Electric Hob Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Start

When you're replacing an old cooktop or upgrading your kitchen, electric hob installation, the process of connecting a standalone electric cooking surface to your home’s power supply. Also known as electric cooktop installation, it’s not just about slotting a new unit into place—it’s about making sure the wiring, circuit load, and clearance all meet safety standards. Many people assume it’s a simple swap, but a miswired hob can trip breakers, damage your electrical panel, or even start a fire. Unlike gas hobs, electric ones don’t need ventilation ducts, but they demand a dedicated circuit, usually 240 volts, and proper grounding. If your kitchen was built before 2010, there’s a good chance the wiring isn’t up to modern standards for a new hob.

Electric cooker wiring, the system that delivers power from your breaker box to the cooking surface is the most critical part. Most hobs need a 32-amp circuit with a special outlet or direct hardwiring. You can’t just plug one in like a toaster. The kitchen appliance installation, the broader process of setting up fixed appliances like hobs, ovens, and extractors often involves checking the height of cabinets, the depth of the cutout, and whether the surface underneath can handle the weight. A hob that’s even slightly uneven can crack the glass or cause the burners to misalign. And if you’re replacing an old unit, the old wiring might be outdated, corroded, or shared with another appliance—both red flags.

Some people try to DIY electric hob installation because they’ve changed a light switch or replaced a socket. But this isn’t the same. One wrong connection, and you risk frying the hob’s control board, blowing your main fuse, or worse. Even if you’re handy, it’s smarter to hire a certified electrician or a gas and appliance engineer who’s trained in both gas and electric systems. They’ll check your home’s electrical capacity, test the circuit, and make sure the installation passes local building codes. In the UK, Part P of the Building Regulations requires that fixed electrical appliances like hobs be installed by a qualified person—especially if it’s a new circuit.

And while you’re at it, think about what comes next. A new hob might mean you need to update your extractor fan, check your kitchen ventilation, or even rewire the nearby outlets for your kettle or toaster. Many of the issues we see in Bedford homes come from older kitchens where the electrical system was never upgraded after the original installation. That’s why a good installation isn’t just about the hob—it’s about making sure your whole kitchen can support it safely and efficiently.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been through this—whether they tried to fix a faulty hob themselves, replaced an old unit, or figured out why their new cooktop kept tripping the breaker. No theory. No guesswork. Just what actually works in homes like yours.