Bosch ceramic hobs come from the Series 2 and Series 4 ranges. Each has four cooking zones set into a black glass ceramic surface. A ceramic hob heats through radiant elements under the glass, so it works with any flat-based pan. That makes it a sensible choice if you want an electric hob with a smooth, wipe-clean top but don't want to replace your pans for induction.

The Series 2 hobs keep things simple. Each zone has nine power levels, and the hobs have a frameless edge and a red LED display. The main difference is the controls. One has knobs set vertically at the front right, which are easy to turn by feel. The other has touch controls, so the glass is unbroken and quicker to wipe clean.

The Series 4 hob is 80 cm wide, with QuickTherm zones and TouchControl. Two of its four zones extend, so you can heat a wider outer ring for a large pan or use just the inner ring for a small one. With 17 power levels, it gives finer steps between a gentle simmer and a rolling boil, and the extra width leaves more room between pans.

Start with your worktop cut-out: if it can take an 80 cm hob, the Series 4 gives you more room and finer control. If not, pick between knobs and touch controls. To compare other layouts, browse all Bosch electric hobs. Or, if your pans have a magnetic base, look at Bosch induction hobs, which heat the pan directly and respond faster.