Smeg's guide to induction hobs

An induction hob is a type of cooktop that heats pots and pans using electromagnetic induction rather than direct thermal conduction from a flame or an electric heating element. This technology provides fast, efficient, and precise cooking while keeping the cooktop surface relatively cool to the touch.

Induction cooking offers the most energy efficient method of cooking as the amount of heat lost is minimised, resulting in around 85-90% energy efficiency.

Induction hobs work by generating a magnetic field through a coil beneath the cooking surface. When a ferromagnetic pot or pan is placed on the hob, the magnetic field induces electric currents in the cookware, producing heat due to the resistance of the material.

Induction hobs are the epitome of modern cooking technology. They heat up faster than traditional gas or electric stoves, providing precise temperature control for perfect results every time. With their energy efficiency, Induction hobs only heat the cookware, reducing wasted energy and keeping your kitchen cooler.
Safety is also greatly improved compared to more traditional methods as the hob surface remains cool to the touch; and their smooth, flat surface makes cleaning up spills effortless.
Learn about more of the benefits of induction hobs below.

Top Benefits of Induction Hobs

Precise Temperature Control

Due to the quick-reacting nature of Induction, you can go from searing a piece of meat to melting butter in no time. Induction allows for precise temperature control when doing intricate cooking or simmering.

Cooler Kitchen Environment

Because induction hobs heat only the cookware and not the surrounding air, your kitchen stays cooler, making it more comfortable to cook, especially during hot weather.

Fast Heating

Induction is faster than gas cooking, taking just over a minute to boil a pint of water. They can also cool down quickly when needed, making them the most flexible cooking option for chefs.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is at the heart of induction hobs. Induction hobs, utilise around 85-90% of the energy consumed. This is achieved through heating just the base of the pan directly, optimising power consumption and cooking food faster.

In contrast:

• gas hobs have an energy efficiency of around 40-55%,
• electric hobs come in at around 70-75% efficiency, and
• halogen hobs have an energy efficiency of around 60-70%.

So why haven’t we all switched to just using induction hobs? Well, other fuel sources do still have a number of advantages in other areas which is why we now also offer a range of mixed fuel hobs, which provide you with flexibility to choose the best heating approach depending on what you are cooking.

Easy to Clean

With a completely flat surface, there are no areas for dirt to get trapped in, so they are very easy to keep clean. Also if a pan over boils, the liquid does not burn onto the hob and can be easily wiped away.

Touch Controls

Extremely user friendly, touch controls allow you to select the zone and temperature with ease. A variety of controls are available from multi sliders to digi touch, all responsive and intuitive. This makes adjusting heat levels, timers, and settings straightforward, even for those unfamiliar with advanced kitchen technology. 

Pan Detection

Some of our models feature an intuitive 7” VIVO screen Max display, showing every position, size and shape of your pots and pans beautifully in full colour. 

Bridging Zones

Bridging technology allows you to combine multiple cooking zones to cater for cooking over a larger area which is handy if you have an especially large pot or pan which you want to utilise. Typical examples include multizone and AREA hobs.

Gentle Heating Power Levels

You can find up to 14 power levels on some models ranging from low-power cooking, which is ideal for melting chocolate etc and keep warm functions. This means, by choosing Induction you can even melt chocolate directly in the pan without a bain-marie!

Power Boosters

At the opposite end of the scale, power boosters are ideal for rapid cooking or when time is of the essence.

A Sleek, Low-Profile Design

The look of an Induction hob is clean, modern and elegant. Its minimalistic design makes it a popular choice as it complements most kitchen styles. Induction hobs come in a variety of sizes from a compact 30cm hob all the way up to a large 90cm wide version. Colours options include black, neptune grey, matte black and white.

Safety Comes First

Due to the way they work, Induction hobs are a safer option when compared to gas or ceramic. There is no flame and heat is only generated when the pan comes into direct contact with the specific cooking zone, ensuring safety in the presence of children.
A child safety lock is also present for added reassurance, so children are unable to adjust the controls if selected. If you have a pacemaker, it is recommended that you keep a distance of at least 60cm from an Induction hob, as the electromagnetic field can potentially interfere with the settings of a pacemaker. 

How do I clean my Induction hob?

Cleaning an Induction hob is easy. Simply wipe the smooth, flat surface with a damp cloth after each use. Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads that could scratch the surface.

Are Induction hobs noisy?

Induction hobs are generally quiet during normal operation. The noise level is minimal compared to traditional gas hobs, as there are no open flames or hissing sounds. However, some users may notice a faint humming or buzzing sound coming from the hob.

How energy efficient are Induction hobs?

Induction hobs are highly energy efficient. They heat cookware directly, wasting less heat compared to traditional gas or electric stoves, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced cooking times. In fact, induction hobs use 90% of the energy they produce!

Do Induction hobs need ventilation?

While Induction hobs don't produce combustion gases like gas hobs, they do generate heat during operation. Adequate ventilation is still necessary to dissipate this heat and maintain a comfortable cooking environment.

Can Induction hobs be installed in any kitchen?

Induction hobs require a power source, typically a dedicated electrical circuit. Ensure your kitchen has the necessary electrical infrastructure to support the hob's power requirements before installation.

What features should I look for in an induction hob?

Key features to consider include the number of cooking zones, power settings, safety features, ease of use, and additional functions like timers, boost settings, and touch controls.

Need help? 

Did you know that Smeg has a dedicated support website which is full of useful information about our products, including everything from how to turn off the child lock on your induction hob to how to register your warranty? Alternatively, you can contact us and our team will be happy to help you.