Induction Hob Clearance Regulations – It can be a bit of a minefield understanding what you can and can’t do when it comes to installing an induction hob.

I’ve been noting down all of the questions I get asked around this topic and have rounded them up into one big question and answer post to help everyone out.

So, in this post, I’ll be answering everything I can about induction hob clearance regulations and common questions around induction hob installation.

Let’s get into it!

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How High Should An Extractor Fan Be Above An Induction Hob?

General guidelines recommend a gap of at least 650mm from the top of an induction hob to the underside of a wall-mounted extractor fan (cooker hood). And a gap of 750mm for gas hobs.

However, this is not a set rule. The distance required will be set out by the cooker hood manufacturer. It will depend on the type of cooker hood, the extraction method and overall build quality. As such, many cooker hoods allow a smaller gap between the hob and the extractor. Ranging anywhere from 450-650 for induction and 600-750 for gas.

The diagram below is for a NEFF angled wall-mounted cooker hood that uses perimeter extraction. It shows that it needs a minimum distance of 450mm for electric hobs (induction) and 600mm for gas.

If in doubt always check the requirements set out by the cooker hood manufacturer. It can be very important to know what distances you have to adhere to as it can directly impact the design of your kitchen.

Do You Have To Have An Extractor Above A Hob?

No, you don’t need to have an extractor above a hob.

This could be for two reasons. Firstly, there are hobs that have built-in extractors, sometimes called venting hobs, that have an extractor in the centre of the hob itself and extract the air down towards the hob surface. Eliminating the need for any kind of cooker hood above.

Secondly, you may not want or need to install a cooker hood in your kitchen at all. UK Building regulations state, “If you carry out any ‘building work’, and there is an existing extract fan (or cooker hood extracting to outside in the kitchen) you should retain or replace it. However, if there is no existing ventilation system you need not provide one.”

If you are having a new build or a kitchen extension then the rules state that you need to have ventilation to fresh air (vent to the outside). This can be by a cooker hood adjacent to the hob with a ventilation rate of 30l/s or another form of ventilation in the room at a rate of 60l/s. (litres a second)

So even if you do need to install ventilation in the room, it doesn’t have to be in the form of a traditional cooker hood above your hob.

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Can You Put A Cupboard Above An Induction Hob?

Yes. If you are having a canopy cooker hood above your hob this will need to be installed inside a cupboard. You should refer to the cooker hood manufacturer as to what height this should be above the hob. As per their minimum distance.

If you are just installing wall cabinets above a hob you will need to check with the hob manufacturer for guidance on the minimum distance a cupboard can be above the hob. A general guide is 650mm for electric and 750 for gas. You must also make sure that any wall cabinets on either side above the hob that are lower do not overhang above the hob area.

How Much Space Do You Need Around An Induction Hob?

Ideally, you should allow a minimum of 150mm of space on either side of an induction hob. So you shouldn’t install an induction hob closer than 150mm to a wall or tall cabinet/end panel. You should also make sure you have at least 150mm of worktop and space before the edge of a kitchen island if the induction hob is on an island.

However, this isn’t a set rule. It is more for safety and practical use. Some induction hobs can be installed with as little as 50mm space on either side. – This is not recommended though.

Typically you will need at least 50mm of space from the back of the induction hob to the wall and 50mm from the front of the induction hob to the front of the worktop. These measurements may vary depending on the overall size of the hob.

If in doubt always check the induction hob’s manufacturers guidelines.

Can You Put An Induction Hob Above Drawers?

Yes! This is a very popular and functional design choice and one I recommend all the time. For most kitchens and induction hobs this won’t be an issue. However, you should always check the depth needed to install the induction hob (as they do vary slightly) and make sure you have sufficient space. Typically, most induction hobs require a 65mm gap between the top of the work surface and the top of the drawer. – Some flush-mounted hobs may cause an issue.

The thickness of your worktop and cabinet construction will dictate how much depth you have available to install the induction hob.

Can Induction Hobs Be Installed Over Built-Under Ovens?

Yes. However, the oven should have fan ventilation and there should be a ventilation gap inside the housing cabinet at the back of the oven. Usually, this needs to be a minimum of 20mm but can vary depending on the oven model.

You should always check the oven and hob installation guidelines for any ventilation gap requirements.

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Can You Fit An Induction Hob Over A Dishwasher?

Maybe, but it can be tricky. This is definitely one you need to check with the induction hob manufacturer. NEFF state in their induction hob installation manual that ‘Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and ovens without a ventilation system cannot be installed below the hob’

However, other manufactures may allow it with the inclusion of some form of protective foil or plate on the underside of the hob. This is to prevent any moisture from the dishwasher from getting into the electronics of the induction hob. In addition, you will also need to have a ventilation gap at the back of the appliance to help with heat transfer.

You will also need to make sure you have a standard height dishwasher and not an XL or tall model. As you’ll require as much gap to install the hob and protection plate as possible and give as much ventilation space as you can.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend fitting an induction hob above a dishwasher. Not only are there a few hoops to jump through to make it possible, but it’s also just not very practical from a kitchen design and usability point of view.

Can You Fit An Induction Hob In 20mm Worktop?

Yes! This is very common, especially with modern/contemporary kitchens that often have thinner 20mm thick worktops. Most induction hobs and kitchen types won’t have a problem with this. However, if in doubt you should check the induction hob manufacturers installation guidelines on how much depth is needed for installation. Usually, it is around 65mm from the top of the worktop to the top of the drawers or oven and most standard cabinets allow enough space for this.

You may run into a bit of trouble if you are installing flush-mounted hobs. You should always double-check with them!

Can I Replace My Gas Hob With An Induction Hob?

Yes, you can replace any hob with another hob. However, there are a few things to take into consideration that may make it more difficult.

If you are replacing a gas hob with an induction hob you will need to safely and legally cap off the existing gas supply as well as install an electrical supply for the hob. This electrical supply may need to be a new dedicated cable large enough to carry the sufficient load needed to power the induction hob. So you may need additional electrical work carried out. However, if it is a 13amp induction hob this can be powered by a standard plug socket and is often much easier to install.

You will also need to consider the worktop cut-out size of the existing hob and what size the new hob needs. If the new hob is by the same manufacturer and of a similar size (i.e swapping a 4-zone to a 4-zone) then there is a chance that the cut-out size will be the same. The existing cut-out size could also be slightly larger (not too much) as long as the edge of the hob covers any gaps.

However, in most instances, these cut-out sizes will differ. If the existing cut-out is too big there’s not much you can do and you may also need to replace the worktop.

If the cut-out is too small you can make it bigger. However, depending on the worktop material this may be easy or quite difficult. If you have a timber or laminate worktop this can be an easy task. If you have granite, quartz or any stone worktop you may need to get professionals involved to carefully grind and cut a larger hole.

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Final Thoughts…

There you have it! Everything you need to know about induction hob clearance regulations. As well as everything I could think of around the topic as a whole.

I hope this post has answered your questions about induction hob regulations. I know it can be a bit of a confusing topic and oftentimes there aren’t clear set rules.

Remember, if in doubt always check the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for any appliance that is involved in the installation.

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