Ceramic Hobs
Each has electric zones beneath a smooth black glass top, and some are vented, with an extractor built into the hob.
Ceramic is the uncomplicated electric choice. It works with any pan that has a flat base and usually costs less than induction. Our guide below the products helps you pick the width, zones and controls.
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Types of ceramic hob
- 60cm ceramic hobs: four radiant zones under black glass, sized for a standard worktop cut-out.
- Wider ceramic hobs: 80cm and 90cm hobs with the zones spaced further apart, and a fifth zone on the widest.
- Vented ceramic hobs: an extractor sits at the centre of the hob, and you can choose ducted or recirculating.
Options compared
| Option | Suits | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Touch controls | A flat, clutter-free top you can wipe in one go. | Whether there's a timer and child lock, and where the controls are placed. |
| Knobs or dials | People who like to turn a control and see the setting at a glance. | Whether the dials are on the side or along the front. |
| 80cm to 90cm | Big pans side by side and cooking for a crowd. | How wide the cut-out is, and how the hob is wired. |
| Vented ceramic | Islands, and kitchens where a hood would get in the way. | Room below for the fan, and whether you need the ducted or recirculating version. |
Is ceramic the right hob for you?
On a ceramic hob an element heats the glass, and the glass heats the pan. Compared with an induction hob it's slower to heat and slower to cool, but it isn't fussy about cookware: anything with a flat base works. So it makes sense if you'd like a no-nonsense electric hob, or if your favourite pans won't work on induction.
Vented ceramic hobs
BORA's Basic range includes hobs that place four ceramic zones around a central extractor. Steam and smells are pulled downwards before they rise, so there's no hood overhead. The ducted version sends air outside; the recirculating version cleans it through a filter and returns it to the room. If you'd prefer induction with built-in extraction, look at vented induction hobs.
Features to compare
Width and number of zones
A 60cm ceramic hob has four zones. Going wider gives you more space between pans, which helps when several things are on the go.
Zones for large pans
Some hobs have dual zones, where an extra outer ring comes on for a larger pan. A few have an oval zone that stretches to cover a roasting tin or a fish kettle. If you use long or oversized pans, look at the zone layout on the product page.
Safety and controls
Residual heat indicators warn you that a zone is still hot once it's been turned off. Touch controls on the glass often come with a timer and a child lock.
Swapping out an older hob
Ceramic is the obvious like-for-like replacement for an old electric hob. If the new one is close in size to the old, it may drop into the hole you already have and save you a new worktop.
Before you order
- Measure the cut-out and check it against the size on the product page.
- Check the connection. A lot of ceramic hobs need hard-wiring by a qualified electrician, and the product page tells you if yours does.
- Vented models need space in the unit below for the fan and any ducting.
- Look after the glass with a hob scraper and ceramic cleaner, and wipe sugary spills before they harden.
The brands we sell
Our ceramic hobs come from . Use the brand filter beside the products to narrow the list.
Buying a ceramic hob from KDH Electrical
Your hob comes with the full UK manufacturer's guarantee. We deliver free on orders over £600, normally within 3–7 working days. If you're in our installation area, we can fit a standard ceramic hob and recycle the old one; both are priced in the basket before you pay. Vented models are the exception: like other hobs with extraction built in, they're fitted by your own qualified installer, though we can still recycle the hob they replace.
Found it for less at another UK retailer? Ask about our price match and we'll try to match that price. You can call 01622 541312, or visit our showroom in Rochester after calling to check what's on display.
Ceramic Hobs: your questions answered
How is a ceramic hob different from induction?
With ceramic, the element warms the glass and the glass warms the pan. Induction skips the glass and heats the pan itself, so it's quicker and the surface stays cooler. Ceramic accepts any flat-based pan.
Which pans can I use on a ceramic hob?
Any pan with a smooth, flat base. Warped or rough-bottomed pans heat unevenly and can scratch the glass.
Will I need an electrician to fit it?
In most cases. A qualified electrician normally hard-wires a ceramic hob into a cooker circuit. The product page gives the connection.
Do I still need a cooker hood?
You need extraction of some sort. A vented ceramic hob has its own; with any other model you'll want a cooker hood or a downdraft extractor.
Will a new ceramic hob fit my old cut-out?
Often, if the widths match, because many 60cm hobs use similar cut-outs. Brands don't all use the same size, though, so measure the hole and check it against the product page first.
How should I clean a ceramic hob?
Wait until it's cool, then wipe it over with a soft cloth and ceramic hob cleaner. Burnt-on food comes off with a hob scraper. Wipe up anything sugary straight away, before it sets on the glass.