Why does choosing the right electric hob matter?
A compact electric hob can turn a studio flat, a holiday kitchen or a workspace into a proper cooking area. But you need to pick the right model: insufficient power, too small a cooking surface or excessive energy consumption can quickly become a daily source of frustration.
This guide walks you through the key criteria — heating type, number of burners, wattage, cookware compatibility — to help you find the hob that suits your situation, whether you cook for one or for a whole family.
Radiant ring or induction: what are the real-world differences?
This is usually the first question that comes to mind. Both technologies are electric, but they work in very different ways.
- Radiant ring: a spiral heating element heats the glass-ceramic surface, which then transfers heat to the pot. Compatible with all types of cookware (stainless steel, aluminium, copper), but the surface stays hot for several minutes after switching off.
- Induction: a magnetic field heats the base of the pan directly. The surface itself remains relatively cool, making it safer and easier to clean. However, only ferromagnetic cookware (cast iron, magnetic stainless steel) is compatible.
For occasional use or with a variety of cookware, the radiant ring remains a simple and affordable option. For intensive daily use, induction offers faster thermal response and more precise cooking control.
How much power does an electric hob need?
Power determines how quickly the temperature rises and how well the hob maintains a steady boil. In practice:
- 800 to 1,000 W: sufficient for reheating, simmering or preparing light sauces.
- 1,500 W: a good all-round level for everyday cooking — stir-frying vegetables, boiling pasta or searing meat.
- 2,000 W and above: ideal for large quantities, wok cooking or high-heat preparations.
A 2,000 W hob consumes around 2 kWh per hour at full power. In practice, you rarely cook at maximum output, so real-world consumption is usually lower.
1 or 2 burners: which should you choose?
A single-burner hob is perfectly suited to simple use: reheating a dish, preparing a meal for one person or supplementing an already equipped kitchen. It takes up little space and stores away easily.
A two-burner hob lets you cook several elements at the same time — for example, boiling pasta while a sauce simmers. This is often the best choice for a student flat, a campervan or a holiday home where it fully replaces a gas cooker.
What should you check before buying?
- Dimensions: measure your available space first. Compact models (around 28 × 28 cm for one burner, 60 × 30 cm for two) fit in most kitchens.
- Controls: classic rotary knobs or touch controls? Knobs are more intuitive and work even with wet hands.
- Safety: automatic overheat shut-off and boil-over protection are valuable features, especially if you have children.
- Ease of cleaning: a smooth glass-ceramic surface wipes clean easily with a damp cloth; avoid models with hard-to-reach joints or seams.
- CE certification: ensures the appliance meets European safety standards.
Comparison: which type of hob suits your profile?
| Profile | Recommended type | Suggested power | Number of burners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat / single person | Radiant or induction | 1,000 – 1,500 W | 1 burner |
| Student accommodation | Radiant ring | 1,500 – 2,000 W | 2 burners |
| Holiday home / camping | Radiant ring | 1,500 W | 1 or 2 burners |
| Extra cooking point (home) | Induction | 2,000 W | 1 burner |
| Campervan / tiny house | Radiant ring | 1,000 – 1,500 W | 1 burner |
| Family / heavy use | Induction | 2,000 W + | 2 burners |
Is an electric hob economical to run?
A 1,500 W radiant electric hob consumes 1.5 kWh per hour at full power. On average, a 30-minute cooking session uses around 0.75 kWh — just a few pence or cents depending on your electricity tariff. Induction is slightly more efficient because it heats the cookware directly without intermediate heat loss.
Compared to a gas cooker, an electric hob produces no gas smells and requires no special installation: a standard 16 A socket is all you need for the vast majority of models up to 3,500 W.
bakeVIA compact electric hobs: what you need to know
The hobs from bakeVIA are designed for kitchens where space is at a premium. They come with CE certification and a 2-year warranty — two key criteria for a confident purchase.
The smooth glass-ceramic surface makes daily cleaning effortless: a quick wipe with a sponge after cooking is all it takes. The controls are designed to be intuitive, even for occasional users. The generously long power cable lets you position the hob freely on the worktop without being restricted by the location of the nearest socket.
If you want to combine hob cooking with oven cooking in a small space, bakeVIA also offers compact mini ovens with up to 60 litres of capacity, fitted with a turbofan and double Low-E glass to minimise heat loss — an efficient combination for equipping a complete kitchen with a minimal footprint.
Our final recommendation
For versatile everyday cooking, a hob with 2 burners and 2,000 W offers the best compromise between flexibility and controlled energy use. If you cook for one or simply need a reliable extra appliance, a single burner at 1,500 W is more than enough.
Explore the full range of bakeVIA electric hobs and find the model that suits your kitchen and your budget. If you're unsure, the bakeVIA customer service team can help you narrow down your choice based on your setup.