Best Electric Ceramic Hobs
Best Electric Ceramic Hobs
Handpicked by our experts
Rapid heat-up times and really easy to clean, we've rounded up the best ceramic hobs on the market.
Electric ceramic hobs offer a sleek, modern cooking surface that transforms the look of any kitchen. With their flat glass design, efficient heating elements, and responsive controls, these hobs provide a stylish yet practical cooking solution that's significantly easier to clean than traditional solid plate alternatives.
Best Electric Ceramic Hobs for 2025
Our carefully selected range of ceramic hobs represents the best combination of performance, design, and value. From entry-level models with straightforward functionality to premium options with advanced features like touch controls and special cooking zones, we've identified the best ceramic hobs to suit every kitchen style and cooking requirement.
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Quick Heating
Sleek Design
Safety Features
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Why Choose an Electric Ceramic Hob?
Electric ceramic hobs combine sleek aesthetics with practical features for contemporary cooking.
Ceramic hobs feature a smooth, flat glass-ceramic surface with heating elements positioned beneath, offering a significant design upgrade over traditional solid plate electric hobs. This modern cooking surface provides multiple benefits: the sleek, minimalist appearance enhances any kitchen style; the flat surface is remarkably easy to clean with just a wipe once cooled; heat-up times are considerably faster than solid plates; and visual indicators clearly show which zones remain hot after use for improved safety. Most ceramic hobs feature multiple cooking zones of different sizes to accommodate various pots and pans, while higher-end models include additional features like dual or oval zones for non-standard cookware, touch controls for precise heat adjustment, and timers for each cooking zone. While they cost more initially than basic solid plate hobs, ceramic models offer better energy efficiency, improved cooking performance, and significantly enhanced aesthetics that can transform the look of your kitchen.
Standard Ceramic Hobs
Standard ceramic hobs offer straightforward operation with physical rotary controls and fixed cooking zones.
Pros:
- More affordable entry point for ceramic cooking
- Simple, intuitive rotary controls
- No learning curve for operation
- Reliable performance with minimal electronics
Cons:
- Fewer advanced features and functions
- Control knobs interrupt the smooth surface
- Less precise temperature control
- Typically limited to fixed-size cooking zones
Touch Control Ceramic Hobs
Touch control ceramic hobs offer sleek, integrated controls and often include premium features for enhanced cooking flexibility.
Pros:
- Completely flat surface for maximum sleekness
- Precise digital temperature control
- Additional features like timers and preset programs
- Easier to clean with no knobs or dials
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Controls can be sensitive to spills or wet hands
- May have a steeper learning curve for operation
- More complex electronics if repairs are needed
Special Feature Ceramic Hobs
Premium ceramic hobs often include advanced features that enhance cooking flexibility and performance.
Common Special Features:
- Dual/Triple Zones: Expandable cooking areas that adapt to different pan sizes
- Oval/Bridge Zones: Specially shaped areas for non-round cookware like fish pans
- Keep Warm Functions: Low-heat settings to maintain food temperature
- Auto Heat-up: Initially applies higher heat then reduces to selected level
Advanced Safety Features:
- Child Locks: Prevent accidental activation of controls
- Auto Shut-off: Turns zones off after predetermined time periods
- Overflow Detection: Automatically switches off if liquids spill over
- Pan Detection: Only activates when suitable cookware is present
Key Features to Look For
Power & Zones
Look for a range of cooking zone sizes to accommodate different pots and pans. Most ceramic hobs feature 4 zones, but premium models may offer 5. Power ratings typically range from 1.2kW for simmer zones to 2.3kW for rapid boiling zones. Higher wattage ensures faster heating times.
Control Type
Controls range from traditional rotary dials to sleek touch or slider controls. Touch controls offer a completely flat surface for easier cleaning and more precise settings, while rotary controls provide familiar, tactile operation without the learning curve.
Flexible Zones
Advanced models offer dual or triple zones that can be expanded to match different pan sizes, or oval/bridge zones for non-round cookware like fish kettles. This flexibility optimizes energy usage by heating only the area needed for your specific cookware.
Timer Functions
Integrated timers with auto shut-off capability ensure perfect cooking results and prevent boil-overs or burning. Premium models offer individual timers for each cooking zone, while more affordable options might provide a single timer for the entire hob.
Safety Features
Essential safety features include residual heat indicators that clearly show which zones remain hot after use, child safety locks to prevent accidental activation, and automatic shut-off that turns zones off after predetermined periods of inactivity.
Surface Finish
Look for ceramic hobs with easy-clean surface treatments that resist staining and make maintenance simpler. Premium models often feature a completely frameless design for a minimalist look, while others may have subtle beveled edges or slim stainless steel frames.
Heat-up Speed
Modern ceramic hobs heat significantly faster than traditional solid plates. Some premium models include "power boost" or "rapid heat" functions for specific zones that temporarily increase power for activities like bringing water to a boil quickly.
Size Options
Ceramic hobs typically come in standard 60cm width to fit most kitchen layouts, but compact 30cm models and larger 70-90cm options are available for different kitchen configurations. Always check exact dimensions against your cutout space.
Ceramic vs. Induction Hobs
Ceramic Hob Characteristics
Ceramic hobs use electrical elements beneath the glass surface to generate heat, which is then conducted through the glass to your cookware. Key points to consider include:
- Cookware compatibility: Works with all pots and pans regardless of material
- Heat control: Less responsive than induction (slower to adjust temperature)
- Surface temperature: The entire cooking zone gets hot, not just under the pan
- Energy efficiency: Lower than induction as heat is transferred indirectly
- Price point: Generally more affordable than equivalent induction models
- Safety: Surface remains hot after cooking until it cools down
Ceramic hobs are ideal for those seeking an affordable upgrade from solid plate hobs, those who have a mix of cookware materials, and those who prefer familiar cooking technology with a modern appearance.
Induction Hob Characteristics
Induction hobs use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan directly rather than heating the surface. Key differences include:
- Cookware compatibility: Only works with ferrous (magnetic) pans
- Heat control: Extremely responsive with instant adjustment
- Surface temperature: Minimal heat on surface except where transferred from hot pans
- Energy efficiency: 90%+ efficient as energy transfers directly to pan
- Price point: Premium technology commands higher prices
- Safety: Surface stays relatively cool during and after cooking
Induction represents the premium option with superior performance, but ceramic hobs offer excellent value, universal cookware compatibility, and a similar sleek appearance at a more accessible price point. For many kitchens, ceramic hobs provide the ideal balance of modern features and practical value.
Top Ceramic Hob Brands
Bosch
German brand Bosch offers premium ceramic hobs with precise DirectSelect touch controls, ReStart memory function that saves settings if the hob is accidentally turned off, and dual-circuit cooking zones for different pan sizes. Their models feature high-quality glass surfaces and excellent heat distribution.
Neff
Neff ceramic hobs feature innovative touches like their TouchControl interface with 17 power levels for precise temperature adjustment. Premium models include extended timers, automatic heat-up function, and their special U-bevel frameless design for a seamless integration with any worktop.
AEG
AEG ceramic hobs combine sophisticated design with practical features like their Direktouch controls for instant power adjustment, Stop+Go function that temporarily reduces all zones to keeping warm, and Öko Timer that uses residual heat efficiently to complete cooking while saving energy.
Zanussi
Offering excellent value, Zanussi ceramic hobs provide reliable performance with practical features. Their models typically include easy rotary controls, rapid heat-up times, and essential safety features like residual heat indicators, all at competitive price points for budget-conscious buyers.
Installation Considerations
Ceramic hobs require a precise cutout in your worktop (typically 56 x 49cm for standard 60cm models) and sufficient clearance beneath for ventilation (usually 5-7cm). They need a dedicated electrical supply with sufficient capacity—typically a 32amp circuit for 4-zone models. Some ceramic hobs feature "quick-fix" brackets for easier installation, while others use traditional clamping systems. Always check manufacturer specifications for exact dimensions and electrical requirements, and consider professional installation to ensure safety compliance and proper fitting.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Ceramic hobs are much easier to maintain than traditional solid plate alternatives. For everyday cleaning, simply wait until the surface is cool, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn marks or burned-on food, use a specialized ceramic hob cleaner and a scraper designed specifically for glass-ceramic surfaces. Regular maintenance with a protective conditioning treatment helps prevent staining and makes future cleaning easier. Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough scouring pads that could scratch the glass, and always clean spills promptly to prevent them from burning on.
Running Costs
Ceramic hobs typically cost between £40-70 per year to run depending on usage patterns, though this can vary based on your electricity tariff and cooking habits. While they use more energy than induction alternatives, they're generally more efficient than traditional solid plate electric hobs due to better heat transfer through the glass-ceramic surface. To minimize running costs, match pan sizes to cooking zones, use lids to reduce heat loss, and take advantage of residual heat for the final minutes of cooking by turning zones off slightly early.
Cookware Compatibility
One significant advantage of ceramic hobs over induction alternatives is their compatibility with all cookware materials. You can use aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and cast iron pans without restrictions. For optimal performance, choose flat-bottomed cookware that makes good contact with the glass surface. Slightly heavier pans work better than very lightweight ones, as they maintain more stable contact with the heating zone. While warped or damaged pans will still function, they'll reduce efficiency and potentially cause hot spots that affect cooking results.
Upgrade Your Kitchen with a Sleek Ceramic Hob
Discover our expertly curated selection of the best ceramic hobs for 2025. From affordable models with straightforward functionality to premium options with advanced features, we have the perfect ceramic hob for your cooking needs.
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Why Choose Appliance Centre for Your Ceramic Hob?
At Appliance Centre, we understand that choosing the right ceramic hob can transform both the look and functionality of your kitchen. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and selected the best models on the market to ensure you get excellent performance, reliability, and value. We provide professional installation services to ensure your new hob is safely and correctly fitted, along with ongoing support for any questions or maintenance needs.
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