How to Choose the Right Cooker Hob for Your Kitchen Size

Choosing a built-in cooker isn’t just about style or price. The size you pick affects how comfortable your kitchen feels, how smoothly you cook, and even how safe the whole setup is. If the hob doesn’t match your kitchen, you’ll either lose precious counter space or end up crammed every time you cook. Getting it right from the start saves money, time, and daily frustration.

Why hob size matters in kitchen planning

The wrong hob size can throw off your whole kitchen. A 90 cm hob squeezed into a narrow counter leaves no prep space and makes the area feel cluttered. On the other hand, a tiny 30 cm hob in a big kitchen looks out of place and limits what you can cook.

The size you choose controls the number of burners, how much space you have between pans, and how comfortable it feels to move around. It also links directly to safety since gas hobs need proper clearance on all sides and induction hobs need ventilation space below.

Think of it like fitting shoes. Too small and you’re cramped, too big and you trip. The right fit makes everything flow naturally.

Standard hob sizes and what fits different kitchens

Most cooker hobs fall between 30 cm and 90 cm in width, though some custom sizes exist. Instead of picking blindly, you match the size with your kitchen type.

Small kitchens

For compact kitchens or studio apartments, hobs between 30 cm and 50 cm are the safe bet. These hobs usually have 1 or 2 burners, enough for singles or couples.

If you live alone and cook basic meals like omelets, stir-fries, or simple curries, a 2-burner hob is plenty. It also leaves you with counter space for chopping boards and storage, which matters more in small spaces than having four burners you rarely use.

Medium kitchens

The most common size you’ll find is 60 cm. This size fits standard cabinet widths and balances burner count with space. A 60 cm hob usually comes with 3 or 4 burners, giving enough flexibility for families who cook daily.

Imagine you’re cooking rice on one burner, a curry on another, and a quick stir-fry on a third. You still have one free burner if you need tea or soup at the same time. That’s why 60 cm hobs are considered the sweet spot for most households.

Large kitchens

If you’re working with a bigger kitchen or you love cooking multiple dishes together, 70 cm to 90 cm hobs are worth it. These can fit up to 5 or 6 burners, sometimes with larger zones for big pots or woks.

Think of a weekend gathering where you’re boiling pasta, simmering sauce, frying meat, and steaming vegetables all at once. A smaller hob feels like a traffic jam. A 90 cm hob gives each pot its lane so nothing collides.

Quick size reference

How to measure your kitchen space correctly

Measuring sounds simple, but many people miss details that cause problems later. You want exact numbers so the hob fits without cutting extra or leaving gaps.

Countertop cut-out

Start by checking the cut-out size in your countertop if you’re replacing an old hob. Measure the width, depth, and the thickness of the countertop. If you’re setting up a new kitchen, measure the free counter space where the hob will sit.

Say your countertop measures 65 cm wide between two cabinets. A 60 cm hob slides in neatly with a few centimetres on each side for sealing. But if you mismeasure and buy a 70 cm hob, you’ll need to cut into the cabinets—extra cost and headache.

Clearance requirements

Clearance isn’t just about fitting the hob, it’s about airflow and safety.

• Leave 5–10 cm of free space at the sides and back.

• If you’re fitting a hood, keep 65–75 cm clearance above gas hobs and 55–65 cm above induction or electric hobs.

• For drawers under the hob, check if there’s space for ventilation grills or gas pipes.

Ignoring clearance is like squeezing a fridge into a tight gap—it works at first but causes heat build-up and risks later.

Cabinet layout considerations

Look at the whole area, not just the top. Check what sits below the hob. Do you have drawers, a gas pipe, or an oven planned under it? These affect how much space you actually have.

For example, if your gas pipe runs right under the counter, a 90 cm hob may clash with it even if the counter width looks fine. Plan around these details before buying.

Matching size with cooking needs

The width you choose should also reflect how you cook, not just the kitchen’s shape. Burner count connects directly to hob size.

• Small hob (30–50 cm, 1–2 burners): Works if you cook one or two dishes at a time. Great for singles or quick meals.

• Medium hob (60 cm, 3–4 burners): Best for families. Lets you cook rice, curries, and side dishes all at once.

• Large hob (70–90 cm, 5–6 burners): Suits big households or frequent hosts. Enough space for multiple large pans without cramping.

Think of cooking like seating guests at a table. Two burners are like a café table—cozy but limited. Four burners feel like a family dining table—enough for everyday meals. Six burners feel like a banquet table—ready for parties and heavy cooking.

Other factors to keep in mind

While size is the main decision point, there are a few extras worth checking before you lock in your choice.

Finishes and cleaning

Hob surfaces change how easy they are to maintain.

• Glass looks sleek and modern but shows stains and fingerprints quickly.

• Stainless steel is tough and long-lasting but can scratch with heavy use.

• Ceramic offers a middle ground with smooth cleaning but may chip under impact.

If you cook oily food daily, a glass hob will need more frequent wiping than steel.

Safety checks

For gas hobs, look for flame failure devices that cut gas if the flame goes out. For induction or electric, check if there’s an automatic shut-off after a set time. These aren’t about size but add a layer of safety no matter your kitchen setup.

Professional installation

Gas hobs always require professional fitting. Induction and electric hobs also need correct wiring, sealing, and ventilation. Skipping this leads to poor efficiency or even safety hazards.

Checklist and wrap-up

Before finalising, run through this short checklist so you don’t miss a step:

1. Measure your countertop cut-out width, depth, and thickness.

2. Check clearance on all sides and above for a hood.

3. Match hob width with kitchen size and cooking habits.

4. Plan around cabinet layouts, gas pipes, or drawers below.

5. Pick a finish that suits your cleaning style.

6. Confirm safety features and professional installation.

The right cooker hob size keeps your kitchen balanced. It saves counter space in small homes, gives families enough burners for daily meals, and supports heavy cooking in big kitchens. By measuring carefully, matching size with needs, and planning for clearances, you get a hob that fits both your space and lifestyle.