Electric hob installation in London usually costs £120 to £250 in labour when you’re swapping a hob on an existing cooker circuit. If you need a new dedicated circuit, expect £400 to £900 on top of the hob. Converting from gas to electric typically costs £550 to £1,300, because it includes capping the gas, new wiring and a possible worktop change. A like-for-like swap takes 1 to 2 hours. A new circuit takes half a day or more.
This guide covers the full cost, what’s included, the electrical requirements, common faults and whether to repair or replace. It is written for London homeowners, landlords and tenants who want clear numbers before they book an electrician.
Key Takeaways
- Swap on an existing circuit: about £120 to £250 labour, 1 to 2 hours.
- New cooker circuit: about £400 to £900, depending on cable length and consumer unit space.
- Gas to electric: about £550 to £1,300, including gas capping, wiring and fitting.
- Most hobs above 3kW need a fixed connection through a cooker switch, not a normal plug socket.
- A hob usually needs a dedicated circuit, typically 32A with 6mm² cable.
- Only a qualified electrician should wire a hob, and only a Gas Safe engineer can cap a gas supply.
- These are guide prices for London in 2026. Always get a written, itemised quote.
How Much Does Electric Hob Installation Cost in London?
Most London electricians charge £120 to £250 to fit an electric hob onto an existing, suitable circuit. The price rises to £400 to £1,300 if you need new wiring, a new circuit or gas removal.
London labour costs are higher than the UK average, and access can add time (parking, upper floors, tight kitchens). The hob itself is a separate cost.
| Job | Typical London price (labour and materials, hob not included) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like electric hob swap (existing circuit, same cut-out) | £120 to £250 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Fit a hob into a new or altered worktop cut-out (existing circuit) | £150 to £350, plus worktop work | 2 to 3 hours |
| New dedicated cooker circuit with cooker switch | £400 to £900 | 3 to 6 hours |
| Gas hob to electric (gas capped, new circuit, hob fitted) | £550 to £1,300 | 4 hours to 1 day |
| Consumer unit upgrade (only if needed) | £600 to £1,500 | Half to 1 day |
What the hob itself costs (for planning):
- Ceramic (radiant) hob: about £150 to £400
- Induction hob: about £250 to £1,000 or more
- Solid plate hob: about £120 to £300
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electric Hob in London?
Replacing an electric hob with a similar model usually costs £120 to £250 in labour. It’s the cheapest job because the cable, switch and cut-out are already in place.
The price stays low when:
- The new hob has the same cut-out size (or a smaller one)
- The existing cooker switch and cable are in good condition
- The hob’s power rating matches the circuit
It rises when the electrician finds old wiring, a damaged cooker switch or a hob that draws more power than the circuit can carry. Some ceramic-to-induction upgrades fall into this group, because induction hobs are often rated at 7kW or more.
How Much Does an Electric Hob Installer Charge in London?
Electricians in London usually charge £50 to £100 per hour, or £250 to £450 per day, and many quote a fixed price for hob jobs. A fixed quote is better because it protects you from the job running long.
Things that push the price up:
- Postcode and access: central zones, upper floors and restricted parking add time
- Call-out or minimum charges: many firms have a 1 to 2 hour minimum
- Same-day or weekend work
- Certification and notification: a new circuit requires an electrical certificate and Building Regulations notification, which the installer should build into the price
Tip: Ask if the quote includes the cooker switch, cable, testing, certificate and waste removal.
What Is Included in the Cost of Electric Hob Installation?
A proper quote covers removal of the old hob, fitting the new one, connecting it safely, testing and paperwork. Materials and extras vary, so check the list.
Usually included:
- Disconnecting and removing the old hob
- Fitting the new hob into the cut-out
- Connecting the hob to the cooker switch or connection point
- Electrical safety tests (earth continuity, insulation resistance, RCD checks)
- Showing you how the controls work
Sometimes included, sometimes extra:
- New cooker switch (£30 to £60 in materials)
- New 6mm² or 10mm² cable
- Certificate (Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate)
- Old hob disposal
- Sealing and trim around the hob
Usually extra:
- Worktop cutting or adjusting (£100 to £400, more for stone or quartz)
- Gas capping by a Gas Safe engineer (£60 to £150)
- Consumer unit upgrade
- Making good plaster, tiles or splashbacks
How Long Does Electric Hob Installation Take in London?
A like-for-like swap takes 1 to 2 hours. A new circuit takes 3 to 6 hours. A gas-to-electric conversion with worktop work can take a full day.
What happens on the day:
- Isolate the power at the consumer unit and confirm it is dead.
- Remove the old hob and check the cable and cooker switch.
- Test the existing circuit for condition and suitability.
- Run new cable (if needed) from the consumer unit to the cooker switch.
- Fit the new hob into the cut-out and secure it.
- Connect and test the hob, then check the RCD and earth.
- Hand over the certificate and explain how to use the hob.
Do You Need an Electrician to Install an Electric Hob?
Yes. An electric hob is a high-power appliance that needs a fixed, correctly protected connection, so a qualified electrician should install it.
A hob can draw 30A or more. A poor connection can overheat, trip the circuit or cause a fire. If your hob needs a new circuit, the work is notifiable under Building Regulations (Part P) in England, and the electrician must certify it.
Can Any Electrician Install an Electric Hob?
Not just anyone. Choose an electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC, NAPIT or Stroma. These schemes let the electrician self-certify the work and notify Building Control for you.
Check:
- Registration on the scheme’s online register
- Public liability insurance
- A written quote that names the certificate you’ll receive
- Reviews from local London customers
If the job also involves a gas hob, the gas side must be handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer. That includes disconnecting and capping the pipe.
What Electrical Supply Does an Electric Hob Need?
Most electric hobs need a dedicated 230V supply, usually on a 32A circuit, connected through a cooker switch. A standard 13A plug socket is not suitable for most hobs.
A typical 4-zone ceramic or induction hob is rated at about 6 to 7.4kW. That is far more than a 13A socket can supply safely (about 3kW).
What your electrician will check:
- The hob’s rated power (on the label or installation manual)
- The circuit breaker rating at the consumer unit
- The cable size and condition
- RCD protection (usually 30mA)
- Whether the consumer unit has space for a new way
Can an Electric Hob Use an Existing Socket?
Almost never. A few small 2-zone hobs (about 3kW or less) come with a plug for a 13A socket. Standard 4-zone hobs must be hard-wired through a cooker switch.
Can an Electric Hob Be Connected to an Existing Circuit?
Yes, if the circuit is already a cooker circuit and has enough capacity. If you are replacing an old electric cooker or hob, the cable and switch may be reusable. Your electrician will test the circuit and confirm.
Does an Electric Hob Need Its Own Circuit?
Usually yes. A hob should have a dedicated circuit and must not be plugged into a ring main. The circuit is typically a 32A breaker feeding a cooker switch.
A hob and a built-in oven can often share one cooker circuit. Electricians apply a diversity allowance, because you rarely use every ring and the oven at full power together. A large hob and a large oven together may need a 40A or 45A circuit instead.
What Size Cable Does an Electric Hob Need?
Most electric hobs use 6mm² twin and earth cable on a 32A circuit. Larger loads or long cable runs may need 10mm² cable.
| Situation | Typical breaker | Typical cable |
|---|---|---|
| Single hob up to about 7.4kW | 32A | 6mm² |
| Hob plus oven on one circuit (normal load) | 32A | 6mm² |
| Large hob plus oven, or high-power induction | 40A to 45A | 10mm² |
| Long cable run or cable buried in insulation | Varies | Often upsized |
The correct size depends on load, cable length, how the cable is installed and BS 7671 (the UK wiring regulations). Don’t buy cable yourself or guess. Your electrician will calculate it.
Can You Install an Electric Hob in an Existing Worktop?
Yes, if the new hob fits the existing cut-out and the worktop material allows it. Most replacements use the same opening.
Check before you buy:
- Cut-out width and depth: compare with the hob’s installation manual
- Worktop thickness: must suit the hob’s fixing method
- Clearance: gap to the wall, and space for the oven below if there is one
- Material: laminate and wood are easy to adjust. Stone and quartz need a specialist fabricator
Can an Electric Hob Be Installed Without Changing the Worktop?
Yes, when the new hob’s cut-out is the same size or smaller than the old one. If it is larger, the worktop must be cut. Some manufacturers make replacement-size hobs, so ask your supplier for models that match your opening.
Can an Electric Hob Replace a Gas Hob in London?
Yes. You can replace a gas hob with an electric or induction hob, but you’ll need a suitable electrical supply and the gas pipe must be capped safely.
Can You Install an Electric Hob Where a Gas Hob Was?
Yes, in most kitchens. Here’s what the job involves:
- A Gas Safe engineer isolates and caps the gas supply (this is a legal requirement).
- An electrician installs a new cooker circuit and cooker switch.
- The worktop cut-out is checked and adjusted if needed.
- The electric or induction hob is fitted and tested.
- Ventilation and extraction are reviewed.
London note: If you rent or own a leasehold flat, check your lease or ask your landlord or building manager before altering gas or electrical supplies.
Electric Hob vs Gas Hob: Installation Cost in London
An electric hob is cheaper to install if a cooker circuit already exists. A gas hob is cheaper if a gas supply is already there and no electric circuit is. Converting either way costs more than a like-for-like swap.
| Factor | Electric (ceramic) hob | Gas hob |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like swap | £120 to £250 | £100 to £200 (Gas Safe engineer) |
| Switching from the other fuel | £550 to £1,300 | Often £300 to £700 or more if a new gas pipe is needed |
| Who installs | Qualified electrician | Gas Safe registered engineer |
| Ventilation needs | Standard | Important for combustion |
| Running cost | Higher than gas per unit of energy | Usually lower per unit of energy |
Gas is usually cheaper per unit of energy, but electricity is easier to install in many modern flats. Check the latest unit rates on the Ofgem price cap page, since they change every quarter.
Induction Hob vs Electric Hob: Installation Cost & Differences
Induction hobs cost more to buy but are usually similar to install as ceramic hobs. They heat pans directly, so they are faster and more efficient.
| Feature | Ceramic electric hob | Induction hob |
|---|---|---|
| Hob price | £150 to £400 | £250 to £1,000+ |
| Installation cost | £120 to £250 (existing circuit) | £120 to £300 (existing circuit) |
| Power draw | About 6 to 7kW | About 7 to 7.4kW, sometimes more |
| Heat-up speed | Slower | Very fast |
| Efficiency | Lower | Higher (less wasted heat) |
| Pans | Any flat-bottomed pan | Magnetic pans only |
| Cleaning | Easy | Very easy |
Induction hobs also need good airflow underneath and enough space to the oven or drawer below. Read the manufacturer’s installation manual before you order.
Which hob is best for a London flat? For many flats, induction is a strong pick. It is fast, safer to touch, easy to clean and needs no gas. Just check that your circuit and consumer unit can handle the higher load.
Why Does My Electric Hob Keep Tripping the Fuse?
A hob usually trips the fuse because of an overload, a faulty heating element, moisture inside the hob or a loose connection.
| Cause | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Faulty ring or element | Trips when one particular ring is switched on |
| Water or spill ingress | Trips after cleaning or boiling over |
| Loose or burnt connection | Trips at random, smell of burning, warm cooker switch |
| Damaged cable | Trips when the hob is moved or heated |
| Circuit overload | Trips when hob and oven run together |
| Faulty RCD | Trips with no obvious cause |
What to do: Switch the hob off. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, stop using the hob and call a qualified electrician. Don’t keep resetting it.
Why Is My Electric Hob Not Working?
The most common causes are a tripped breaker, the cooker switch turned off, a control lock or a failed component.
Check these first:
- Is the cooker switch on?
- Has the circuit breaker tripped?
- Is the child lock or control lock active?
- Do other appliances have power (to rule out a wider fault)?
If all is fine, the fault may be in the control board, a burnt connection or the supply cable. That needs an electrician.
Why Is My Electric Hob Not Heating Properly?
Poor heating usually comes from a worn element, a faulty energy regulator, pan problems (on induction) or a loose connection.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| One ring won’t heat | Failed element or regulator |
| Slow heating on all rings | Supply or connection problem |
| Ring switches off by itself | Overheat protection, sensor fault or wrong pan |
| Induction won’t start | Non-magnetic pan or pan too small |
| Buzzing or error codes | Control board or pan issue |
For an induction hob, first test a magnetic pan (a fridge magnet sticks to the base if it works). If the problem continues, book an engineer.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace an Electric Hob?
Repair if the hob is under about 8 years old and the fault is minor. Replace it if the hob is over 10 years old, cracked or the repair costs more than half of a new one.
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| One faulty ring on a hob under 8 years old | Repair |
| Loose connection or faulty cooker switch | Repair |
| Cracked glass or exposed elements | Replace immediately |
| Failed induction control board, hob over 8 years old | Usually replace |
| Repair quote over 50% of a new hob | Replace |
| Repeated faults or trips | Replace, and have the circuit checked |
As a guide, a new element or regulator often costs £80 to £200 fitted, and an induction board £150 to £400 or more. Check whether the hob is still under warranty first.
How to Get an Accurate Quote in London
Send your electrician the hob model, photos of the cooker switch and consumer unit, and the cut-out size. This lets them quote accurately, often without a site visit.
- Note the hob make, model and power rating.
- Photograph the existing cooker switch and consumer unit.
- Measure the worktop cut-out.
- Say whether the old hob is gas or electric.
- Ask for a fixed price that lists materials, certificate and waste removal.
- Compare 2 to 3 quotes from registered electricians.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to install an electric hob in London?
A swap on an existing circuit costs about £120 to £250. A new circuit costs £400 to £900, and a gas-to-electric conversion typically £550 to £1,300.
2. Can I replace my gas hob with an electric hob?
Yes. A Gas Safe engineer must cap the gas supply, and an electrician must provide a suitable circuit and connect the new hob.
3. Do I need an electrician to install an electric hob?
Yes. Hobs need a fixed, protected connection. A new circuit is also notifiable under Building Regulations, so use a registered electrician.
4. Can an electric hob use an existing socket?
Rarely. Most hobs need a cooker switch and a dedicated circuit. Only small hobs of about 3kW or less may come with a plug.
5. Does an electric hob need a dedicated circuit?
Usually yes, typically a 32A circuit with 6mm² cable. Larger hob and oven combinations may need a higher rated circuit.
6. How long does electric hob installation take?
A like-for-like swap takes 1 to 2 hours. A new circuit takes 3 to 6 hours, and a gas-to-electric job can take a day.
7. What happens when an electrician installs an electric hob?
They isolate the power, remove the old hob, test and adapt the circuit, fit and connect the new hob, test it and issue a certificate.
8. Can I fit an electric hob without changing my worktop?
Yes, if the new hob fits the existing cut-out or is smaller. Check the installation manual before you buy.
9. Is it cheaper to repair or replace an electric hob?
Repair a young hob with a simple fault. Replace one that is over 10 years old, cracked or costs more than half its value to fix.
10. Is an induction hob more expensive to install than a ceramic hob?
The labour is usually similar. The hob costs more, and induction may need a higher-rated circuit if it draws more power.
Conclusion: What Should You Budget for Electric Hob Installation in London?
For a straight swap on a working cooker circuit, plan on £120 to £250 plus the cost of the hob. If you need a new circuit, worktop changes or a gas-to-electric conversion, budget £550 to £1,300. The safest route is a registered electrician who checks your supply first and gives you a written fixed price with a certificate.
Next step: Send us your hob model and a photo of your cooker switch and consumer unit for a fixed-price quote.