Do you love the look of clean, clutter-free kitchens? Say hello to invisible hobs. We’ve asked the experts all there is to know about the latest tech innovation in appliances…

The ‘hidden’ kitchen trend took over the industry in 2025, from cupboards akin to Narnia doors, concealed extraction to disguised fridges. And the latest appliance to seemingly vanish from your design? The hob!

We answer all your questions about this ‘invisible’ solution…

What is an invisible hob, and how does one work?

“An invisible hob works just like a ceramic glass induction hob, except that the inductors are seamlessly integrated beneath the worksurface, enabling pans to heat on it,” Seza Weston, head of Luxury Channel at Novy, tells me.

This ‘hidden’ induction technology uses magnetic fields to directly heat the cookware. The heat, however, passes through the countertop material without significantly warming the surface itself, explains Phil Rae, managing director at Landford Stone, who is a supplier of Cooking Surface Prime, a clever invisible induction cooking system.

“When not in use, the area functions just like a normal worktop, providing a completely seamless and minimalist appearance,” adds Alvin Biggs, managing director at Rak Ceramics UK, who launched a hidden induction cooktop called CookingRAK.

Where can you put an invisible hob?

An invisible hob can be placed on a peninsula, cabinetry run or island, providing a sleek, uniform cooking zone, and it’s a particularly popular choice in contemporary kitchens thanks to its ultra-modern design. “When all other appliances can be camouflaged behind cabinetry doors, it is ideal for large open-plan areas where the kitchen is designed to perfectly blend with a living and entertaining space,” says Seza. “Conversely, for those homeowners with limited kitchen dimensions, a multifunctional hob-cum-worktop is a space-saver.”

What are its benefits?

“The main benefit of an invisible hob is the ability to maintain a clean, modern, and clutter-free kitchen aesthetic. Because the cooking system is hidden beneath the surface, it allows for greater design freedom and a more streamlined look,” explains Alvin.

The kitchen is no longer just a space dedicated to cooking; it’s the heart of the home where you dine, relax, or socialise. So, this type of appliance is particularly great in busy households thanks to the flexibility it offers, ‘as the same surface can be used for preparing food, serving meals, or simply as additional counter space’, says Alvin.

And day-to-day maintenance is a breeze. “An additional bonus is that you have a flat surface to clean and nowhere for spills and food particles to become trapped,” adds Phil.

What’s more, TPB tech UK’s 15mm work surface is composed of a four-layer patented technology where the inductors of the invisible appliance are installed beneath the first layer of the worktop, which is a 6mm ceramic surface (the same thickness as premium glass induction cooktops). This means it is 40% more energy efficient than traditional induction hobs, the brand’s managing director Pau Pando tells me. “By minimising heat loss through elevation, it offers a more sustainable cooking solution for the eco-conscious without sacrificing power or performance,” he says.

Key practicalities

However, there are a few key practicalities you should be aware of when looking to purchase this type of hob. “Before choosing, several factors should be considered, including compatible materials, cost, installation and electrical requirements. Careful planning will ensure it fits your kitchen and cooking needs,” recommends Phil.

Simon Plumbridge, director UK and Ireland at Gaggenau, advises assessing how much space you have available and how the hobs can seamlessly fit into your desired layout without compromising functionality or flow. “Evaluate your cooking habits and preferences, and consider the types of meals you prepare, as well as the number of induction modules you may need for versatility,” continues Simon.

Depending on where you choose to place your hob, power supply requirements must also be factored in early since an invisible solution needs a dedicated electrical connection, says Alvin.

Worktop considerations and installation

What’s more, your worktop choice will be dependent on the system you choose. “Invisible hobs require a worktop that can support the technology,” advises Alvin. For example, CookingRAK is designed to be used with Rak Ceramics’ porcelain heat-resistant, durable surfaces. The Essential Induction hob by Gaggenau is exclusively compatible with 12mm Dekton surfaces, available in a wide range of finishes, designs and colours, while Novy’s Undercover is integrated within a 20mm-thick Dekton worktop.

The latter can be ordered from your kitchen designer, which will then be installed by a specialist Dekton fabricator. “This is because the fabricator needs to incorporate the centrepoints and the manual control panel prior to the inductors being click and fixed beneath,” explains Seza.

TPB tech invisible induction appliances, however, are delivered as a finished product with pre-fitted inductors beneath the worktop. “Installation is exactly the same as any other work surface. Once it is installed and the inductors are wired and connected to power, it’s ready for immediate use without additional setup,” says Pau.

But no matter which system you choose for your new project, professional installation is advised for a safe cooking environment.

Cookware

Alvin says it’s also important to make sure your cookware is compatible with the induction systems. Some brands, such as Cooking Surface Prime and TPB tech, have developed cookware specifically for their invisible system. “The key to TPB tech invisible induction appliances lies in our multi-layer technology and our elevated cookware/magnetic feet, which attach to the bottom of any induction cookware,” explains Pau. “By elevating the cookware 2mm, it enables the heat from the inductors to directly transfer to the cookware, allowing users to safely touch or clean the surface while cooking.”

And Gaggenau, for example, offers removable magnetic surface protectors for your existing pots and pans. “These protectors not only mitigate any noise of the pan moving across the stone surface and safeguard the worktop but also ensure the conductivity of the induction modules, guaranteeing optimal cooking performance,” explains Simon.

Care

When it comes to maintenance, it’s advised to consult the manufacturer of your chosen solution to make sure you care for your appliance properly and it lasts as long as possible. But if you opt for an invisible hob which sits under a porcelain surface, cleaning it should be straightforward. “A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. While the porcelain surface is resistant to stains and scratches, it’s still important to treat it with care, particularly when moving heavy pans,” advises Alvin.

Ventilation

Lastly, don’t forget about ventilation. Pau suggests pairing a TPB tech invisible cooking appliance with a matching invisible ceiling extractor as opposed to a standard extractor fan. “Some of our clients also opt to go for a downdraft extractor fan that is integrated into the worktop with a flushed hood in the same finish as the work surface. Together, an invisible hob and invisible extractor create a clean, harmonious and multifunctional kitchen environment that beautifully extends and enhances the living area,” he says.

So, if you are looking to elevate your cooking experience, an invisible hob offers the best of luxury and kitchen tech innovation, all while providing a sleek, clutter-free working space.

Is it better to have a hob or sink (or both) on a kitchen island? Click here to find out

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