Top rated
Top rated
- best buy
- great value
- Speed
- Simmering
- Ease of cleaning
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An electric ceramic hob consists of a tough, shatterproof glass surface with heating coils beneath. When you turn on the power, the coils produce heat and the cooking zone warms up.
Our expert buying advice and Best Buy recommendations will help you choose the best ceramic hob for your kitchen - one that heats quickly, simmers gently and is easy to use and clean.
Not sure what type of hob to buy? See our guide to the best hobs for the pros and cons of each type.
These are some of the best ceramic hobs we've tested.
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
See our electric ceramic hob reviews for detailed information on models to suit all budgets.
It's worth asking yourself a few questions before deciding whether an electric ceramic hob is the best choice for your kitchen:
Not sure if a ceramic hob is for you? Find out more about the best induction hobs and best gas hobs.
Ceramic hobs and induction hobs look similar but there are big differences in the way they work.
Ceramic hobs | Induction hobs | |
A flow of electrical current heats up the elements (usually coils) below the glass and the cooking zone glows red. Heat transfers to the glass and then to the pan and the food. | Heating | An alternating electrical current passes through coils below the glass, creating a magnetic field. When a pan containing magnetic material, such as iron, is placed on the hob, a current is induced. This creates heat, which transfers from the pan to the food. |
Heat up fairly quickly, but not as fast as gas and induction. Also slower to respond to setting changes, so if you turn off the heat, your food continues to cook unless you remove the pan. | Speed | The fastest hob type to heat and quick to respond when you adjust the settings. When you turn off the hob, heat transference stops. The glass surface gets hot, but this is only because the pan transfers heat back to it. |
Like gas hobs, they are not terribly efficient because not all of the heat goes into the pan. Some is lost in the air before it reaches your food. | Efficiency | The most efficient hob type because all of the heat goes into the pan. |
One of the joys of electric hobs, whether electric ceramic or induction, is that they have a flat surface. This means keeping them clean can be as simple as a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Some ceramic hobs have knobs or dials, which can be fiddly to clean around, but if you go for a model with touch controls then cleaning is easier still.
If something spills, the heat can cause it to encrust on the surface. Deal with this as soon as the hob has cooled down. You can buy glass-cleaning tools and specialised ceramic-hob cleaners, but washing-up liquid and a non-scratch cloth can do as good a job (although it might take a little longer).
If you buy a ceramic electric hob, the pots and pans you already own should all work.
Many modern pans are made of stainless steel or aluminium, but if you also have a favourite heavyweight cast-iron pan, this will work on your ceramic hob. Be gentle, though - although the glass is specially strengthened, it can still be damaged if you drop something heavy on it.
Find out if any budget brands match up to Le Creuset by heading to the best non-stick frying pans and best saucepans.
Every year we ask owners of hobs if they've had any problems, and what they are.
Compared with other appliances, hobs are very reliable and rarely break down. But if they do, the main issues are:
If the glass surface gets seriously damaged, then it's time for a new hob as this cannot be repaired.
For expert advice on hob guarantees and hob repairs, see our guide to the most reliable hob brands.