Future Of Cooking: Induction Venting Hobs
Induction venting hobs, also sometimes known as downdraft induction hobs, have emerged as a sleek and smart solution to cooking and air filtration all in one.
No more bulky hoods hanging over, no more dealing with excessive steam, smoke or odours lingering in your kitchen. Induction cooking is already known for its fast heating, energy efficiency and precise control, but the addition of an integrated ventilation system makes it even more appealing.
Read on to find out more about this new technology, the benefits it could bring to your life and some of the models we have to offer...
How does an induction venting hob work?
Induction venting hobs work by combining an induction hob with an integrated ventilation system.
Induction refers to the heat transfer when cooking. Beneath the hob's ceramic plate, induction coils made from copper create a magnetic field as electricity is passed through. If a pan made of ferromagnetic material is placed on the hob, the magnetic field causes it to directly heat up. The benefit of this is the hob stays cool, with only a little residual heat from the pan. A thermostatically controlled fan cools the electronic components below the surface, and due to the extra contact with the heat below it, induction hobs will stop the pan developing hot spots and therefore reduce the chance of burnt or scorched food.
The venting system is built directly into the induction hob. These hobs feature a ventilation system that extracts the air from the cooking area, removing smoke, steam and odours as they arise. The hob has a cross-flow of air that is stronger than the rising vapour, which means this flow draws the steam and odours into the central vent.
The captured steam, smoke and odours are then drawn into the filters within the ventilation system. These filters are designed to trap both grease and particles, with the purified air either being extracted outside your home through an external outlet or recirculated back into your kitchen through charcoal filters.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of induction venting hobs?
These innovative cooktops offer a range of advantages that make them a compelling choice, with benefits that are worth some consideration:
Pros
- Energy efficiency: these induction hobs generate heat directly into cookware, resulting in faster heating and precise temperature control
- Safety: the hob remains cool to touch, reducing the risk of burns. They also offer features such as automatic switch off and child safety locks
- Ease of cleaning: the flat, glass surface is easy to clean. Most of these vented hobs also have removable, and often dishwasher safe, filters in the ventilation system
- Space saving ventilation: the built in extractor fan removes the need for a separate cooker hood elsewhere, saving space within your kitchen with this neat design
Cons
- Cookware: induction hobs require cookware made of a ferromagnetic material with a flat base. To test your existing cookware, simply place a magnet on the base of your pan and if it sticks it is compatible
- Cost: sometimes these hobs come with a slightly higher initial cost, but will often save you money in the long run
What additional features do they offer?
Induction venting hobs offer more advanced and tech-driven functionalities, combining to create a more efficient, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing, cooking environment.
Touch Controls
Consider how you control your hob. Many vented hobs feature touch controls for intuitive and precise operation. The controls should be responsive and user friendly, offering a stress-free way of cooking.
Safety Features
Also controlled by the intuitive touch controls, assess the safety features offered by the hob. This can often include child safety locks, overheat protection and automatic switch-off functions to ensure secure cooking.
Bridging Zones/Flexi Zones
Some models offer bridging zones or flexi zones, allowing you to combine two zones into a larger area for use with larger cookware.
Cooking Sensors
Advanced induction venting hobs come equipped with cooking sensors that detect the size and placement of your cookware, automatically adjusting the heat of the hob according to what is cooking to ensure optimal cooking results each time.
Timer & Delay-Start
Many hobs feature a built-in timer and delay start function, which can be handy when preparing precise meals, meal planning and multitasking with various dishes. Often a cooking zone timer is also an option, with an independent timer being programmed for each cooking zone to allow you to cook different dishes for their required timings.
Which induction venting hob should I choose?
Choosing the right appliances for your kitchen is crucial - especially when it comes to your hob as it is often used daily in any home. With modern technology, induction itself, and induction venting hobs, are becoming increasingly popular. But how do you decide which venting hob is best for you? There are a few things you should consider:
- Cooking needs and habits - consider the type of frequent cooking you do, whether it is a quick homemade soup or an elaborate, flavoursome curry dish. Understanding your cooking style will help you to select a hob with appropriate features and functions and power levels.
- Space and design of your kitchen - ensuring space and design compatibility with your chosen hob is essential. Measure your kitchen space accurately and consider the layout to find a model that fits. You will also need to consider the ventilation method, whether it is ducting or recirculating, as this may also affect where you place your hob.
- Brand reputation - Miro and Faber are both reputable brands when it comes to cooker hoods so this may be an advantage when it comes to their venting hobs, however a lot of the brands we sell are already well-known for their reliable range cookers, so it is about finding a brand you trust.
- Budget - consider how much you are willing to spend, as prices can vary based on features and brands. The induction venting hobs we offer range from £1525 up to £3295.
Take a look at what we have on offer here at Rangecookers.co.uk...
Faber were the original innovators of cooker hoods over 60 years ago, meaning they truly are experts when it comes to the technology and efficiency of air movement.
The Galileo Smart 60 is a powerful venting hob that is perfect for smaller spaces. By featuring a narrow space saving central extractor grille, the Galileo Smart 60 cooktop seamlessly integrates into any modern kitchen and the extractor draws air downwards beneath your worktop.
Despite being smaller in width, this venting hob still offers nine power settings, plus an extra boost setting, and four induction zones offering power boost, touch control and a timer for each zone. It really is the perfect option for small kitchens or cooks in need of a space saving solution.
Introducing the Galileo Stripes venting hob, created with efficiency in mind and utilising cooking technologies with an ultra-modern design.
By also featuring the narrow space saving central extractor grille, the Galileo Stripes cooktop allows for increased induction cooking zones whilst still maximising the amount of air that is being extracted. The grille's slim profile has been elongated and is made from a durable blacked out plastic, which is both easy to use and flush to the hob.
The four induction zones are interchangeable between four individual zones for four different pans, or four flexible cooking zones that can adapt to the size of your cookware. This allows you to cook with larger pans or create extra-large cooking areas for the use of griddles. There are also handy functions such as power boost, centralised touch control and a timer for each zone.
The Stripes showcases unique, brilliant white LED slider controls for each cooking zone, providing a distinctive contemporary look.
Modern 83cm Induction Venting Hob
Bertazzoni are known for their stylish range cookers, but their impressive built-in collection has fit in perfectly. An array of neat venting hobs makes this range stand-out within a very crowded market.
This 83cm venting hob is equipped with four cooking zones and an integrated hood. Each zone offers nine power levels, all of which has an added booster function for ultimate power. Child safety lock, automatic switch-off and overflow security functions are all available. A practical multislider, one for each zone, allows you to easily set the cooking parameters whilst also controlling the handy multizone function.
The integrated hood has 10 speed selections, automatic control and is 100% safe against water leaks. Once the hood is switched on, the Automatic operation function will adjust the speed of the hood based on the power used during cooking.
Miro offers a unique and stylish range of high-performance kitchen appliances. Suiting all styles, Miro's surface hood selection is designed perfectly for the demands of modern-day kitchen living.
The 78cm Envy venting induction cooktop features four cooking zones, plus two bridging zones. Three speeds, plus a power boost function on each zone, are all controlled by electronic touch control - as well as the auto protect detection and security lock functions. The Envy's powerful waterproof brushless motor is positioned under the glass, with an internal water collector for humidity and accidental spillages.
This 80cm Miro venting induction cooktop also features four cooking zones, plus the two bridging zones for use of larger pans. This hob offers nine speeds, plus a power boost function on each zone.
With a sleek black ceramic glass surface, this hob is suited to any cooking task with the ease of cleaning up afterwards. Much like the Envy, the Spectre has a powerful brushless motor is that positioned under the glass and offers a total height of 254mm. It is also equipped with an internal water collector for accidental spillages.
Plasma 80cm Induction Venting Hob
Combining intelligent design with beautiful finishes, Caple understand how people want to use their space and appliances.
This 80cm induction venting hob with downdraft extractor is the perfect combination of function and form. The frameless black glass cooktop features 10 power levels, including a booster function on all zones and Auto Boost mode. Invisi touch control provides direct access, plus child safety lock, anti-overheat protection and automatic safety shut-off make this a very safe option.
The integrated hood is supplied with a plasma filter, helping to filter against cooking odours, airborne viruses, bacteria and pet allergens. The downdraft is directed by touch control and offers 10 speeds, plus an auto 10-60 minute timer and automatic switch off after 10 minutes.
This 60cm induction venting hob from Caple is the perfect combination of function and form. The frameless black glass cooktop, with black extractor grille, creates a sleek and understated look within your kitchen, also allowing for easy cleaning and a lesser chance of fingerprints.
It features 10 power levels, including a boost function on all zones and Auto Boost mode. Invisi touch control provides direct access, plus control of child safety lock, anti-overheat protection and automatic safety shut-off.
The integrated hood can be ducted or recirculated, but a separate recirculation kit would need to be ordered. The downdraft is directed by touch control and offers 10 speeds, plus an auto 10-60 minute timer and automatic switch-off after 10 minutes.
Series 9 83cm Induction Venting Hob
Fisher & Paykel are a renowned name in the world of home appliances and have been crafting innovative and reliable products for over 80 years.
This 83cm induction venting cooktop features four cooking zones, including simple pairing of two zones to create a large SmartZone. Touch&Slide controls react immediately when you adjust the temperature, so you can go from boil to a simmer in seconds. Pan detection system, safety time out and surface hot indicators make this hob safe and efficient to use.
Eliminating the need for bulky overhead ventilation, this hob helps to create a seamless flow between kitchen and living spaces. With nine speeds, plus booster function, select the perfect extraction rate for your cooking. Designed for simple removal, the grease filter tray effectively captures spillages, whilst the single glass cooking surface can be easily wiped clean.
Premium Italian brand ILVE have been manufacturing cooking appliances for over 60 years. Known around the world for their highly impressive range cookers, they offer just as impressive built-in appliances.
This 83cm induction hob gives a contemporary styling, designed to sit flush with your work surface. This ceramic glass hob features four 3kW induction zones, each of which has the option of a boost function.
Integrated in the centre of the hob is a ventilation system, with the hob providing both exceptional cooking and extraction for your kitchen. The left and right cooking zones can be combined into two large bridging zones and the intuitive touch control panel allows you to select cooking power levels and activate the central fan.
On top of all this, safety comes first with features such as residual heat indicators, overheating and liquid spill protection sensors and child safety lock, making it perfect for a family environment.
These induction venting hobs are innovative kitchen appliances and will ensure a cleaner and more efficient cooking environment. Check out the full collection on our website here.
*Prices correct as of 13th February 2025
