Cooktops

Upgrade Your UK Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cooktops

Why the right cooktop matters

Picking a cooktop is like choosing the engine for your kitchen—get it right and everything runs smoothly; pick the wrong one and you’ll be stuck wrestling with pans and uneven heat. Whether you’re renovating or simply replacing an old hob, the cooktop you choose will affect cooking speed, energy bills, cleanliness, and even the look of your kitchen. In this guide I’ll walk you through the practical choices, point you to reliable UK retailers (including Expert Electrical and other well-known stores), and help you match a cooktop to your cooking style and kitchen layout.

Types of cooktops: Gas, induction, ceramic, and electric

Let’s break down the options like an ingredients list. Gas cooktops give you instant visual heat control and are loved by many chefs, but they need a gas line. Induction hobs are fast and precise—if you like boiling water in a blink, induction is your friend—and they’re easier to clean. Ceramic (glass) electric hobs offer a sleek look and steady heat but are slower than induction. Legacy electric coil hobs still exist but are becoming rare. Each type has trade-offs in speed, efficiency, cost, and required cookware.

Gas cooktops: Pros and cons

Gas cooktops heat instantly and let you see flame size for intuitive control, great for stir-fries and quick temperature changes. They work with any cookware and can be less expensive up-front. However, they need proper ventilation and a gas supply, and cleaning around grates can be fiddly. If you have a cast-iron pan or love flambéing, gas might feel like home.

Induction cooktops: The modern contender

Induction uses magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the surface, so pans heat faster and the hob stays cooler. It’s energy-efficient and precise, and spills don’t burn on as easily. The catch? You’ll need induction-compatible pans—think magnetic stainless or cast iron. Induction hobs are perfect if you want speed, safety, and a sleek aesthetic.

Ceramic and electric hobs: Sleek but steady

Ceramic glass hobs look smart and clean up well, but they heat slower than induction and can retain heat for a while. Traditional electric coil units are durable and often cheaper but less attractive and harder to clean. If you prioritise a low-maintenance surface with a modern look, ceramic is a solid middle ground.

Top UK retailers to buy cooktops

Where you buy matters almost as much as what you buy. Below are trusted UK stores where you can find a wide range of cooktops—some specialise in appliances, others offer competitive deals and installation options. I’ll highlight what to expect from each so you can shop smart.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical is a useful source for kitchen appliances and accessories, often stocking switches, sockets, and associated electrical fittings alongside cooktops and hobs. If you’re upgrading a cooktop and planning electrical work or new switches, they can be a one-stop spot for matching finishes and essentials. Their range tends to include functional, contemporary options and accessories that help finish your kitchen’s look.

Currys (Currys PC World)

Currys offers a broad selection from budget to premium hobs, including well-known brands like Bosch, Siemens, and Samsung. They usually have helpful buyer guides, customer reviews, and occasional promotions that make it easier to compare models. Currys is a good place to start if you want hands-on demonstrations or flexible delivery options.

John Lewis

John Lewis focuses on quality and customer service, and their appliance range often includes top-tier models and longer warranties. If you want a premium induction hob or a stylish ceramic unit, John Lewis tends to stock reliable brands and offers sensible delivery and installation add-ons for a hassle-free purchase.

AO.com

AO is known for fast delivery and straightforward product information. They stock a wide variety of hobs and often show clear comparisons of features like power settings and pan detection for induction units. If you want a quick turnaround and simple shopping experience, AO is worth a look.

Appliances Direct

Appliances Direct is a specialist retailer with a strong focus on kitchen appliance variety and competitive pricing. They often sell models across a broad price range and include detailed product specs so you can fine-tune your search for power, size, and features without being overwhelmed by marketing jargon.

B&Q, Wickes, and Screwfix

If you’re combining a cooktop purchase with a broader refurb or DIY project, these retailers are convenient. B&Q and Wickes offer a mix of hobs—especially ceramic and electric options—plus the tools and materials you’ll need for fitting work. Screwfix is more trade-focused and can be handy if you’re looking for installation accessories or quick delivery for tradespeople.

Brands to consider and what they offer

Choosing a brand can be a shortcut if you trust performance and aftercare. Bosch and Siemens are known for reliability and solid induction tech; Neff and AEG focus on thoughtful features for home cooks; Smeg and Samsung blend design with performance; and Hotpoint, Indesit, and Zanussi often represent budget-friendly basics. Appliances Direct and Currys tend to stock a wide swath of these brands so you can compare cut-for-cut.

High-end picks

If you’re chasing feature-rich hobs with sleek finishes, look at Neff, Miele, and Bosch’s premium lines. These often include flexible cooking zones, booster settings for rapid heat, and precise temperature control. They’re great if you take pride in perfecting sauces or searing steaks.

Budget-friendly options

Brands like Hotpoint and Indesit offer dependable, no-frills cooktops that do the job without breaking the bank. For a tight remodel budget, these are sensible choices—especially if you don’t need the bells and whistles of fancy touch controls or multiple induction zones.

Choosing the right size and layout for your space

Cooktop sizes are typically expressed in inches, and common widths are 24", 30", and 36". A 24" hob fits a compact kitchen or a narrow worktop, a 30" (2.5 ft) is the most popular for standard kitchens, and a 36" (3 ft) gives you extra burners and flexibility—perfect if you cook for a family or like entertaining. Think about how much countertop you have, where your cabinets sit, and the clearance above the hob for a hood or cabinets before you buy.

How many burners or zones do you need?

Two to four cooking zones are common. A two-burner setup might be enough in a small flat, while a 3- or 4-burner hob suits most families. Induction models sometimes offer flexible zones that expand to fit larger pans—handy if you use griddles or odd-shaped cookware. If you often multitask with multiple pots, lean toward more zones.

Installation, electrical requirements, and safety

Installation matters. Gas hobs need a certified gas safe engineer, while induction and electric hobs require proper electrical capacity and possibly a dedicated circuit—check with an electrician before ordering. If you’re replacing an older unit, measure the cutout carefully (in inches!) and verify that power and gas points line up. Safety features like automatic shut-off on induction or flame failure devices on gas models are worth prioritising, especially in family homes.

Venting and cooker hoods

A good hood keeps steam, smoke, and odour at bay. Ideally, place a hood above a gas hob or an induction hob that generates steam from heavy cooking. Hoods come in sizes like 30" and 36" to match your hob width—matching sizes visually balances the kitchen and gives the best extraction coverage.

Energy efficiency and running costs

Induction hobs typically win on energy efficiency because they heat the pan directly; less energy is lost to the air. Gas can be less efficient for the same reason but remains popular for control and compatibility with older cookware. If you’re conscious of running costs and carbon footprint, induction paired with energy-efficient cookware is a smart long-term choice.

Cleaning and maintenance made easy

Think of cleaning as part of the daily routine—glass surfaces wipe down quickly, but stubborn spills on ceramic can need a scraper. Cast-iron grates on gas hobs can be heavy to lift and clean, while induction surfaces only get mildly warm and rarely bake on spilled food. If you hate scrubbing, induction or flat ceramic surfaces will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Where to find the best deals and comparison tips

Look for seasonal sales, appliance bundles, and price comparison across retailers like Currys, John Lewis, AO, and Appliances Direct. Specialist sites and electrical shops sometimes offer competitive pricing on specific brands. When comparing, don’t just look at the headline price—factor in warranty length, installation add-ons, and whether the retailer provides a suitable exchange or recycling service for your old hob.

When to buy and how to negotiate

Appliance deals often pop up around bank holidays and Black Friday. If you’re flexible, timing your purchase can save a chunk. Don’t be shy to ask about price matching or included extras like fitting kits or extended warranties—retailers often have wiggle room.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you click buy, run through a quick checklist: measure the cutout in inches, confirm power or gas supply, count the number of zones you need, decide on a finish that matches your kitchen, and check what the warranty covers. If you’re unsure about electrical or gas requirements, consult a qualified professional—it's worth the peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect cooktop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by narrowing down the type—gas for classic control, induction for speed and efficiency, or ceramic for a tidy modern look—then compare sizes, brands, and retailer services. Expert Electrical is a handy place if you need coordinated electrical fittings, while larger retailers like Currys, John Lewis, AO, and Appliances Direct offer breadth, reviews, and installation options. Keep measurements in inches, think about how you cook day-to-day, and prioritise features that make life easier. With the right research and a clear checklist, you’ll find a cooktop that cooks quicker, cleans easier, and looks great in your kitchen.