Elica NT-ALPHA-B-80 Alpha B 78cm Vented Induction Hob in Black Glass Review, Prices & Score
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Where to buy the Elica hob
🏆 Review & price summary
The Elica Nikolatesla Alpha B BL/A/78 induction hob combines four conventional induction zones with a centrally integrated duct-out extractor in a 78cm black glass-ceramic surface. Its strengths are the wide layout, automatic extraction control, 570m³/h boost airflow, warming function and configurable power limitation. It is best suited to kitchens prepared for ducting and a high-power electrical connection rather than straightforward replacement installations.
✓ Key strengths
- ✓ Two larger 21cm cooking areas and booster settings
- ✓ 570m³/h boost airflow provides strong extraction capacity for intensive cooking
- ✓ Automatic extraction control adjusts airflow according to the cooking zones in use
- ✓ Warming Mode, slider touch controls and configurable power limitation improve everyday usability
- ✓ The black glass-ceramic surface and 78cm format give the hob a clean, spacious design
Worth considering
- The fixed layout uses two 16cm and two 21cm circular zones rather than a dedicated flexible cooking area for large or irregular cookware
- The 7.4kW total absorption means the electrical installation and power-management setting need careful planning
- Duct-out installation requires appropriate ducting and a 75 × 49cm worktop cut-out, adding more installation complexity than a conventional hob
- Boost extraction is rated at 67dB(A), louder than its 43–61dB(A) normal extraction range
Key Specifications
- Type
- Induction hob with integrated duct-out extractor
- Width
- 78cm
- Finish
- Black glass-ceramic
- Voltage
- 220–240V / 380–415V 2N / 380–415V 3N
- Energy class
- A
- Cooking zones
- 4
- Cooking control
- 9 levels plus booster
- Duct-out weight
- 17kg
- Worktop cut-out
- 75 × 49cm
- Cooking controls
- 9P+B slider touch control
- Duct-out airflow
- 205m³/h minimum; 455m³/h maximum; 570m³/h boost
- Extraction noise
- 43–61dB(A) normal extraction; 67dB(A) intensive setting
- Power limitation
- 3.1–4.5kW
- Total absorption
- 7.4kW
- Cooking zone power
- 1.2/1.6kW for each 16cm zone; 1.5/2kW for each 21cm zone
- Cooking zone sizes
- 2 × 16cm and 2 × 21cm
- Overall dimensions
- 78 × 51.5 × 25cm
- Extraction controls
- 4S+B slider touch control
- Extraction automation
- Automatic extraction adjustment
- Special cooking function
- Warming Mode
- Manufacturer product code
- PRF0193270
Who Should Buy It?
- ✓ Open-plan kitchens where integrated extraction is preferable to a separate overhead hood.
- ✓ Cooks wanting four induction zones, slider controls and a wider 78cm cooking surface.
- ✓ Kitchens with suitable duct-out provision and electrical capacity for a high-powered induction appliance.
- ✓ Buyers who value automatic extraction adjustment and a dedicated warming function.
Hobs to compare with the Elica hob
These alternatives are selected from our current ranked hobs, prioritising shared verified comparison traits and comparable BestBuysUK Scores.
| Model | BestBuysUK Score | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Elica NikolaTesla Flame EVO GR/A/88 88cm Vented Gas Hob
|
84/100 | Dual Zone · Energy Efficient · Integrated | Compare review → |
 Fisher & Paykel CI604DTTB1 Series 9 60cm 4 Zone Induction Hob, Black
|
84/100 | Smart · Energy Efficient · Integrated | Compare review → |
 Siemens ED611BS16E 60cm Vented Induction Hob
|
85/100 | Energy Efficient · Integrated | Compare review → |
the retailer’s supplied information uses an 80 suffix, whereas Elica's official listing identifies the matching appliance as the 78cm duct-out Alpha B variant.
Cooking performance
The Elica Nikolatesla Alpha B BL/A/78 induction hob provides four circular cooking zones, with two 16cm zones rated at 1.2kW or 1.6kW on boost and two 21cm zones rated at 1.5kW or 2kW on boost. Its 9-level slider controls and booster settings give useful day-to-day adjustment, while power limitation can be configured between 3.1kW and 4.5kW.
The fixed zone layout is straightforward for conventional pans, although it is less adaptable than a hob with a dedicated flexible cooking area for large griddles or unusual cookware.
Integrated extraction
The centrally positioned extractor combines with the four-zone hob in one surface, capturing steam and cooking odours close to the pans. Automatic extraction control detects the cooking zones in use and adjusts the extraction power accordingly.
In duct-out operation, airflow ranges from 205m³/h to 455m³/h, rising to 570m³/h on boost. Normal extraction noise is rated at 43–61dB(A), while the product fiche lists 67dB(A) for the intensive setting, so the quietest operation is achieved away from maximum extraction.
Controls and useful functions
The cooking and extraction systems use central slider touch controls. Warming Mode is useful for keeping prepared food at serving temperature or gently handling sauces, milk and broths without applying full cooking heat.
The 78cm format gives more lateral space than a standard 60cm hob, but it still needs a 75cm by 49cm worktop cut-out and a planned installation route for the extraction ducting.
Design, efficiency and installation
The black glass-ceramic surface gives the Elica Nikolatesla Alpha B BL/A/78 hob a streamlined appearance and is relatively simple to wipe clean. Elica rates the appliance in energy class A, with total electrical absorption of 7.4kW.
This is a substantial electrical load for a built-in appliance, so the installation should be checked against the kitchen's supply and power-management requirements. The duct-out version also needs suitable ducting and cabinet space beneath the worktop.
Research note: this BestBuysUK assessment is based on the manufacturer's published specifications and other reputable technical sources. Specifications and retailer availability can change, so verify critical details before purchase.