Buy new ceramic hob or fix old one?

vikkimcd

Hi.
We have a Neff ceramic hob, one of the rings went a while ago. Another went tonight, and I have no idea what is needed to fix it. Having searched online it seems to involve getting a technician in to see if something has blown underneath it. The alternative is to buy a new one, which comes with the installation cost of at least £120. So I guess I am asking if it is more cost effective to fix the old one, or just buy a new one. I know they vary in cost, but I want a decent enough one (but not hundreds of pounds), but I am also aware that calling someone out may involve a hefty cost, especially if they order parts etc. Sorry - as you may have guessed, hobs are not my forte! But if anyone has had a similar experience, that would help. Thanks

WIAWSNB

Almost certainly not worth fixing unless you can DIY it, and even then likely not worth it.
Replace with a slightly lesser make, and go 'induction' - would be my personal recommendation.
Look up the model of Neff, and get the worktop aperture size. Make your new hob similar or slightly bigger, but not smaller.
Is you currently hob a 600mm jobbie? Happy with that size? Consider larger if you think it'll be nicer to use - say, 750mm.
Or, for the simplest option, check eBay for little-used examples of your model, since you'll know it'll be a direct swap. 

vikkimcd

Hi. Wouldn't I need to buy a whole new set of cookware for the induction hob? i read they are the chef's choice, and energy efficient, but need magnetic bottoms for pans etc?
Our current hob is 600mm x 520mm. Do you think it would be best to buy via a firm e.g. Currys, as they can install it? I have no idea how much it would cost to hire an electrician etc.

WIAWSNB

vikkimcd said:

Hi. Wouldn't I need to buy a whole new set of cookware for the induction hob? i read they are the chef's choice, and energy efficient, but need magnetic bottoms for pans etc?
Our current hob is 600mm x 520mm. Do you think it would be best to buy via a firm e.g. Currys, as they can install it? I have no idea how much it would cost to hire an electrician etc.

Yes, you are right. But a half decent set can be had for around £60, often less if you look on eBay. (Eg Tower Cerastone)
Yes, worth getting a price from Currys, then you know where you stand.
Do you know the exact model of hob you have?

greyteam1959

Check the pans that you have got now with a magnet.
If the magnet sticks to the pan they are fine for an induction hob. 
It may give some indication on the base of the pan as to if they are suitable or not. 

Neil49

Induction hobs require more power than the standard ceramic hobs and your existing wiring may not be up to the job. We are in an 8 year old house and considered an induction hob but it required a rewiring job if all four rings were to be used at the same time 

WIAWSNB

Neil49 said:

Induction hobs require more power than the standard ceramic hobs and your existing wiring may not be up to the job. We are in an 8 year old house and considered an induction hob but it required a rewiring job if all four rings were to be used at the same time 

I have to admit, I'd assumed that wouldn't be the case. 
Yes, that clearly needs to be considered. 
Many induction hobs can be adjusted to suit the available supply, if that helps the OP.
It appears they are not that bovvered about the benefits of indie, but that cost is a significant factor, so the best option from that respect will undoubtedly be 'ceramic', and with the exact same footprint.
OP - make and model of existing, please?

vikkimcd

Hi. Thanks all. The make is Neff, I'm afraid I don't know the model as it was here when I moved in, but I think it has been there a while. It is four rings, with the four turn knobs in the right hand side. I can see new Neff ones in Currys coming up as about £270, with £120 installation. 
I am guessing the cost of a cheaper make + independent engineer installation would cost more than that?

WIAWSNB

vikkimcd said:

Hi. Thanks all. The make is Neff, I'm afraid I don't know the model as it was here when I moved in, but I think it has been there a while. It is four rings, with the four turn knobs in the right hand side. I can see new Neff ones in Currys coming up as about £270, with £120 installation. 
I am guessing the cost of a cheaper make + independent engineer installation would cost more than that?

No idea.

The main reason I was hoping for the exact model is to check the aperture size, so you could hopefully choose a new hob that doesn't need any work carried out to the worktop - that would be the biggest hassle = potentially higher cost.

I'd ask local sparkies to see if they are happy to supply and fit a hob? Or just to fit one you obtain. 

chrisw

If you're replacing like for like and are reasonably confident with electrics, they're pretty straight forward to replace yourself.

vikkimcd

I hadn't considered that the worktop would need to be changed also. So it's not just as simple as buying one with the same measurements e.g. at Currys, they turn up and install it? There is another step that I would need to carry out first to check the area?