Is a hob on a kitchen island a dream setup or a recipe for disaster?

If you’re in the process of designing a kitchen island, you might be considering whether to add a sink or a hob to this sought after feature. But there’s more to this decision than pure aesthetics.

From clever positioning to common pitfalls, a hob on a kitchen island can transform the way you cook – but only if it’s done right.

To help you decide if you should have a hob on your kitchen island, we’ve asked kitchen designers to share the pros, cons, and key things to consider. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.

Should you have a hob on a kitchen island?

Installing a hob on a kitchen island is a popular choice among keen home cooks, offering the chance to prep and cook while facing family or guests rather than turning your back on the action. But while it creates a more sociable setup, there are a few challenges to consider.

"A cooktop can work well on a kitchen island, as long as careful consideration is given to areas such as kitchen ventilation, as well as ensuring there is adequate distance between the cooktop and seating arrangements," explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

So, is a hob on a kitchen island a smart choice for your space? Let’s break it down.

Richard Davonport

Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker and designer, and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport. The company designs and makes bespoke kitchens from its workshop in the heart of East Anglia.

What are the benefits of having a hob on a kitchen island?

"One of the main draws of having a cooktop on the kitchen island is that it allows those that are cooking to be able to see out into the rest of the kitchen and interact with those who may be seated at the island or just stood in the kitchen," says Richard Davonport. "This is why we are often asked for this option when designing kitchens for people who love to entertain."

Christopher Proudfoot, owner and director at The White Kitchen Company, agrees: "Having a hob on the kitchen island creates a more sociable cooking experience, allowing the cook to interact with guests while preparing meals. It also helps optimise kitchen workflow by improving the efficiency of the 'work triangle,' making it easier to move between the hob, sink, and fridge, reducing unnecessary steps and creating a smoother cooking process."

In short, an island hob keeps the cook at the centre of the action, enhances workflow, and if done right, creates a real statement feature in your home.

Christopher Proudfoot

Christopher, having over three decades of furniture craftsmanship knowledge, co-founded The White Kitchen Company along with his wife, Rima. He blends classic British aesthetics with modern functionality and can devise clever, out-of-the-box solutions to solve cabinetry problems in any room.

What are the main considerations and challenges involved?

Of course, as appealing as it sounds, a hob on a kitchen island isn’t without its drawbacks. Before committing to this feature, it’s worth considering a few key factors.

For starters, ventilation is trickier than with a standard wall-mounted hob and kitchen extractor fan. Without a proper extractor, cooking smells and grease can linger – so you’ll need a solid plan for extraction. Then there’s safety to think about – especially if you have young children or if the island doubles as a breakfast bar. A hob too close to seating could lead to accidental burns or spills.

The installation process can also be more complex. If your kitchen island wasn’t originally designed to house a hob, you might need to reroute gas or electricity, which can add to the overall kitchen island costs. It’s worth weighing up these factors before making a final decision.

Where should you place a hob on a kitchen island?

Choosing the right spot for your hob is also key to making it work for your kitchen layout.

"The best place for a hob on an island is positioned with space on either side for prep work," explains Christopher Proudfoot. "Hobs work particularly well on the long side of the island, facing the room, as this setup allows for easy social interaction while cooking. If you have a symmetrical design, placing the hob centrally works well as a focal point. Ideally, the hob should be placed near the sink, but not too close, for convenience in both cooking and cleaning."

However, Christopher also cautions about seating placement: "The hob should be kept away from seating areas. When seating is too close to the hob, it can make the space feel cramped and limit movement around the cooking area," he explains. "More importantly, it can create safety risks, as guests or family members could accidentally come into contact with hot surfaces or cooking equipment. So, be sure to allow enough room from the cooktop to any seating arrangements to ensure the safety of those sat down, especially if used by younger children."

So, if you’re planning a hob on an island, make sure there’s plenty of space around it and if you have a breakfast bar, consider placing it on the opposite side to avoid potential safety concerns.

What do you need to know about ventilation?

Ventilation is often the biggest challenge when installing a hob on a kitchen island – without a wall-mounted extractor or cooker hood, where does all the steam, grease, and cooking odours go?

"Ventilation in particular is a downside to having a hob on a kitchen island," says Richard Davonport, "but with induction hobs with built-in extractor fans, there are ways around it."

Christopher Proudfoot agrees: "An overhead extractor may not be feasible, so a downdraft system might be necessary, which can be more expensive. Additionally, installation can be more complex, with plumbing and electrical connections requiring careful planning."

To keep your kitchen smelling fresh and grease-free, Richard suggests a bulkhead design in the ceiling to discreetly hide an extractor fan, so you can enjoy all the benefits of an island hob without compromising on ventilation.

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How much does a hob on a kitchen island cost?

The cost of installing a hob on a kitchen island varies depending on the type of hob, ventilation system, and any necessary electrical or gas work. Here’s an estimate of what to expect:

• Hob prices: A standard gas or electric hob starts at around £200, while high-end induction models with built-in extractors can cost upwards of £2,000.
• Ventilation: Ceiling-mounted extractors typically range from £300 to £1,500, while downdraft extractors can start at around £800 and go up to £2,500+.
• Installation: Basic installation (if power/gas is already in place) can cost around £150–£300, but if additional work is needed, costs could rise to £1,000 or more.

It’s always a good idea to get professional advice and a few quotes before committing to installing a hob, especially if major structural changes are needed.

If you're set on including a kitchen island in your renovation or new build plans, make sure you do your research on lighting a kitchen island to ensure it shines as part of your overall design.