and why a registered electrician should handle the connection.
Induction hobs heat the pan directly using a magnetic field, which makes them quick and responsive. They also have different requirements from a traditional electric or gas hob, both in the electrics behind the unit and in the cookware you use. Checking both before buying avoids two common disappointments.
Pan compatibility
Induction only works with cookware that responds to a magnet, such as cast iron, enamelled steel and some stainless steel. Many aluminium, copper and glass pans will not work unless they have a magnetic base.
The magnet test
Hold a fridge magnet against the base of your pan.
- If it sticks firmly, the pan will normally work.
- If it sticks weakly, it may heat unevenly or not at all.
- If it does not stick, it will not work.
Many pans are labelled with an induction symbol, usually a coil drawing on the base or packaging. Flat bases give the best contact and heat transfer. A warped pan can buzz, heat unevenly or rattle on the glass.
Pan size and position
Pans should roughly match the ring size. A very small pan on a large zone may not be detected. Centre the pan on the marked zone for best performance.
What the electrics need
Hobs draw significant power, often much more than a standard socket outlet can supply safely. A typical installation uses a dedicated circuit with a suitably rated cable and protective device, and a cooker control unit or connection point. The exact requirements depend on the hob's rated load, which is on its data plate and in the manual.
Because of this, installation should be carried out or checked by a registered electrician. Fixed wiring work is subject to building regulations in the UK, and incorrect work is a fire and shock risk. An electrician will assess:
- Whether the existing cooker circuit can carry the new load.
- The cable size and whether it needs replacing.
- The protective device and RCD protection.
- Connection method and isolation point within reach.
Replacing an existing electric hob
If you are swapping like for like, the circuit may already be suitable, but induction hobs can draw more than older ceramic ones. Do not assume. A quick check by an electrician is cheap compared with a nuisance trip or an overloaded cable.
Replacing a gas hob
Moving from gas to induction means disconnecting and capping the gas supply, which must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and adding a new electrical circuit by an electrician. Do not attempt either yourself.
Worktop and fitting considerations
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Cut-out size | Must match the hob's installation dimensions |
| Clearance below | Induction hobs need space for ventilation and the fan |
| Distance to wall and units | Safety clearances are in the manual |
| Worktop material | Must tolerate heat and have suitable sealing |
| Drawers or ovens beneath | Check minimum gap and airflow |
Measure carefully using our measuring guide. If the cut-out is too small, a fitter must adjust it. Do not force the unit in.
Safety points
- Keep metal objects such as knives and lids off the surface, as they can heat up.
- People with pacemakers should check manufacturer guidance regarding induction fields.
- The glass may remain hot after the pan is removed. Heed the residual heat indicator.
Getting it done
Describe the job, including the hob model and existing cooker connection, on Compito to receive offers from ID-verified local providers. Make clear that you need a registered electrician. If the unit is part of a larger kitchen refit, our guide to integrated and freestanding appliances may help with planning.
A worked example
A household replaces a four-ring ceramic hob with a 60 cm induction hob. The old one was on a dedicated circuit, so the owners assume it is a straightforward swap. The electrician checks the new hob's rating plate, which shows a higher maximum load than the old one, and looks at cable size, protective device and how the cable is terminated. The cable turns out to be fine, but the connection point behind the unit is poorly accessible, so it is moved to an accessible position. That is typical: the swap itself is quick, but the checking is the valuable part. Prices vary by region, and anything extra, such as new cable runs, adds to the bill.
Cookware checklist
| Cookware | Likely to work? |
|---|---|
| Cast iron | Yes |
| Enamelled steel | Yes |
| Magnetic stainless steel | Usually |
| Aluminium, copper | Only with a magnetic base |
| Glass, ceramic | No, unless labelled |
If you are buying new pans, look for an induction symbol and a flat, heavy base. Check the cooker manual for minimum pan diameter.
Edge cases
- Rented homes: hard-wired electrical alterations normally need the landlord's consent.
- Flats: some leases limit alterations to the electrical installation or require notification.
- Older homes: old cooker circuits may have outdated protection, so the electrician may recommend upgrades.
- Hob above a drawer: many induction hobs need ventilation space, so a shallow drawer under the hob may need modification.
When to call a professional
Cooker circuit connections and any change to fixed wiring need a registered electrician. Gas capping needs a Gas Safe registered engineer. Always isolate the supply at the consumer unit before anyone works behind the hob.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need all new pans?
Not necessarily. Many existing stainless steel and cast iron pans work. Use the magnet test on each one.
Can I plug an induction hob into a normal socket?
Some low-power single-zone units do, but a standard built-in hob is normally hard-wired to a dedicated circuit. Check the rated load and consult an electrician.
Why does my induction hob buzz?
A light hum or buzz is common with some pans, especially on high power. It usually comes from the pan's construction rather than a fault.
Is induction more efficient?
It is generally quick and responsive because heat is generated in the pan, but actual savings depend on how you cook and your tariff.
Does an induction hob need a special type of worktop cut-out?
The cut-out must match the hob's stated size, with space beneath for ventilation. Standard cut-outs vary, so use the manufacturer's template rather than assuming it matches the old hob.