The Science: The induction hob looks almost identical to sealed plate or ceramic ones, but the heating process is very different. The traditional ones heat an element whereas the induction hob uses electromagnets to generate a magnetic field which induces a flow of current which heats the food, but leaving the hob cool to touch, but be aware that the ceramic plate can get hot where the pot has been. Using a induction hob requires special pans that have a double bottom made of iron series or magnetic material with a flat bottom between 12cm and 24cm. This was something we never considered when getting this hob, so it we found only one of our pots worked. A quick test is to use a magnet to see if it will stick to the bottom of the pot. The plus side is that there is no wasted energy as the hob heats instantly; no waiting for the normal electric cooker to warm up. As the hob, does not get hot it is much safer as there are no accidental burns – how often I have forgotten that the hot is still hot and placed something on it only for it to melt! Cleaning is so easy, again because the plate does not heat up the food does not burn or bake onto the hob, so it just takes a damp cloth to wipe it off. This hob comes with 5 pre-set modes, Heat milk, Stir fry, Deep fry and Boil mode. Using these is a simple press of a button, but there are some guidelines that need to be watched. Quantities of water, oil and other foods need to be within the parameters or it will not function like it should. For example: Deep fry mode is intended for heating an oil quantity of more than 1L but only up to 2L. However, when the oil reaches temperature the hob beeps twice, and will maintain the same heat throughout cooking – so much safer. This will take me a while to memorise! Having tried several different functions, we are finding it a great benefit especially for ‘stew mode’ as it cooks away without the worry of the heat fluctuating, and it simmers beautifully. Also, we often run out of hob space when cooking for family and friends, so is an asset. I’m still confused with the timer function, but it would be beneficial if you only wanted to cook something for a specified time. I am more of a haphazard cook where nothing gets timed, but my husband is the opposite and times everything so will be showing him this function! The downsides that I have with it is that the hob does not seem to ‘stick’ to our worktop so it can slide a bit when stirring or moving the food about. I will be looking for a rubber mat or something to stop this. Also, the need to buy new pots and pans could be an added expense but they are easy to obtain and would advise buying a quality pan so it lasts ages.

Having moved house I was desperately missing our old induction hob. Cue purchase of this mini induction hob. The good. Plenty of power, brings pans up to the boil very quickly and its easy to maintain a constant simmer. Timer works and switches off the power to the hob as required. The bad. The pre-programmed settings are pointless. boil water for example turns the hob off before the pan is boiling. I only use the manual setting which is fine. What really lets the pan down is the horrible plastic press through cover on the buttons. Terrible to touch, looks as if it will last three months with minimal use of the hob. Not sure who at Tefal signed this off as being acceptable. It's not.

I recently tried out a Tefal Everyday IH201840 - Black Initially we had a bit of bother with it, as we were not aware that you could only use a certain type of pan, Thankfully the hob gives an error code as soon as you try to put any pan on that is not of the right calibre. Selecting your pot The manual states that for the hob to work, you need to use a double bottom pots or magnetic induction materials. One easy way to test is to take a fridge magnet to your pots, if it sticks it should work on your hob. Settings There are various cooking methods on this hob Manual Mode - where you can pre-set the temperature Heat Milk Mode - This is a great way to heat your milk without the worry of it overboiling Stew Mode - This is great for slow cooking and maintains an even temperature over 2 hours Stir Fry Mode - This is great in that the machine will beep when it is at a temperature to add your ingredients Deep Fry Mode - for anything between 1 and 2 litres Boil Mode - This is a bit of a feature issue for me as you have to have an ideal quantity in otherwise it won’t boil to the full temperature You then have a timer which you can set for the amount of time you want to cook for I am in a house where we cook for 3 adults and 6 kids, when making roast dinners, we always struggle for the much needed extra hob, having the Induction hob makes things that much easier, and although it can take time to come to grips with things such as pans, quantities of water and timings, once you are confident with the equipment it is far easier. It’s so easy to clean as well! Just a wipe once it’s cool and you’re good to go.

Why have I only just found these? What a brilliant item, amazing speed and cools down immediately. Also so handy to take anywhere as it only needs plugging in to a nearby socket! Only 4 stars as it has set temperatures but would have preferred variable. Still, a great product from a very reputable company.

Major issue is the lack of any temperature control when operating in manual mode. The only way to change the temperature appears to be by changing the power setting, which is not exactly fine tuning! Impossible to get it to a very low simmer. Otherwise a neat looking machine with some useful presets.

The product its self would get 5stars. The reason I dropped 2 stars was the package it came in was soaking wet and damaged.

Fantastic little hob that is well worth the money. Ideal if extra cooking capacity is needed this item is absolutely perfect for everyday cooking. And the beauty of it is, you can shove it in a cupboard once done. Try doing that with your cooker......!!

Loved it so much, we bought a second one! It has timer so no worries if time gets away from you. We don’t even use our usual hob.