Umair Gaines
Electric hobs are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and some can be plugged into a 13 amp socket. However, most hobs require more power than a standard 13 amp socket can provide, so they need to be hardwired. Electric hobs that can be plugged in are typically smaller, such as the two-ring 'domino hob' or the Baby Belling, and have a lower power rating, which may make them less suitable for those who use multiple hob zones or power-hungry features. For safety reasons, it is recommended that all electric cookers and ovens are installed on their own dedicated circuit, even if they can technically be plugged into a 13 amp socket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug type | 13-amp plug |
| Hob type | Electric hob |
| Hob power rating | 7-8KW |
| Plug power rating | 13A |
| Hardwiring | Required for power ratings above 3KW |
| Plug and play | Possible with 2-ring hob or 13-amp induction hob |
| Dedicated circuit | Recommended for safety |
| Installation | Consult a qualified electrician |
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What You'll Learn
Electric hobs that can be plugged in
However, some smaller, two-ring induction hobs, such as the Baby Belling, can be plugged into a standard 13A socket. These hobs have a lower power rating than standard hobs, so they are slower to heat up. It is also possible to buy a four-ring induction hob that can be plugged into a 13A socket, but only two rings can be used at full power at the same time.
If you are thinking of buying a plug-in electric hob, you should check the size of the cut-out in your worktop. Induction hobs may need a bigger hole than a gas hob, so you may need to get a bigger hole cut and pay for the mess to be cleaned up. You should also check what wiring and fuse you already have. If you are on a standard ring mains, you may be limited to plug-in options unless you rewire.
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Electric hobs that need hardwiring
Most electric hobs require more than the 3kW of power that a standard 13A socket can provide. This means that they need to be hardwired into the existing cooker outlet. Electric hobs that need hardwiring include 4-ring hobs, which typically use 7-8kW of power, and 2-ring 'domino' hobs that use more than 3kW.
If you are unsure about whether your electric hob needs to be hardwired, it is best to consult a qualified electrician. Attempting to connect an electric hob to a 13A socket could result in blown fuses and may be unsafe.
There are some electric hobs that can be plugged into a 13A socket. These include the Siemens induction hob, which operates at a lower power rating than a standard induction hob, and the Baby Belling, a portable 2-ring cooker with an oven/grill. However, Baby Belling's grill/oven and rings cannot be used at the same time.
It is possible to rewire the internals of an electric hob to provide a separate 13A supply to each individual plate, but this could invalidate the warranty and may be unsafe. Always check the user manual before attempting any modifications.
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Electric hobs and power requirements
Electric hobs typically have high power requirements, which means they often need to be hard-wired into the existing cooker outlet. The average electric hob consumes 7-8kW of power, which is somewhere in the region of 30-35 amps. This is far greater than the 13 amps available from a standard UK plug socket.
Some electric hobs are designed to be plugged in, such as the Baby Belling hob, which has two rings and an oven/grill. However, the grill and rings cannot be used at the same time. There are also some two-ring induction hobs that can be plugged in. If you want to plug in a four-ring hob, it will need to be a 'domino hob' pulling less than 3 kW.
Siemens makes an induction hob that can be plugged into a 13-amp socket, but it has a lower power rating than a standard induction hob, so it is not as quick. It is possible to wire any electrical hob into a 13-amp plug if you rewire the internals to provide a separate 13-amp supply to each individual plate. However, this kind of work is best done by a qualified electrician.
The high power requirements of electric hobs mean they are less energy-efficient than gas hobs. The average electric efficiency of new electric hobs sold in 2020 was 78.3%, corresponding to an average annual consumption of 231 kWh of electricity. Ecodesign measures are being implemented to improve the energy efficiency of electric hobs and ovens, with EU27 users expected to save €0.80 per household per year by 2030.
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Electric hobs and safety considerations
Electric hobs are available in induction, coil, and smooth top models. Induction stoves heat cookware directly through electromagnetic fields, coil stoves use electrical resistance, and smooth tops offer a flat surface with underlying elements.
While some electric hobs can be plugged into a 13 amp socket, most require more than 3 kilowatts of power and need to be hard-wired. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a qualified electrician to install your electric hob.
- Ensure your hob is installed correctly and professionally to avoid electrical issues and other common hazards.
- Keep a clear escape route from the kitchen and ensure all household members know how to use the main electrical panel to shut off the power in an emergency.
- Maintain good ventilation and keep flammable materials away from the hob.
- Utilize built-in safety features such as timers, auto-shutoff sensors, child locks, and overheating alerts.
- Regularly clean your hob and check for any signs of wear or damage to prevent issues like electrical fires.
- Keep a suitable fire extinguisher in your kitchen, such as a Class K extinguisher designed for grease and cooking fires.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case your electric stove catches fire. Know how to react and whom to contact for repairs.
- If you have young children, consider an induction hob, which heats the pans and not the cook surface, reducing burn risks.
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Electric hobs vs gas hobs
Electric hobs and gas hobs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Electric hobs are generally safer than gas hobs as they do not have an open flame, reducing the risk of accidental fires. They are also easier to clean and maintain, with no risk of things burning onto the hob itself. Induction hobs, a type of electric hob, are renowned for their lightning-fast heating capabilities. They are also more energy-efficient than gas hobs, as there is less heat loss, which can save you money on energy bills.
However, gas hobs have benefits over electric hobs. They are generally cheaper to run, with lower electricity costs making a significant difference in energy bills. They are also more reliable, with fewer things that can go wrong. Gas hobs are also favoured for the level of control they offer during cooking, with the ability to simmer and char food in a way that electric hobs cannot.
In terms of installation, gas hobs can often be plugged in for their ignition function, but electric hobs typically need to be hard-wired, as they require more power than a standard socket can provide. However, there are some electric hobs designed to be plugged in, such as the Baby Belling, and some two-ring induction hobs.
Overall, the choice between an electric and gas hob depends on your specific needs and priorities in the kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to plug a hob into a 13 amp socket as a hob on average takes about 7-8KW, which is somewhere in the region of 30-35A. A 13 amp plug is rated at 13A. However, you can get 13 amp induction hobs that can be plugged into a 13 amp socket.
You can hardwire an electric hob. This means that the hob will have its own circuit breaker or fuse to trip the power to the appliance in case something goes wrong.
A benefit of plugging an electric hob into a 13 amp socket is that it may not need to be connected by a professional electrician.
If you often use multiple hob zones simultaneously, or want a hob with some of the more power-hungry features, you might bump up against power-management restrictions.
