Fitting an induction hob

[cdavman]

Hi,

Our old electric plate hob recently broke down and we thought we’d replace it with an induction hob. We read the measurements online and it appeared that the hob would fit over the built-in single oven that we’ve got.

However, when it was delivered yesterday the instruction manual revealed the size of the air gaps required. Now this is where we are stuck…

The manual states that it requires a 5cm gap between the underside of the hob and the top of the oven, and a 2cm gap between the back of the oven and the wall behind. I’m guessing this is to provide enough airflow to the fan. The fan is positioned right at the back of the hob.

I’ve measured the space we’d have and it would leave 2.5cm between the underside of the hob and the top of the oven (instead of the stated 5cm), but we have a massive 12cm gap between the back of the oven and the wall behind (instead of the stated 2cm).

Now my question is, that because the fan is right at the back of the hob, and hence going to be close to the large 12cm void behind the oven, is that going to be ok? Or, do we need to lower the oven (which would look horrible aesthetically), or scrap the induction hob idea altogether and send this one back?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.

[Seamy]

Re: Fitting an induction hob

Hob will take the air in from the front obviously even though the fan is at the back. Its very important to install it to specifications, they tend not to work correctly if not enough airflow and go out on overheat protection.

[cdavman]

Re: Fitting an induction hob

I’ve since looked at several instruction manuals for other induction hobs by downloading them off the web, and none seem to require anywhere near 5cm space underneath, so I guess it must just be this particular model.

Also, I was pretty sure the fan drew air up from the back and then forced it out through the front into the room. It seems a bit odd to me if it forced the warm air out the back of the hob into the cavity behind the oven as that would surely just heat up behind the worktop making the overheating problem worse?

[kwatt]

Re: Fitting an induction hob

Ordinarily, when asked, I will tell people that the best bet is not to have an oven below an induction hob full stop. It really isn’t best practice IMO. It can be done of course but I’ve seen way too many issues with it to recommend it to anyone.

Induction hobs get hot. If they get too hot and can’t draw cool air then they will fail.

If you don’t install in compliance with the installation instructions and it breaks you may well find yourself being told that the fault isn’t covered by warranty, very common IME.

The back of an oven cavity should have air gaps allowed to let air flow to and from the adjacent cupboard space, again, best practice and failure to have that quite often leads to overheating, burnt cupboard doors and a plethora of other woes with an basic oven let alone an induction hob.

Essentially most appliances need air to “breath” and if they don’t get what they need, they will fail.

HTH

K.

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