Choosing the right hob for your kitchen is essential for efficient, enjoyable cooking. Whether you're deciding between gas and induction hobs or determining the ideal hob sizes for your space, this comprehensive hob buying guide covers everything you need to know.
Learn about types of hobs, kitchen hob dimensions, and key features to consider when selecting the perfect cooktop for your home.
Kitchen hob dimensions: Things to consider
Selecting the right hob size is essential for a well-planned kitchen. The dimensions of your hob should match your cooking needs, family size, and available countertop space. Below are three key aspects to think about before you buy.
What are the standard hob sizes?
The most common hob size is 60cm, which fits standard countertops and accommodates most households. However, some brands offer hobs as small as 30cm for small spaces, or bigger at 70cm and 90cm to provide professional-level cooking capacity for those who cook frequently or entertain often.
You may look at pairing a 30cm gas or induction hob with a 60cm cooktop of a different type, giving you ultimate flexibility in the kitchen.
How to measure your kitchen space
Before purchasing a new hob, measure your countertop cutout carefully to ensure the appliance fits perfectly. Use a measuring tape to note the width and depth of the available space and allow a few centimetres of clearance for ventilation and connections.
Key measurements to take:
- Countertop cutout width: The exact available space in your counter
- Countertop depth: Front to back space
- Clearance above: Your extractor hood should be equal to or wider than your hob
- Side clearance: Allow 5-10cm on each side for ventilation and heat dissipation
- Wall distance: Maintain at least 5cm behind the hob for fire safety
For replacements, always refer to your previous hob’s product manual or consult a certified technician to match dimensions.
How many burners should I have?
The ideal number of burners depends on your cooking style and how often you cook. If you have a large family and always have something bubbling away on the cooktop, go for the most number of burners you can fit in the space you have.
Use this quick reference table to match hob sizes with your household needs and cooking habits:
| Hob size | Number of burners | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm hob | 1-2 burners | 1-2 people, occasional cooking |
| 60cm hob | 3-4 burners | 3-5 people, daily cooking |
| 70cm hob | 4-5 burners | 5-6 people, frequent cooking |
| 90cm hob | 5+ burners | 7+ people or daily hosting |
Types of hobs
When choosing a hob, the first step is to understand the different types available. Each type offers unique advantages depending on your cooking style and energy preferences.
Induction cooktops: Modern, efficient cooking
Whilst not currently the most chosen hob type, induction cooktop popularity continues to rise with it being integrated into most modern kitchen designs. With precision temperature control and overall efficient performance, induction cooking offers numerous advantages for contemporary homes.
Find more helpful information in our article about Things you need to know about induction cooking.
Ideal for:
- Small family - large family
- Apartment living
- Rental properties
- Eco-conscious households
- Those prioritizing safety and easy cleaning
Below are some highlighted features that Electrolux induction cooktops offer:
Boiling or high heat in no time
PowerBoost offers you a rapid boil or high heat in a matter of seconds, giving you more time back in or out of the kitchen.
Clean and sleek with precise control
With a flat, easy to clean surface, an induction stove offers not only a design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen aesthetic but complete temperature control with a slide of a finger.
Safety first
Kitchen safety comes before everything else. Induction stoves come with residual heat indicators allowing you to know when the stove is completely cooled and a child safety feature which locks the controls so small wandering hands cannot create mischief in the kitchen.
One touch to pause
The pause function comes in handy if you must leave the kitchen momentarily. At the touch of a button all cooking zones in active will be dropped to the lowest heat level to ensure dishes stay warm but won’t be overcooked.
No risk of outages
The Power management function helps automatically redistribute the electrical load between cooking zones when it is about to exceed the limit.
Auto heat-up
Designed for professional-grade power and performance, Electrolux induction hobs can boil 1 liter of water in just 3 minutes.
Smart features
- Pan detection: Sensors automatically detect where pots are placed and illuminate corresponding controls
- Bridge function: Combine two zones for large cookware like griddles or oval pots
- SenseFry: Automatically adjusts heat for even frying results
Check out our induction hobs:
- Select the bridge function to combine two zones.
- PowerBoost provides quick, intense heat.
- Induction is safe, fast, and energy efficient.
- SenseFry adjusts heat for even frying results.
- Select the bridge function to combine two zones.
- PowerBoost provides quick, intense heat.
Gas hobs: Traditional power and control
Providing rapid and powerful heat, gas hobs remain popular amongst cooking enthusiasts and more traditional homes. Coming with an electric ignition, you can start cooking within moments. A great advantage of cooking with gas is a clear visualization of the heat via the bare flame.
Ideal for:
- Family
- Entertainer
- Serious home cook
- Areas with frequent power outages
- Those with existing gas connections
Below are some highlighted features that Electrolux gas hobs offer:
Flame out. Gas off.
When cooking with gas, at times the flame will unexpectedly go out. Our flame failure device will automatically shut down the gas supply, allowing your family to stay safe from poor air quality.
Sturdy and stable
Sturdy cast iron supports make sure that your pots and pans stay firm while cooking.
Ensure stable flame
StepFlame delivers precise control of the heat intensity with three rings of flame with stepped settings. These pre-defined settings guarantee the same flame and heat level every single time, which is perfect to cook a variety of dishes.
Reduce heat loss
The FlameShield trivet reduces heat-loss to deliver more intense heat to the cooking process, saving you energy costs.
By directing heat more efficiently, Electrolux gas stoves with the FlameShield trivet cook faster and consume less energy than previous models. You can now enjoy your culinary experience without worrying about utility bills.
High power burner
Electrolux gas hobs are equipped with high-power burners that provide you with intense heat and a steady flame. This is perfect for stir-frying dishes when a very high temperature is required.
Easy installation
The extended glass overhang and flexible bracket makes installation into existing kitchen layout easy without additional modifications.
Quality burners
Brass burners offer superior heat distribution and durability, perfect for searing, simmering, and pan-frying. The blue flame burns efficiently, lowering energy consumption compared to standard burners.
Check out some of our gas hobs:
- StepFlame settings deliver precise heat control.
- FlameShield improves efficiency and results.
- High power burner is ideal for stir-frying.
- Brass burners to sear, simmer and pan fry.
- Blue flame burns efficiently to lower energy cost.
- Mini triple-ring burner for intense, even heat.
- Brass burners to sear, simmer and pan fry.
- Blue flame burns efficiently to lower energy cost.
- Mini triple-ring burner for intense, even heat.
>>> Related reading: Induction vs gas hob: Which is right for me?
Hybrid hobs: Best of both worlds
Hybrid hobs combine gas and induction cooking zones on a single surface, offering ultimate flexibility. Cook with gas when you want visual flame control, and switch to induction for quick boiling or easy cleaning.
Ideal for:
- Cooking enthusiasts
- Those who want both fuel types
- Households transitioning from gas to induction
- Professional-level home cooking
Discover our hybrid induction hob:
- Versatile induction with high-power gas burner.
- SenseFry adjusts heat for even frying results.
- Select the bridge function to combine two zones.
Conclusion: Choose smart, cook better
When it comes to choosing a hob, it’s all about finding the right balance between design, performance, and practicality.
With Electrolux’s range of hobs, you can enjoy intelligent safety features, powerful cooking performance, and a sleek look that complements any modern kitchen.
FAQs about choosing a hob
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Can a built-in hob be installed in any kitchen countertop?
Built-in hobs can be installed in most kitchen countertops. However, ensure your counter depth supports the hob dimensions and allows space for ventilation and gas or electrical connections. Always use an authorized technician for installation.
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Which type of hob is better: gas or induction?
Both have their advantages.
- Gas hobs offer instant heat control and work with all cookware.
- Induction hobs are faster, safer, and more energy-efficient.
Your choice depends on whether you prioritise precise control or quick, modern cooking.
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Are induction hobs more energy-efficient?
Yes. Induction hobs are generally more efficient since they transfer heat directly to cookware, reducing energy loss. Gas and ceramic hobs may use more energy but allow precise control and broader cookware compatibility.
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Do induction hobs need special cookware?
Yes. Induction hobs work only with magnetic-base cookware such as stainless steel or cast iron. You can check compatibility by placing a magnet on the base of your pan; if it sticks, it’s induction-ready.
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What safety features should I look for in a hob?
When buying a hob, check for essential safety features such as:
- Flame Failure Device (FFD): Cuts off gas supply if the flame goes out.
- Auto ignition: Prevents gas leakage and eliminates the need for lighters.
- Tempered glass surface: Withstands high temperatures and is easy to clean.
- Child lock (for induction): Prevents accidental activation.
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What is the average lifespan of a built-in hob?
With proper maintenance and regular cleaning, a built-in hob can last 8–10 years or more. Gas burners may need periodic servicing, while induction hobs require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts.
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What’s the best way to clean and maintain a hob?
Clean your hob daily using a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive pads that can scratch the surface.
- For gas hobs, clean burner caps and grates weekly to prevent clogging.
- For induction hobs, wipe spills immediately to avoid residue buildup.
Regular cleaning helps maintain performance and extends your hob’s lifespan.
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*Disclaimer: Pictures are for illustration purpose only and not necessarily the products that are sold.