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Replacing a gas hob with an electric hob can look like a straightforward appliance swap. In many kitchens, the work involves more than removing one hob and fitting another.

The electrical supply, worktop cut-out, gas connection and new appliance specification all need checking before installation. Finding problems after the old hob comes out can leave you without a working cooking area and add avoidable costs.

1. Check the electrical requirements of the new hob

Start with the manufacturer's electrical specification.

Many gas hobs only need a small electrical supply for ignition. An induction or ceramic hob can require a much greater electrical load.

Some electric hobs can run from a standard 13 amp connection, although this can restrict their total available power. Higher-powered models often require a dedicated circuit.

An electrician should check the appliance rating, existing cable, circuit protection and consumer unit before installation. Avoid choosing a hob on the assumption that the existing kitchen electrics can support it.

2. Find out whether you need a new circuit

An existing cooker circuit may provide a suitable supply, but its presence does not guarantee compatibility with your new hob.

The electrician needs to assess the circuit against the manufacturer's requirements and the electrical installation in the property.

If the installation requires a new circuit from the consumer unit, the work falls within the notification requirements of Part P of the Building Regulations in England. GOV.UK guidance also states that installing a built-in cooker on an existing suitable circuit does not, by itself, make the work notifiable.

This assessment makes sense before ordering the appliance, especially in older properties.

3. Check the worktop cut-out

Hobs that look the same size from above can require different cut-out dimensions.

A 600mm gas hob and a 600mm induction hob may have different requirements beneath the glass. Check the manufacturer's cut-out dimensions rather than relying on the advertised hob width.

This deserves extra attention with granite, quartz and other stone worktops. Enlarging a stone cut-out requires specialist cutting, and the position of joints, rails or nearby edges can limit what can be altered.

4. Check the depth below the worktop

Induction hobs contain electrical components beneath the glass and need sufficient space within the cabinet.

Drawers, ovens, support rails and cabinet construction can affect whether the appliance fits. Manufacturers may also specify clearances or ventilation requirements below the hob.

Measure the usable space, not the external cabinet dimensions.

5. Arrange for the gas supply to be disconnected

Removing the old gas hob involves work on the gas installation.

A Gas Safe registered engineer should disconnect the appliance and make the remaining gas supply safe. HSE guidance states that anyone carrying out gas work as part of a business must have the appropriate competence and Gas Safe registration.

Do not treat capping the old gas pipe as part of general kitchen fitting work.

The position of the capped pipe also deserves consideration. It should not obstruct the new hob, oven, drawers or cabinetry.

6. Check the position of the isolation controls

The new hob needs a suitable means of electrical isolation.

Your electrician can confirm what the appliance requires and where the controls should sit. Plan this before finishing splashbacks, decorating walls or fitting new cabinetry.

Good planning avoids adding an awkward switch or connection point after the kitchen has been completed.

7. Coordinate the trades before removing the old hob

Arrange the gas and electrical checks before installation day.

The safest sequence usually involves confirming the new hob specification, assessing the electrical supply, checking the worktop and cabinet dimensions, then arranging the gas disconnection and appliance installation.

That approach reduces the chance of discovering that the new hob cannot connect to the existing supply or fit the existing opening.

FAQs

Can you replace a gas hob with an induction hob?

Yes. The change is possible in many kitchens, provided the electrical supply, worktop opening, cabinet space and ventilation suit the chosen induction hob. A Gas Safe registered engineer must handle the gas connection.

Does an induction hob need its own electrical circuit?

Many higher-powered induction hobs require a dedicated circuit, while some models can operate from a 13 amp supply. Check the appliance specification and ask an electrician to assess the installation before purchase.

Can an induction hob fit into the same hole as a gas hob?

Sometimes. Matching nominal hob widths do not guarantee matching cut-out dimensions. Compare the manufacturer's measurements for both appliances before removing the existing hob.

Can an electrician disconnect the old gas hob?

Only someone with the appropriate Gas Safe registration should carry out gas work as part of their business. Check the engineer's registration and the categories of work shown on their Gas Safe ID card.

Should I check the electrics before buying the hob?

Yes. Checking the available electrical supply first can prevent you buying a hob that requires circuit upgrades you had not planned for.