Best Hobs in Ireland: Induction vs Ceramic vs Gas, 60cm vs 80cm and Extractor Hobs Explained

Choosing a hob is not only about brand or price. The right hob depends on how you cook, what power or fuel your kitchen has, how much worktop space you have, whether you want fast heat or traditional flame control, and whether you need a separate cooker hood or a hob with extraction built in. 

For most modern Irish kitchens, induction is the strongest all-round route because it is fast, precise, easy to wipe clean and suits a clean fitted-kitchen finish. Ceramic hobs remain a strong value replacement option. Gas hobs still make sense for shoppers who prefer visible flame control, wok cooking or a traditional cooking feel. Venting induction hobs are the premium route for open-plan kitchens, islands and customers who want cooking and extraction in one appliance. 

The easiest way to choose is to start with the kitchen situation first: are you replacing an old hob, planning a new fitted kitchen, upgrading from gas to induction, choosing a value replacement, or building a premium open-plan kitchen? Once that is clear, the right hob type, size, features and add-ons become much easier to compare. 

Quick answer: which hob should you buy? 

Induction vs ceramic vs gas: which hob type should you choose? 

This is the main decision for most shoppers. Each hob type has a clear place, but the right choice depends on your cooking style, your existing kitchen setup and how much you want to spend. 

Are induction hobs worth it in Ireland? 

Yes, for many Irish homes, induction is the easiest hob upgrade to recommend. It is fast, responsive and cleaner-looking, which makes it especially strong for fitted kitchens, family cooking and anyone replacing an older electric hob.

The main watch-out is cookware. Induction needs pans with a magnetic base. A simple magnet test is the easiest check: if a magnet sticks firmly to the base of the pan, it should usually work on an induction hob. If you are moving from ceramic or gas to induction, check your main pans before buying and allow for any new cookware if needed. 

You should also check the electrical setup, especially when replacing an older hob or choosing a wider, more powerful induction model. For premium induction and venting induction hobs, installation planning matters just as much as the hob itself. 

60cm vs 80cm vs 90cm hobs: what size do you need? 

Hob width is one of the biggest practical decisions. Many replacement hobs are around 60cm wide, but wider hobs can make daily cooking easier if you use larger pans or cook for a busy household. 

Best hobs by household type

Best hob for most homes 

A 60cm induction hob is the best starting point for most modern kitchens. It gives the strongest balance of speed, control, cleaning and standard replacement fit. Good places to compare include Bosch Series 4 Induction hob 60cm - Black | PUE611BB5B, AEG 60cm Electric Induction Hob - Black | IKB64401FB and Electrolux 60cm 4 Zone Induction Hob | LIS62443. 

Best value hob 

For a simple replacement at a lower spend, ceramic is still a very strong route. PowerPoint 60cm 4 Zone Ceramic Hob - Touch Controls | P154MDTC is a clean value route for customers who want a flat glass hob, touch controls and simple everyday cooking without needing induction pans. 

Best entry induction hob 

If you want to move into induction without going premium, PowerPoint 60cm 4 Zone Induction Ceramic Hob | P154MDINTC is the obvious value-led route. It is useful for shoppers replacing an old ceramic hob and wanting faster, more responsive induction cooking at a sensible price point. 

Best hob for small kitchens 

For compact kitchens, apartments, small homes or an extra cooking zone, PowerPoint 30cm Induction Ceramic Hob | P152MDINTC is a strong 30cm two-zone option with Power Boost and slider touch controls. 

Best wider family hob 

For family cooking, a wider hob gives more comfort around pans. Electrolux 80cm 4 Zone Induction Hob | LIS824 is a good 80cm route with Hob2Hood, PowerBoost and SenseBoil. NordMende 90cm 5 x Zone Touch Control Induction Hob 2 x Bridge Zone - Black | HCI902FL is a larger 90cm five-zone route for homes that use multiple pans at once. 

Best premium open-plan hob 

For island units and open-plan kitchens, venting induction hobs are the premium answer. Neff N 50 Induction hob with integrated ventilation system 80cm - Black | V58NBS1L0, Siemens IQ300 Induction hob with integrated ventilation system 80 cm surface mount without frame | ED811BS16E and the Miele KMDA models are the routes to compare when hob and extraction need to work together in one appliance. 

Best gas hob for traditional cooking 

Gas is still the right choice for some homes. If you want visible flame control, wok cooking and a larger chef-style layout, compare Fisher & Paykel 90cm Series 7 5 Burner Gas Hob | CG905DNGX1 and NordMende 90cm 5 x Burner Gas Hob 1 x Side Wok Burner Cast Iron Pan Supports - Black Glass | HGX904BGL.

Hob features explained

What to check before buying a hob 

• Width: check whether you need 30cm, 60cm, 80cm or 90cm. 
• Cut-out size: the worktop opening matters as much as the visible hob width. 
• Power supply: induction and some electric hobs may need the electrical setup checked. 
• Gas or LPG connection: gas hobs must match the correct fuel and installation route. 
• Ventilation: most kitchens need good extraction, either through a cooker hood or integrated extraction. 
• Worktop depth: especially important for wider hobs and venting induction hobs. 
• Cookware: induction needs compatible magnetic pans. 
• Controls: touch, slider and rotary controls all feel different in daily use. 

Best Expert.ie hob examples 

What should you buy with a new hob? 

A hob purchase often sits inside a bigger cooking upgrade, so the best add-ons are practical rather than decorative. 

• Cooker hood or extractor: most hob buyers should think about ventilation at the same time. Browse Cooker Hoods. 
• Built-in oven: many hob purchases happen during a kitchen upgrade. Compare Ovens and Cooking routes. 
• Induction pans: customers moving to induction may need magnetic-base cookware. 
• Hob scraper or cleaning kit: useful for ceramic and induction glass surfaces. 
• Installation check: confirm cut-out size, gas or electrical requirements and safe fitting before purchase. 
• Warranty or finance: useful for premium induction and extractor hobs. Compare Humm Finance where suitable. 
• Delivery and recycling: Expert.ie supports Delivery and Free Recycling where applicable. 

FAQ 

Which hob is best to buy in Ireland? 

For most modern kitchens, induction is the strongest all-round choice because it is fast, precise and easy to wipe clean. Ceramic is best for value-led replacement, gas is best for visible flame control, and venting induction is best for premium open-plan kitchens. 

Is induction better than ceramic? 

Induction is usually faster and more responsive because it heats the pan directly. Ceramic can still be the better value route and works with standard flat-bottomed pans. 

Is induction better than gas? 

For many kitchens, induction is easier to clean and very responsive. Gas still suits cooks who prefer visible flame control, wok cooking or an existing gas setup. 

Are induction hobs worth it? 

Yes, if you want faster heating, precise control, easier wiping and a more modern fitted-kitchen look. Check pan compatibility and installation before buying. 

Do induction hobs use less energy? 

Induction heats the pan directly, so less heat is wasted around the cookware than with traditional electric or gas cooking. Actual running cost still depends on usage, power settings and your energy tariff. 

Do I need special pans for an induction hob? 

You need pans with a magnetic base. Stainless steel and cast iron often work well, while aluminium, copper and glass normally need a magnetic base to be induction-compatible. 

How do I know if my pans work on induction? 

Use the magnet test. If a magnet sticks firmly to the base of the pan, it should usually work on induction. 

What size hob do I need: 30cm, 60cm, 80cm or 90cm? 

Choose 30cm for compact spaces or extra cooking zones, 60cm for most standard replacements, 80cm for more comfortable family cooking and 90cm for large kitchens, five burners or wider premium layouts. 

Can I replace a ceramic hob with an induction hob? 

Often yes, but you need to check cut-out size, electrical requirements and pan compatibility before buying. 

Can I replace a gas hob with an induction hob? 

Possibly, but it is a bigger change because you need the correct electrical setup and the gas supply may need to be safely handled by a qualified professional. 

Do hobs need to be hardwired? 

Many built-in electric and induction hobs need proper electrical installation rather than a standard plug. Check the specific appliance and use a qualified installer where required. 

What is a venting hob? 

A venting hob combines the cooking surface with extraction built into the hob area, making it useful for islands and open-plan kitchens. 

Do I still need a cooker hood with a hob? 

Most kitchens need good extraction. You can choose a separate cooker hood or a venting induction hob with extraction built in. 

What is Hob2Hood? 

Hob2Hood is a connected feature on selected hob and hood combinations that allows the cooker hood to respond more easily to hob activity. 

What is a bridge zone on an induction hob? 

A bridge zone lets you combine two cooking zones to create a larger heating area for bigger pans, griddles or long cookware. 

Which hob is easiest to clean? 

Induction and ceramic hobs are usually easiest to wipe because they have a flat glass surface. Gas hobs take more cleaning around burners and pan supports. 

Which hob is safest for families? 

Induction is often a strong family route because heat is created in the pan and many models include child locks and timers. Always follow the appliance safety guidance for any hob type. 

Where is the best place to buy hobs in Ireland? 

Expert.ie gives you a broad live choice of induction, ceramic, gas and venting induction hobs, with nationwide delivery, Best Price Promise, local Expert store support and related routes into ovens and cooker hoods. 

Final verdict 

For most modern Irish kitchens, induction is the strongest all-round hob choice because it is fast, precise, easy to clean and suits a fitted kitchen. Ceramic hobs remain a strong value replacement option, gas hobs suit customers who prefer traditional flame control, and premium venting hobs are ideal for open-plan kitchens or island cooking. 

The right choice depends on your kitchen size, power or gas supply, cookware, ventilation and how you cook day to day. If you are upgrading the full cooking area, compare the hob with your oven and cooker hood at the same time so the whole kitchen works properly together. 

Ready to compare the live range? Browse Hobs at Expert.ie and choose from induction, ceramic, gas and venting induction hobs with nationwide delivery from a 100% Irish owned retailer.