Gas hobs
Gas hobs
Guidance for UK homes choosing a gas hob. Learn how they work, compare them with induction and understand installation and future planning.
The appeal of gas
Gas hobs use an open flame to heat your pans. They remain a familiar choice across UK homes because the flame responds immediately and gives strong heat for wok dishes, charring vegetables and simmering sauces.
Modern gas hobs include compact 60 cm four-burner layouts as well as wider 70–90 cm models with dedicated wok burners. Gas on Glass suits modern German kitchens, while stainless steel remains the classic professional style.
This page explains how each option fits into a new kitchen, including installation, clearances, surface finishes and long term suitability.
UK market shift
The UK shifts steadily towards electric cooking, with induction taking the lead in most new kitchens. Gas hobs are still available, but several brands release fewer gas models and lead times have grown for some units.
If you prefer gas today, plan ahead. Ask your electrician to run a suitable induction-rated cable to the hob area so a future upgrade stays simple.
How a gas hob works
A gas hob mixes gas with air and ignites the burner to create a controllable flame. Each burner has a cap that spreads heat across the pan base.
- Cast iron or steel pan supports hold your cookware above the flame.
- Burners vary from small simmer burners to high-output wok burners.
- Flame-failure devices shut off the gas if the flame goes out.
- Gas Safe engineers link the hob to mains gas or LPG with correct jets.
The hob drops into a cut-out in the worktop. Correct ventilation and extraction are essential for safe daily use.
When gas suits your kitchen
- Existing safe gas pipework already in place at the hob location.
- Preference for visible flame control rather than touch controls.
- You own non-magnetic cookware and want to keep it.
- Strong extraction above the hob and good airflow in the room.
- You enjoy high heat cooking such as wok-frying or charring.
Induction is still cleaner, faster and more efficient, yet gas remains a valid choice when you prioritise flame cooking.
Surface choice: Glass vs Steel
Gas on Glass
A modern toughened glass surface beneath the burners.
- Pros: Easy to wipe, sleek, pairs well with black ovens.
- Cons: Shows dust, heavy pan supports must be lifted not dragged.
Stainless Steel
A pressed steel tray offers durability and a professional look.
- Pros: Strong, heat tolerant, classic finish.
- Cons: Shows fingerprints, scratches over time.
Enamel surfaces remain common on mid-range models. Chips stay visible, but the cost sits lower than glass or steel.
Gas vs Induction
A quick comparison to help you decide if gas fits your next kitchen or if induction offers better long-term value.
| Feature | Gas hob | Induction hob |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Heat adjusts instantly with a visible flame. | Digital levels give precise control. |
| Efficiency | More heat lost into the room. | Very efficient heating directly into the pan. |
| Cleaning | Needs pan supports removed for cleaning. | Flat glass wipes clean quickly. |
| Safety | Open flame and hot metal supports. | Cooler surface and auto shut-off features. |
| Future proofing | Less priority in new builds. | Growing standard across the UK. |
Standard UK sizes
60 cm – four burners
The standard replacement size. Fits a 600 mm base unit and suits most UK homes.
70–75 cm – five burner
More space and often a dedicated wok burner.
Many fit a standard 60 cm cut-out.
80–90 cm – wide
Larger layouts for keen cooks.
Needs a wider cabinet and good extraction space.
Slim 30–40 cm domino gas modules pair well with induction zones to create a mixed surface.
Installation: Top mount vs Flush mount
Top mounted
The hob sits above the worktop surface with a small visible lip.
- Works with laminate, wood, quartz, granite and porcelain.
- Simple rectangular cut-out.
- Easy to replace in the future.
- Lip helps contain spills.
Flush mounted
The worktop is routed to allow the hob to sit level with the surface.
- Only suitable for quartz, granite, porcelain or Corian.
- Not suitable for laminate or timber.
- Routing reduces thickness. Thicker 30–40 mm worktops needed when an oven sits below.
- Future replacement must match the same frame size.
* Agree the mounting detail with the designer and worktop fabricator before the template stage.
Safety and UK regulations
Gas Safe installation
UK law requires a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas hob installation or alteration. Keep the certification with your kitchen documents.
Clearances
- Extractor height usually 750 mm above gas.
- Leave space from tall cabinets (often 150 mm+).
- No switches or sockets in the hot zone above the burners.
- 300mm either side of the hob is recommended
Buying checklist
- ◻ LPG or natural gas configuration confirmed.
- ◻ Worktop depth suits hob depth and gas fittings.
- ◻ Strong extraction planned above the hob.
- ◻ Electrical feed installed for future induction upgrade.
Typical costs
£150–£300
Basic four-burner stainless steel or entry-level gas-on-glass.
£300–£700
Mid-range German and European brands with better flame control.
£800–£2,000+
Premium flush-mount, brass burners, specialist layouts.
Gas Safe installation normally adds £150–£300 depending on access and region.