Buy new ceramic hob or fix old one?

MyRealNameToo

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.

Do you know what the pans are made of? 

When we moved from gas to induction most our pans were stainless steel so they were all fine, as was our cast iron. We had two pans that were aluminium and those are non-ferrous and so dont work with induction. 

In principle if a magnet will stick well to the base of the pan they will be fine for induction. I have seen some that say this is a lie but they have never explained why. Most modern pans are marked with a loop to show they are good for induction but that doesnt help if your pans are older than the concept of induction hobs. 


As long as the old and new hob are roughly the same draw it's a 5 minute job to detach the live, earth and neutral of the old and then attach the same three of the new. Some even can operate from a plug so no electrician is needed but I'd avoid them. 

If you have a low power ceramic hob and went for a much more powerful induction then the costs may go up as the wiring and the trip switch in the consumer unit may need upgrading to deal with the bigger draw.