Gas hob installation EN1

Gas hob vs gas cooker

A gas hob is the separate cooktop only — it has no oven. It sits in a kitchen worktop cut-out and connects to the gas supply beneath the counter. An electric oven is commonly paired with a gas hob. This combination is called a dual fuel kitchen. Connecting any gas hob to the mains supply is a Gas Safe registered job — it is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out this work.

Built-in gas hob

The most common type. The hob unit drops into a cut-out in the kitchen worktop; its underside sits below worktop level. The gas supply is connected via rigid copper pipework running under the worktop from the nearest gas cock. The worktop cut-out must match the manufacturer dimensions — typically to within plus or minus 1mm — and the exposed cut edge is sealed with silicone to prevent moisture ingress.

Gas supply requirements

The gas supply to a built-in hob uses 15mm or 22mm copper pipe from the gas manifold or a gas cock installed behind the cooker position. The gas cock (service valve) must remain accessible when the hob is in situ. A rigid connection is used where the hob is fixed in place. An approved flexible gas connector to BS 669 Part 1 may be used where some movement is required for removal — maximum hose length 1.5m. The flexible gas hose must not run through walls or enclosed spaces.

Types of gas hob

Built-in hob (slots into worktop cut-out). Freestanding gas range (oven and hob combined as a single unit). Domino hob (60cm half-width module, paired with another domino for induction or teppan-yaki). Wok burner (high-BTU single burner for stir frying). Dual fuel range cooker (gas hob with electric fan oven in a single freestanding unit). Each type has different installation requirements.

Ventilation

Building Regulations Part J requires adequate ventilation for gas appliances. A kitchen with an extractor hood above the hob is normally sufficient for a standard installation. If a new gas hob is being fitted in a room with no existing ventilation provision, an additional air vent may be required. We check ventilation adequacy as part of every installation and advise if additional provision is needed before work begins.

Gas Safe certificate

All gas hob installation work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. On completion, the engineer issues a Building Regulations compliance certificate where the work is notifiable and records the job on the Gas Safe register. If any existing pipework or prior installation is found to be unsafe, the engineer issues an At Risk or Immediately Dangerous warning notice. You can verify our Gas Safe registration at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.