The pans you choose for an electric hob make a big difference to your cooking results, energy consumption and the lifespan of your appliance. Whether you're making soup, stir-frying vegetables or simmering a sauce, the right pan ensures even heat distribution and efficient cooking. In this guide, you'll find out exactly what works and what doesn't.
Which pan materials are suitable for an electric hob?
An electric hob heats via a heating element that makes direct contact with the base of the pan. This means the base must be flat and solid for optimal heat transfer. The most suitable materials are:
- Stainless steel: durable, even heat conductivity and easy to clean. A classic choice for electric hobs.
- Enamelled cast iron: retains heat excellently, ideal for long simmering over low heat. Note: cast iron is heavy – place the pan down carefully to avoid damaging the hob.
- Aluminium with non-stick coating: lightweight, heats up quickly and suitable for everyday use. Always choose a model with a thick, flat base.
- Copper with a steel or stainless steel base: excellent heat conductivity, but always check that the base is flat and smooth.
Which pans should you avoid using on an electric hob?
Not every pan is a good match. Some materials conduct heat poorly or damage the surface of the hob.
- Pans with a round or curved base (such as a traditional wok): these make insufficient contact with the heating element, causing heat to be lost and cooking time to increase.
- Pans with a damaged or warped base: a warped pan heats unevenly and can scratch the ceramic or glass surface of the hob.
- Thin-walled pans made of untreated aluminium: these warp quickly at high temperatures and conduct heat irregularly.
- Glass or earthenware pans without a metal base: not suitable for direct heating on an electric hob.
How do you recognise a suitable pan?
A handy rule of thumb: place the pan upside down on a flat surface and check whether the base makes complete contact. Can you see a gap around the edge? If so, the base is slightly curved or warped – not ideal. Also check the label or packaging: a pan that is suitable for electric hobs will state this explicitly.
Also consider the diameter of the pan relative to the heating element. A pan that is much smaller than the ring heats inefficiently; a pan that is larger may not absorb heat as well at the edges.
How do you get the most out of your pans on the bakeVIA hob?
With the right technique, you'll get more out of every meal while protecting your hob and pans at the same time.
- Start on medium heat and increase if necessary. Electric hobs reach high temperatures quickly – excessive heat damages non-stick coatings.
- Preheat the pan empty on low to medium heat. Then add oil or butter.
- Don't use metal utensils in non-stick pans – opt for silicone or wooden spatulas instead.
- Don't let the pan heat dry on high heat. This damages both the non-stick coating and the surface of the hob.
- Place pans down gently, especially heavy cast-iron ones. Don't slide pans across the surface to avoid scratches.
What if I have an induction pan – does it work on an electric hob too?
Yes, induction pans work perfectly on an electric hob. Induction pans come with a thick, flat magnetic base as standard, which also absorbs heat optimally on electric hobs. You therefore get the best of both worlds: a pan that you can use on multiple types of hob.
Practical tip: a pan set for everyday use
For anyone cooking daily on a compact electric hob, a basic set of three pans is ideal: a small saucepan (14–16 cm) for sauces and eggs, a medium saucepan (18–20 cm) for pasta and vegetables, and a non-stick frying pan for stir-frying and meat. This covers virtually every recipe without cluttering your kitchen.
The bakeVIA hob is designed for compact kitchens where efficiency and precision are key. By choosing pans with a flat, heavy base and the right size, you get the most out of every cooking session – from a quick stir-fry on high heat to a slow-simmered sauce on low heat. View the bakeVIA hob and discover which model suits your kitchen.