What is an Induction Hob and How Does it Work?

Always wondered what makes an induction hob different from gas or electric? Let's break it down...

Rather than heating your hob, an induction hob heats your pans directly. Like gas and electric hobs, it’s both fast and precise so will be simmering away in no time. Plus, because the hob isn’t heated directly, this avoids burnt-on food so it’s no hassle to keep your induction hob clean.

To generate heat, induction coils beneath the hob create a magnetic field as electricity is passed through them. When a pan with a magnetised base is placed on the hob, the magnetic field will cause it to heat up directly. The hob itself remains cool, except for some residual heat from the pans, and non-magnetic pans put in the same place will remain cold.

Underneath the glass ceramic, a fan is set in motion that can automatically turn itself on during cooking to cool the electronic components. This fan will run until the appliance is sufficiently cooled and then will turn itself off.

What pans can you use?

Because of the way induction cooking works, you need specific types of pots and pans. These have flat bases made of ferrous or ‘magnetic’ metal - pans with non-magnetic undersides will not work with induction hobs. Here at Blackmoor, all our pans are suitable to be used on induction hobs.

Useful tips

• To clean your induction hob, give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth after cooking
• For a more thorough clean, you can occasionally use a ceramic glass cleaner
• Always ensure the hob is cool before cleaning it
• Do not heat cookware when it is empty to avoid it becoming discoloured
• Start heating at a lower temperature and adjust upwards as needed
• Avoid aluminium foil coming into contact with the induction hob

Check out the full range of Blackmoor’s induction hob friendly pots and pans here.