Table hobs are freestanding cooking plates that sit on a worktop and plug into a wall socket. They suit small kitchens, student flats, offices, holiday homes and anyone who needs an extra cooking zone. Our range of over 50 models includes brands such as CASO, RAVANSON, ESPERANZA and TRISTAR.
How to choose a table hob
Heating type. Induction hobs heat the pan directly, so they react quickly and the surface stays cooler. Ceramic and infrared hobs heat a glass plate first, which is slower but works with any flat-bottomed pan. Choose induction if speed and precise temperature control matter, and ceramic if you want to keep your existing cookware.
Number of zones. A single-zone hob is enough for one person or for occasional use, and it is easy to store. A double hob lets you run a pot and a pan together, which makes it a better stand-in for a full cooker. Check the worktop space first, because a two-zone model is noticeably wider.
Power and electrical load. Single hobs are usually rated at roughly 1,500 to 2,200 W, and double models draw considerably more. On many double hobs the zones share the available power, so using both at once reduces the output of each. Look at the total wattage and make sure your socket and circuit can carry it, especially if other appliances run on the same line.
Cookware and controls. Induction needs pans with a magnetic base. A fridge magnet that sticks firmly to the bottom is a simple test. Touch controls are easy to wipe clean, while knobs are simpler to use with wet or greasy hands. Useful extras include a timer, a child lock and automatic switch-off if the hob overheats or is left without a pan.
Table hob brands we carry
- CASO: German kitchen appliance brand known for its induction hobs, alongside products such as vacuum sealers and wine coolers.
- TRISTAR: Dutch maker of small domestic appliances, including cooking and food preparation products.
- SEVERIN: German family-run company, founded in 1892, that makes small household and kitchen appliances.
- CLATRONIC: German small appliance brand that focuses on straightforward, affordable household products.
Also in our range: RAVANSON, ESPERANZA, ADLER, MPM, BLOW, MAESTRO, CAMRY and PROMIS.
Table hob FAQ
What is a table hob?
A table hob is a portable electric cooking appliance with one or two heating zones that stands on a worktop. It needs no installation, only a mains socket. It is often used in place of a built-in hob in small kitchens, or as extra capacity next to a full cooker.
Is an induction or a ceramic table hob better?
Induction is generally faster and more energy efficient, because the heat is produced in the pan itself and not in the hob surface. Ceramic hobs cost less to make and work with any flat-bottomed cookware, but they heat and cool more slowly. For daily cooking, induction is usually the better fit if your pans are compatible.
Which pans can I use on an induction table hob?
You need pans with a magnetic base, such as cast iron, enamelled steel and many stainless steel pans marked as induction-ready. Aluminium, copper and glass cookware will not work unless the base has a magnetic layer. If a magnet sticks firmly to the underside of the pan, it will normally work.
Should I buy a single or a double table hob?
A single hob is the better choice if you cook for one or two people, have limited space or plan to move it around. A double hob suits households that regularly cook several items at once. Bear in mind that it takes more worktop space and draws more power.
