Ceramic vs induction hobs: Experts explain the difference and which might be best suited for your home

Ceramic vs induction hobs is a decision you’ll need to make when it's time to introduce a new electric hob into your kitchen. And choosing between the two isn’t always an easy choice. Both look very similar and will need to be wired to the mains, but beyond this there are some noticeable differences.

If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, taking into account how much does a new kitchen cost will factor into the decision. There can be big differences in the costs between ceramic and induction hobs as well as how you like to cook can make a difference as well.

Here we break down the benefits for both to help you decide which will work best for you.

Maurizio Servergnini

Maurizio Severgnini is MD at Bertazzoni and holds extensive experience in kitchen appliances. Having qualified in Industrial Engineering, his career includes tenures at Motorola and Hoover Candy.

Ceramic vs induction hob: How do they work?

There are some key differences in how ceramic and induction hobs work, and knowing the differences will help you to choose one over the other.

"Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to specifically heat the pan rather than the cooktop," explains Maurizio Servergnini, managing director at Bertazzoni UK. "This enables faster cooking times and maximum energy efficiency." The electrons in the pan and ingredients are agitated by the electromagnetic waves transferred through the copper wire coils within the hob.

"Ceramic hobs use radiation to begin heating cooking zones which then transfer energy on to the pan and then to the food," continues Maurizio. A circular heating element beneath each of the zones is heated using electricity and the elements then warm the glass top. "This makes the cooking process slower and less energy efficient," Maurizio concludes.

What are the benefits of ceramic and induction hobs?

While both types of hob are easy to clean, can come with changeable cooking zones for irregular pan shapes (on selected models) and be specified atop the best range cookers, there are some features which mean inductions hobs have more advantages over ceramic hobs.

The benefits of choosing an induction hob include:

• Energy efficiency
• Quicker heating time
• Safer

"With rapid start up speeds and minimal heat dispersion, induction hobs are able to boil water faster than a kettle. Induction hobs are incredibly safe and only the cooking zone area in direct contact with the pan will get a little hot from heat transfer," explains Bertazzoni's Maurizio Servergnini.

"An induction hob is a far safer option since an induction hob surface is not heated directly in the way that a ceramic hob is, and is therefore far less likely to cause burn damage if touched accidentally," adds Helena Myers, Director of The Myers Touch. "An induction hob will also switch off automatically if no cooking pan is detected, which is another great safety feature."

Helena Myers

Helena’s role as designer and cultural developer includes inspiring and educating both The Myers Touch team and their clients. She purposes to deliver designs with connectivity; both with the environment around our homes.

Try these induction hobs in your home

However, ceramic hobs also have their own advantages:

• Cheaper
• Any kind of cookware can be used

Unlike induction hobs, which require pots and pans with magnetised bases, ceramic hobs will heat up any type of cookware – meaning you don't have to re-stock your kitchen with new pots and pans. The set cooking zones may also work better for some cooks.

They're also cheaper than induction hobs, potentially making them the right option for those taking on a kitchen renovation on a budget.

Choose one of these ceramic hobs for your home

What are the disadvantages of ceramic and induction hobs?

Although both hob types will cook your food, there are some significant disadvantages to both which can't be ignored.

The downsides to induction hobs are:

• Expensive to buy and repair (though this may change with the right to repair)
• New pot and pans may be required
• Surface can be scratched

Although good deals can be found for induction hobs, some of the mid and higher-end models are still prohibitively expensive for many, especially if you include buying new cookware.

The glass surface is also prone to scratching if pots, pans or the wrong material is dragged from one area to another.

And the disadvantages to ceramic hobs include:

• Not very efficient
• Can be very slow to heat up
• Difficult to adjust temperature once hot
• Less safe
• Surface can be scratched

"Ceramic hobs heat the full cooking zone, creating increased opportunities for heat to escape, as well as risking accidental burns," says Maurizio Servergnini, "and they only achieve approximately 70% efficiency."

Overall, the modern technology of an induction hobs means it is better prepared to cater for busy lives where the kitchen is the hub of the home. Safety settings and a cool-to-touch surface will far out-weigh any negatives for those who have kids or pets.

Meanwhile the benefits of ceramic hobs do little to combat the practical negatives of the inefficient and lasting heat that goes hand-in-hand.

Still unsure? Check out our guide to 'what is an aga?' which uses a cast iron top which cooks food gently.

Alternatively, gas ovens and hobs might be the choice for you if easy, responsive cooking is top priority.

Ceramic vs induction hobs: Which is more expensive?

The question of which is more expensive a ceramic or induction hob will come down to priorities in budgeting. "Induction hobs will usually require more up-front investment than a ceramic alternative, however the former can achieve greater energy efficiencies when cooking," advises Maurizio Servergnini.

The price gap is, however, closing. A ceramic hob can cost under £100 (particularly when supplied as part of a package with an oven), but there are induction hobs out there which can cost from just £150 upwards.

If you don't want to invest right away, an induction hob won't be for you, but of you're looking for long-term savings ceramic falls flat.

Which is cheaper to run induction or ceramic hob?

Induction hobs use overall less electricity than ceramic hobs, but require more when used for the same amount of time. Maurizio Servergnini says: "Approx. 90% of energy used on induction hobs is transferred to heating the food," meaning that induction hobs are also more efficient to run than ceramic hobs.

For instance, according to Trusted Reviews, an induction hob will cost £199.29 if used every day for an hour while a ceramic hob will cost £168.63.

However, when boiling a pot of water the induction hob took about half the time (4 minutes) as a ceramic hob, costing just 3.64p compared with 5.49p.

As such, as they'll be cooking food quicker, you'll be using them for less time, saving money overall.

Find out if energy efficient appliances will save you money with our guide.

Which is better: Induction or ceramic hobs? 

While ultimately this decision will come down to budget as well as convenience, induction hobs have by far more advantages than ceramic hobs, due to their more modern technology and efficiency.

Ceramic hobs, while still perfectly functional, fall down in almost every category when compared to induction hobs but might be the only option for those not connected to gas or on a budget.

Deciding whether to go with a ceramic or induction hob is just one task when choosing kitchen appliances. A hob will need some type of cooker hood to help remove smells and steam. Adding one of the best kitchen extractor fans will help stop condensation and the growth of mould.