Faster, safer and offering a more evenly radiated heat, induction technology is increasingly becoming the method by which most home chefs choose to cook.
The heat source works by wirelessly heating iron plates on the underside of induction kitchen cookware instead of the hob.
The biggest benefit? A quicker heat time (some reports found induction can boil water up to 40 per cent faster than electric or gas hobs), which in turn means less energy used to run it - and lower bills. If that doesn’t pique your curiosity in these cash-strapped times, frankly, we don’t know what will.
With no open flame or heating element to worry about, it’s a much safer option to have around the house too, especially if you’ve got curious children or pets wandering around.
What’s more, induction hobs are also much easier to clean and far nicer to look at than traditional options, all clean lines and flat shiny surfaces. Both induction hobs and induction plates usually feature a glass top, although plates have the added bonus of being portable.
It means you can put them in spaces where a standard hob may not fit, from a shed or houseboat to a motorhome, to make a home-cooked meal wherever you reside. Induction plates are also a great tool for food bloggers and chefs, offering a way to cook without a traditional kitchen set-up - say by the beach, in the woods or just in front of a window to make the most of natural daylight. As long as you have access to mains power or failing that, a powerful generator - you’re golden.
If you’re looking for an induction plate to use in the kitchen - or anywhere else for that matter - we’ve found the finest options around.
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Tefal IH201840 Induction Hob - Black
- Power: 2100W
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 27.5 x 34.5cm
Crafted from ceramic, this slim induction plate is perfect for adding extra firepower to your kitchen hob. Tefal’s design is simple to use, straightforward and functional with clear buttons and easy-to-use pre-sets on the base. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now £80.00, Argos
Duxtop Induction Hob
- Power: 2100W
- Dimensions: 29 x 35 x 6cm
Whether you’re hoping to pack one for uni or just like the idea of having a portable hob you can take anywhere, this single induction hob is up to the job. The cooker offers an 83 per cent energy efficiency rating and uses 20 preset options to dial the heat up from 50°C to 240°C. The LCD screen is sensitive, responding quickly to touches; useful when you’re trying to keep multiple plates spinning.
Sold with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now £69.89, Amazon
VonShef Double Induction Hob
- Power: 2800W
- Dimensions: 58.5 x 36.9 x 7.2cm
Throwing a dinner party? Save yourself the fluster of the oven and hob logistics by extending your cooking area with VonShef’s double induction plate. With room for two frying pans or saucepans, the device offers a selection of up to 10 heat settings with a top temperature of 240°C. The LED display is easy to read and the heat can be controlled manually too if the pre-sets aren’t quite right for your dish.
Comes with a two-year guarantee.
Buy now £92.99, B&Q
IsEasy Single Induction Cooker 2100W Portable
- Power: 2100W
- Dimensions: 59.5 x 41.5 x 35.5cm
Use up to 75 per cent less energy with IsEasy’s portable induction cooker, which can boil water in less than a minute. There are nine power levels to utilise on the tempered glass top device, perfect for everything from frying eggs to fixing stews and boiling pasta. A timer feature is also useful as it means you don’t have to continuously monitor dishes - set it up to 480 minutes at the top level.
Buy now £40.99, Amazon
Aobosi Double Induction Hob
- Power: 2800W
- Dimensions: 31 x 56 x 6.4cm
This dual zone induction hob is perfect for busy households and those who love to host, extending cooking space significantly. The two hobs can be used independently of each other and are controlled by individual panels at the bottom. Temperature ranges from 60°C and 240°C and there’s a four-hour timer to use, with the feature automatically turning off when it's finished. This means you can get on with other household chores or put a stew on to slow cook without having to keep a constant watchful eye. Comes with a two-year guarantee.
Buy now £106.24, Amazon
DAEWOO SDA1805 Single Induction Hot Plate - Black
- Power: 2000W
- Dimensions: 13 x 17.9 x 3.3cm
Pan fry, simmer, boil and more to your cheffy heart’s content with Daewoo’s induction plate. The single-size offering means it's easy to pack for trips away if you’re keeping a staycation cheap by making your own meals.
The controls at the bottom of the smooth glass are large, making them easy to read and operate, and there’s a timer and overheat protection from a safety perspective too. The induction plate is sold with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee, offering peace of mind.
Buy now £39.99, Currys
Leisurewize – 230v UK Plug Portable Induction Hob
- Power: 2000W
- Dimensions: 39cm x 31cm x 7cmWith a temperature range of 60°C to 270°C, there are plenty of dishes to master on this useful single induction hob. Covered with tempered glass, which makes spills and splashes much easier to clean up, the electromagnetic induction hob puts cleanliness and safety first by not turning on until contact is made with suitable cookware (in this case stainless steel or iron).
Another nice feature is the ability to adjust the wattage as well as the temperature, meaning fewer fuses are blown - both literally and figuratively.
Buy now £46.96, Amazon
AMZCHEF Single Induction Cooker
- Power: 2000W
- Dimensions: 35 x 28 x 4.7cm
This black and silver-edged glass surface induction hob saves on installation as it can just sit on your worktop. The hob has one heating zone, with 10 power levels between them, and can also be used as a hot plate to keep food warm.
We love how the hob is also compatible with an array of cookware including cast iron, iron, enamelled iron and stainless steel manufactured with a magnetic bottom. It’s easy to store and has sensor touch control buttons with a timer and child lock too, which make the hob simple and efficient to use.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Smeg Portable Induction Hob
- Power: 2100W
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 31.5 x 41.2mm
The coveted appliance brand has launched an induction hob for the first time, meaning you can get all your kitchen electricals to match up if you're a die-hard Smeg fan. The hob is perfect for small spaces and can be used for everything from making stir-fries to whipping up sauces and stews. There's even a barbecue function to help you chargrill steak, fish, veggies and more (helped along by a temperature probe, which comes included).
Made from tough glass, ceramic and aluminium it's a smart look to add to the kitchen.
Buy now £349.95, Smeg
