Electric Cooker Faulty

victor2

It's swings and roundabouts.

OH prefers gas (she has used both gas and induction) because you can see what you're doing, and gas works well with a wok, which is very difficult with induction.

Also, you can put a full saucepan down heavily on a gas hob, where you risk damaging an induction one.

jimi_man

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170425#Comment_82170425

The difference in time is marginal and it still doesn’t detract from the actual cooking time which won’t change. Sure it might boil water quicker, but anything else will take the same time.

The slider buttons are still touch sensitive and far more difficult to use than a proper rotary control, especially if there is water around/wet hands etc. Touch sensitive controls are a stupid design around cooking appliances and far worse than a rotary control.

I’m not against induction hobs, far from it and I’m looking to replace my ceramic hob range with an induction range. But people need to be aware that they aren’t perfect in every way and the control aspect is their biggest fault. I used one for a while on a range with proper rotary controls and that was excellent. Not noticeably quicker than gas but nearly as immediate and easy to use and great to keep clean. A reasonably worthy alternative and tbf I’d happily use it, and put up with not being able to use a wok.

jimi_man

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170740#Comment_82170740

I was comparing it with gas, which from memory is pretty instant!

But you’re right about the cooling. My ceramic hob takes ages to cool down and I’m forever boiling stuff over because I’m used to the immediacy of gas.

grumpy_codger

The slider buttons are still touch sensitive and far more difficult to use than a proper rotary control, especially if there is water around/wet hands etc. Touch sensitive controls are a stupid design around cooking appliances and far worse than a rotary control.

I disagree on both counts and would get rotary controls in my kitchen only if I don't have any other options. Even my built-in microwave is full touch without any handles and knobs. A touch button to open its door. Pristine glass surface easy to clean. The same with the hood.

I was comparing it with gas, which from memory is pretty instant!

Yes, instant to change, but AFAIK the most powerful ring is about 3kW with just about 40% efficiency.

FreeBear

I’m not against induction hobs, far from it and I’m looking to replace my ceramic hob range with an induction range. But people need to be aware that they aren’t perfect in every way and the control aspect is their biggest fault.

I'm reasonably happy with the touch controls on my hob. The main issue is on slow, low simmer when the ring pulses. Got to watch the pan closely to make sure it doesn't boil over.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170771#Comment_82170771

If wok cooking is a major part of life you can get induction hobs with a concaved surface for wok cooking. Personally go the other way with a flat bottomed wok but not a big wok user nor have a giant kitchen to have the space to dedicate to soemthing rarely used.

The ceramic glass is exceptionally tough, we have a massive stock pot used annual for a christmas specialty. No idea how heavy it is full but do know the wife has to half empty it before she can lift it. On the old metal gas hob you could see the hob flex when you put it down, not massively but a bit. The induction hob has no issues with it at all. If you are in the habit of using commercial cookwear with 50L pots etc then commercial induction hobs are available and you would also be massively overloading the strength of your normal domestic gas hob too

The main downside of induction to me is the cost when it goes wrong… gas hobs are generally basic and cheap to repair. Induction arent.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82167562#Comment_82167562

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170919#Comment_82170919

I think you get different qualities/strengths of the glass, depending on whether the unit is high end price or low end.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170977#Comment_82170977

Definitely but all have to be compliant with BS EN 60335-2-6 which includes both impact damage and thermal shock. Appreciate impact damage is different to load capacity but within the topic of ceramic glass you arent going to find something that will survive the impact test and then crack under a 5kg load.

Certainly highre brands/models tend to use thicker glass and have better internal bracing but its not the total wild west

FreeBear

The main downside of induction to me is the cost when it goes wrong… gas hobs are generally basic and cheap to repair. Induction aren't.

£72 for the last one I purchased (August 2026). Basic, but functional.

jimi_man

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170816#Comment_82170816

Just goes to show that we’re all different and like different methods of doing things.