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April 25, 2025
Best Induction Hob Essentials: A Step-by-Step Buying Guide

Flex Induction Hob FH-ID3530

Featured Product: Flex Induction Hob FH-ID3530

If you’re thinking about upgrading your cooking setup, you’ve probably encountered the buzz around induction hobs. You might be asking yourself: What exactly is an induction hob? What induction hob sizes are available? These are excellent questions to consider when exploring new hob options.

Deciding between induction and gas hobs is a key first step. However, the sheer number of options and features available with induction hob technology means you need to carefully evaluate factors beyond the likes of just the hob sizes and controls.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want more detailed information on your chosen kitchen appliance, this induction hob buying guide is here to provide clarity and ease your decision-making process.

Understanding Induction Hobs

But first, to make informed decisions about induction hobs, it’s crucial to understand their core functionality. 

Unlike conventional gas cooktops that heat the cooking surface, induction hobs employ electromagnetic induction to directly heat the cookware. This approach offers several distinct advantages for the modern cook.

One key benefit is enhanced safety. Induction hobs eliminate open flames, reducing the risk of burns and fire hazards. Furthermore, they excel in heating efficiency. Since the heat is generated directly within the pot or pan, cooking times are significantly faster. This targeted heating also allows for precise temperature control, giving you greater command over your culinary creations. 

Another significant advantage of induction hobs is their ease of maintenance. The smooth, flat glass surface is incredibly simple to clean. In fact, regular cleaning with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner is usually sufficient to keep your hob looking its best. 

However, a crucial point to remember is that induction cooking requires specific cookware. Only cookware with a ferrous base, typically made of iron or steel, will work on an induction hob. This is because these materials are essential for the electromagnetic process that generates heat. 

So, transitioning to induction cooking might involve a partial update to your cookware collection.

How to Choose an Induction Hob?

Selecting the right induction hob requires careful consideration of various aspects to guarantee it aligns with your culinary habits and integrates seamlessly into your kitchen.

1. Assessing Your Kitchen Needs & Cookware Compatibility

Remember that induction hobs require compatible cookware. So, be sure to check if your existing pots and pans have a magnetic base, typically made of cast iron or stainless steel — a simple magnet test will confirm their suitability.

But what if you prefer the flexibility to use a wider variety of cookware?

While induction hobs require magnetic cookware (typically cast iron or magnetic stainless steel), other types of cookware—such as glass, clay pots, ceramic, and standard stainless steel—are compatible with ceramic hobs, which operate by heating elements positioned beneath a tempered ceramic glass surface. These elements generate heat electrically, which is transferred to the ceramic glass and then to the cookware. 

This presents you with a choice: prioritise induction’s efficiency or ceramic’s versatility. 

Alternatively, you could consider a hybrid hob like the FUJIOH FH-IC6020 Hybrid Hob with Induction & Ceramic Zones. This 2-in-1 appliance combines both induction and ceramic zones, offering the benefits of both technologies in a single, stylish unit. Its sleek design, featuring a bevelled edge and SCHOTT CERAN® Ceramic Glass, enhances your kitchen’s aesthetic and simplifies cleaning.

2. Determining the Right Size

Selecting the appropriate induction hob size is also vital for both kitchen functionality and visual appeal.

First, carefully measure your available countertop space. This will define the maximum physical dimensions of the hob you can accommodate. When reviewing product specifications, pay close attention to the “cut-out size.” These dimensions indicate the precise opening required in your countertop for the hob’s installation. Ensuring these measurements align is vital for a seamless fit.

Induction hobs come in a variety of widths, typically spanning from 30cm to 90cm, with 60cm and 90cm being the most common. The ideal size depends on your cooking habits and kitchen layout. A wider hob offers more room for multiple pots and pans, which is ideal if you frequently prepare large or complex meals. 

However, if your kitchen has limited counter space, a smaller hob might be a more practical choice. Consider domino hobs, like the FUJIOH FH-ID5125 Domino Induction Hob with 2 Zones, which offer functionality without taking up excessive space. This model features horizontal 2 zones and has dimensions of 28.8cm width, 52cm depth, and 6cm height. These hobs can seamlessly integrate into your kitchen aesthetics, serving as a functional cooking area when needed and blending into the countertop when not in use.

3. Power and Cooking Zones

Beyond size, the power levels and number of cooking zones significantly impact an induction hob’s functionality and your cooking experience.

When installing your induction hob, it’s crucial to consider the electrical requirements of your kitchen. Remember those cut-out dimensions? They’re not the only installation detail. The induction hob’s power consumption, measured in amperes, must be compatible with your home’s electrical circuit. In Singapore, this is particularly important, as older HDB flats may have limitations on the ampere rating. For example, HDB flats built on or after 1 January 1994 often have a 40 ampere main circuit breaker. Therefore, it’s essential to check the electrical load capacity of your HDB block to ensure your chosen induction hob doesn’t exceed it. 

FH-ID3530 Flex Induction Hob

Featured Product: FH-ID3530 Flex Induction Hob

With FUJIOH induction hobs, such as the FH-ID3530 Flex Induction Hob’s maximum 15-ampere output allowing simultaneous use of up to three cooking zones, HDB compatibility is generally less of a concern. However, we always recommend consulting a licensed electrician to confirm product compatibility with your specific electrical setup.

The number of cooking zones is another key consideration. While very small kitchens might only necessitate two zones, you’ll typically find options with two or even three zones. This choice often aligns with the size of the hob but also depends on how many dishes you typically cook simultaneously. More zones offer greater flexibility, allowing you to prepare multiple courses without juggling pots and pans. 

Induction hobs also offer a range of power levels for each zone. These levels provide precise control over the cooking temperature, from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil, greatly enhancing your culinary versatility.

4. Safety Features

Induction Hob with 3 Zones FH-ID5230

Featured Product: Induction Hob with 3 Zones FH-ID5230

When selecting an induction hob, be sure to also prioritise safety features to protect yourself and your family. Child safety locks are essential, preventing accidental activation of the hob by curious little hands. Auto-shutoff functions are also crucial, automatically turning off the hob if a pot is removed or if it overheats, minimising the risk of accidents. Residual heat indicators alert you if a cooking zone remains hot, helping to avoid unintentional contact and burns.

FUJIOH prioritises safety in its induction hob designs. For example, our Induction Hob with 3 Zones FH-ID5230 includes a comprehensive suite of safety features: a child safety lock, a residual heat indicator, foreign body detection, and auto switch-off. These features provide added peace of mind and contribute to a safer cooking environment.

5. Brand and Warranty Considerations

When investing in an induction hob, selecting a reputable brand is essential for long-term satisfaction. Well-established brands like FUJIOH often have a proven track record of quality and reliability, ensuring your appliance delivers consistent performance. Moreover, they typically offer more robust customer support and after-sales service. So, before making your purchase, take the time to carefully review the warranty coverage provided. FUJIOH, for instance, provides a 1-year warranty on parts. And for a limited time, induction and hybrid hobs purchased between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 in Singapore, FUJIOH will be offering an extended 2-year warranty*.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Induction Hob Buying Checklist

Use this quick checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the important factors:

  • Is my cookware compatible? (Do you have pots and pans with a magnetic base?)
  • Have I assessed my kitchen’s electrical setup? (Amperes, compatibility with your home’s wiring, especially in older HDB flats)
  • Have I measured my countertop space? (Considering both the hob’s dimensions and the cut-out size)
  • What size hob do I need? (Based on your cooking habits and available space)
  • Have I considered domino or hybrid hob options? (For flexibility or space-saving)
  • How many cooking zones do I require? (Consider how many dishes you typically cook simultaneously)
  • What safety features are essential? (Child safety lock, auto-shutoff, residual heat indicator)
  • Have I chosen a reputable brand? (For quality and reliability)
  • Am I aware of the warranty coverage? (Including any promotional periods)

If you require more information on our induction cooker hobs in Singapore or other kitchen appliances, feel free to get in touch with us at FUJIOH Singapore or email us at fit@fujioh.com.sg.