Induction or ceramic hob: how to choose

Both look the same: black glass with marked zones. The difference is under the glass, and it affects speed, safety, cookware and price. We compared data from independent testers (Stiftung Warentest, Which?, CHOICE, Consumer Reports), public agencies and EU documents to make the choice simple.

How they work

Induction. Under the glass are coils carrying alternating current at roughly 20-100 kHz. This creates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the base of the pan, so the pan itself heats up^[6][1]. The glass only warms up from the hot pan.

Ceramic (radiant hob). Heating elements under the glass glow red and the heat passes through the glass into the pan^[19][1]. So the glass gets hot too and cools down slowly after switching off.

Comparison

Electricity: how much you really save

Induction is more efficient because the heat is created in the pan. ENERGY STAR (US) says induction transfers about 85% of the energy to the pan and is 5-10% more efficient than conventional electric hobs^[10][11]. The German Environment Agency calls induction the most efficient choice, but notes that the gap is large when heating up and shrinks during longer simmering^[5]. The EU Joint Research Centre found only a small difference in consumption between induction and ceramic^[12].

A practical example: Stiftung Warentest estimated that a household using 10 kWh a week on a conventional hob needs about 8 kWh with induction^[3]. That is about 100 kWh a year, for example about 20 € a year at 0.20 €/kWh. A nice bonus, but not a reason to buy on its own; speed, control and safety matter more.

Hobs have no EU energy label^[13]. There are only minimum requirements: an electric hob may use no more than 195 Wh per kilogram of water in a standardised test^[14]. The Commission is reviewing the rules, with new requirements planned around 2028^[15].

Cookware: the magnet test

Induction needs a ferromagnetic base: cast iron, enamelled steel and stainless steel with a magnetic base. If a magnet sticks to the base, the pan will work^[10][1]. Aluminium, copper, glass, ceramic and non-magnetic stainless steel do not work unless the maker added a magnetic base^[21][22].

Manufacturers advise against induction adapter plates: Miele warns they can damage the induction generators, and Bosch's manual forbids them^[22][21]. If you own a lot of good aluminium or copper pans, add the cost of new cookware or choose ceramic.

Almost any pan works on ceramic, as long as the base is flat and sits firmly on the glass^[1].

Safety: children, heat and pacemakers

On an induction hob the glass around the pan reaches 45-60 °C, compared with 90-120 °C next to heating coils^[4]. The pan itself is just as hot, so turn handles away from the edge. Induction does not heat without a pan, switches off after a set time and has overheat protection^[18][11]. A ceramic hob stays hot after switching off, shown by the residual heat indicator^[24]; Which? says this makes it less suitable for families with young children^[19].

Used correctly, the magnetic field stays within international ICNIRP reference levels; BfS recommends keeping 5-10 cm from the front edge and from an active zone^[6]. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health also advises placing the pan in the centre of a zone of matching size^[7].

If you have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, talk to your cardiologist before buying. Advice varies: manufacturers' manuals say 10-30 cm^[23], the British Heart Foundation recommends at least 60 cm^[9]. In a study, the risk was higher when standing very close and with the pan off-centre; keeping 35 cm reduced the effect to a safe level in every measurement^[8]. Ceramic hobs have no such magnetic field.

Noise

Induction can hum or whistle, especially at high power, the electronics may click and the cooling fan runs^[20][22]. The sound often depends on the pan: Stiftung Warentest notes that some pots buzz and you only find out when cooking^[1]. It is not a fault. A ceramic hob is practically silent.

Connection

A 60 cm induction hob usually has a total power of about 7.4 kW and can be connected to one, two or three phases as described in the manual^[23]. Ceramic hobs have similar power. A hob without a plug needs a dedicated circuit with an all-pole isolator, and only a certified electrician may connect it^[23][25].

Smaller 2-zone (30 cm) hobs need less power, so they suit summer houses and limited supplies. Before buying, check how many phases and what fuse your kitchen has. We can install and connect the hob.

Cleaning and durability

Both hobs use the same glass ceramic. Remove sugar, jam and melted plastic straight away with a scraper, otherwise they can leave damage^[24][21]. Lift pans instead of sliding them: rough bases, salt and sand cause scratches^[21]. On induction, spills hardly burn on because the glass gets less hot^[1].

Which to choose

Our range

We have 23 induction hobs from 30 to 90 cm, including 6 with an integrated extractor: all induction hobs. Ceramic models: Berk BHV 3002 T/YK (2 zones), Berk BHV 6001 T/YK and Electrolux EHF6547FXK (4 zones). All hobs, including gas and combined: built-in hobs.

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