Why choose an electric hob?
Buying an electric hob is the logical choice for a growing number of people: no gas connection required, easy to clean and safe to use. Whether you live in a studio flat, need a second cooking zone or want to switch away from gas — an electric hob fits into almost any living situation.
But which type suits you best? And what should you look for in terms of power, connection and safety? This guide walks you through everything you need to make the right decision.
What types of electric hobs are there?
Electric hobs are broadly available in three types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic hob
A ceramic hob works with heating coils beneath a glass-ceramic surface. The surface heats up and transfers that heat to the pan. This type is affordable, works with all cookware and is easy to wipe clean. Downside: the hob stays warm for a while after cooking, which requires a little extra care.
Induction hob
An induction hob heats the pan directly via a magnetic field — the cooking surface itself stays relatively cool. This makes induction exceptionally fast, energy-efficient and safe. You do need pans with a magnetic base (cast iron or stainless steel).
Single or compact hob
Compact, portable hobs with one or two zones are ideal for student rooms, campervans, holiday cottages or as an extra cooking zone in a small kitchen. They are lightweight, portable and plug into a standard wall socket.
What should you look for when buying an electric hob?
Power and connection
The power output determines how quickly you can cook. Compact hobs start at around 1000 watts and go up to 2000–2200 watts per zone. Bear in mind that a standard socket typically handles up to 3500 watts — this can be relevant when running multiple zones simultaneously at full power.
Number of cooking zones
Do you usually cook one pot at a time? Then a single-zone hob is perfectly sufficient. Do you cook for a family or regularly prepare several dishes at once? Go for two zones or more. Also check the diameter of the zones: not every hob is suitable for large pots.
Controls and settings
Good hobs offer multiple power levels — at least six, preferably nine or more. A timer is a handy extra, as is an automatic shut-off that turns the appliance off when no pan has been placed on it for too long.
Safety
Always check for a CE mark as a minimum requirement. Additional safety features such as overheat protection, a child lock and automatic shut-off are well worth having, especially on compact appliances. Induction is inherently safer than ceramic, as the surface barely heats up.
Maintenance and materials
A smooth, fully glass-ceramic or enamelled surface makes cleaning much easier. Avoid hobs with lots of seams or hard-to-reach corners.
What is the best electric hob for a small kitchen?
For a small kitchen or as a supplement to an existing cooking zone, a compact induction or ceramic hob with one or two zones is the best choice. These appliances work straight out of the box via a standard plug socket, take up minimal space and are easy to store. A power output of at least 1800 watts ensures sufficient cooking performance for everyday use.
Comparison table: which type of hob suits you?
| Criterion | Ceramic (1 zone) | Induction (1 zone) | Induction (2 zones) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible with all cookware | ✔ Yes | ✗ No (magnetic base needed) | ✗ No (magnetic base needed) |
| Heating speed | Average | Fast | Fast |
| Energy consumption | Average | Low | Low |
| Surface safety | Gets hot | Stays cool | Stays cool |
| Ideal for | Budget, all cookware | Studio, compact use | Small family, extra zone |
| Typical power | 1000–1500 W | 1800–2000 W | 2 × 1800–2000 W |
| Maintenance | Easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Practical buying tips
- Check your cookware first: do you already have good induction pans? Then switching to induction pays off immediately. If your collection is mixed, ceramic is the more versatile option.
- Look for the CE mark: this is the minimum safety requirement for products sold in Europe.
- Check the dimensions: measure the available worktop space or storage area before you buy.
- Choose warranty coverage: a hob with a two-year manufacturer's warranty gives you peace of mind for daily use.
- Power vs. connection: check that the total power output of the appliance is compatible with your home's fuse box.
bakeVIA: compact hobs for everyday use
At bakeVIA, the compact hobs are designed for people who put quality and ease of use first. The appliances come with CE certification and a two-year warranty — so you know you're getting a tested and reliable product.
bakeVIA hobs feature multiple power levels for precise temperature control, a clear and intuitive control panel and a smooth surface that's easy to keep clean. Compact enough for a small kitchen, powerful enough for everyday meals.
Which hob suits you? Our recommendation
Do you cook alone or as a couple and have limited space? Then a compact single-zone induction hob is the smartest choice: fast, safe and energy-efficient. Do you have a larger collection of cookware or regularly cook for several people? Consider a ceramic or induction model with two zones instead.
Browse the current range of bakeVIA hobs and find the model that matches your kitchen and cooking style. Not sure yet? The product pages contain all the specifications you need to make a well-informed decision.