Commercial Induction Hob | 4 Zone Freestanding Hob | 13600W Power | Buffalo

£3,239.98

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£2,429.99 / exc vat

£2,915.99/ inc vat

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Overview Features Specifications Reviews Compare Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Thinking about a serious upgrade for your kitchen's cooking power? Meet the Buffalo Commercial 4 Zone Induction Hob. This isn't just another hob; it's a freestanding powerhouse designed from the ground up for the relentless pace of a professional kitchen. With four high-performance 3.5kW zones, it delivers instant, precise heat exactly where you need it, leaving outdated gas and electric hobs in the dust.

This fantastic freestanding induction hob for restaurants, bustling cafes, and busy hotel kitchens combines raw power with smart technology. Features like automatic pan detection mean it only uses energy when it's actively cooking, significantly cutting down your running costs. Built from tough stainless steel with a robust ceramic glass top, it’s designed to handle the daily grind while being incredibly easy to clean and maintain.

If you're looking for speed, efficiency, and a safer, cooler kitchen environment, your search ends here. This unit offers the precision of a scalpel with the power of a sledgehammer, giving your chefs the control they need to produce consistently brilliant food, service after service. It's the modern workhorse your kitchen deserves.

Key Features and Benefits

Four Powerful 3.5kW Zones: Cook multiple large pans at once with incredible speed.
Freestanding with Castors: Position it anywhere you need for ultimate kitchen flexibility.
Pan Detection Technology: Saves energy by auto-shutting off when a pan is removed.
Highly Efficient Induction: Uses up to 90% of energy for cooking, lowering bills.
No Naked Flames: Creates a much safer and cooler working environment for staff.
Toughened Ceramic Glass Top: Incredibly durable and super simple to wipe clean after service.
11 Precise Power Levels: Go from a gentle simmer to a roaring boil instantly.
Open Base Storage: Handy undershelf space for storing your most-used pots and pans.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Buffalo
SKU: CU488
Power Type: Electric - 3 Phase
Voltage: 400V
Total Power: 13.6kW (13600W)
Induction Zones: 4 x 3.5kW
Dimensions: 900(H) x 800(W) x 750(D) mm
Weight: 74.1kg
Material: Stainless Steel & Toughened Ceramic Glass
Compatible Pan Sizes: 120mm - 280mm
Controls: 11 Power Levels

The Buffalo Advantage: Power and Reliability for the Modern Kitchen

Choosing a Buffalo commercial 4 zone induction hob is an investment in kitchen efficiency and long-term reliability. For years, Buffalo has been a trusted name in UK professional kitchens, known for building equipment that works as hard as you do, day in and day out. This induction hob is a prime example of that philosophy. Beyond the immediate benefits of speed and control, switching to a high-power induction hob fundamentally changes your kitchen's workflow for the better. It leads to lower energy bills, a safer and less stressful environment for your team due to the absence of naked flames and excess heat, and less strain on your ventilation system. It’s a strategic upgrade that pays for itself through operational savings and improved staff comfort, ensuring your kitchen is fit for the future.

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Expert Review and Insights

The Buffalo CU488 is a proper workhorse. In a commercial setting, its instant responsiveness is what sets it apart from traditional hobs—there’s zero waiting time for heat-up. It’s robust, straightforward to use, and the efficiency gains from the pan detection are a genuine cost-saver for any high-volume kitchen.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

Pros: The sheer speed and power control make busy services feel far more manageable.
Cons: It requires a 3-phase supply, so a site check by an electrician is essential.

Who Should Buy This?

Bustling Restaurants & Gastropubs: Who need rapid, reliable cooking power to keep up with demanding service times and diverse menus.
School & University Canteens: Looking for a safer, flame-free cooking solution that’s easy to clean and maintains a cooler kitchen.
Hotel Kitchens: Ideal for the main production kitchen, offering precise temperature control for everything from breakfast to fine dining.
Large Event & Contract Caterers: Its freestanding, mobile design is perfect for setting up temporary high-output kitchens anywhere.

Find equipment tailored to your type of business:

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Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Harbour View Bistro in Brighton decided to upgrade their kitchen ahead of the busy summer season. Their old six-burner gas range was inefficient, costly to run, and made the small kitchen unbearably hot during service.

"The difference is night and day. The Buffalo induction hob heats pans in seconds, giving us incredible control and shaving minutes off every order. The kitchen is so much cooler now, and the team is less fatigued by the end of a long shift. It's been a brilliant investment."

Isabelle Dubois – Head Chef

The bistro successfully reduced average ticket times by over 10% and reported a significant drop in their quarterly energy consumption after the first three months of use.

How Pan Detection Keeps Your Bills Down

Ever walked away and left a gas ring burning by accident? Pan detection technology makes that a thing of the past. This smart feature on the Buffalo 4 zone induction cooker ensures the hob only draws power when a compatible pan is placed on a zone. The moment you lift the pan to plate up or toss ingredients, the zone instantly stops heating and goes into standby.

Think of it like the automatic stop-start function in a modern car. It intelligently cuts power when it's not needed, preventing wasted energy from heating an empty hob or the surrounding air. This not only makes your kitchen safer but also translates directly into lower electricity bills at the end of the month.

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

This unit requires hardwiring to a 3-phase electricity supply. This must be carried out by a qualified commercial electrician.
Ensure the hob is positioned on a flat, level surface to guarantee stability and even cooking.
Allow for adequate ventilation around the unit as per the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent overheating.
Lock the castors in place once you have found the perfect spot for the hob in your kitchen.

Keeping It Going

Clean the ceramic glass surface after every use with a damp cloth and a recommended ceramic hob cleaner.
Avoid dragging heavy pans across the glass surface to prevent scratches.
Wipe down the stainless steel body regularly to maintain its finish and hygiene.
Periodically check that the cooling fans underneath are clear from dust and debris.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Induction Hob

Not sure which induction hob is right for your kitchen? Here are a few things to think about before you decide.

Power Supply

This is a high power induction hob 13600W that needs a 3-phase supply. Always confirm your kitchen's electrical setup with an electrician before purchasing a powerful unit.

Number of Zones

Four zones are perfect for most medium to large kitchens, allowing multiple dishes to be cooked simultaneously. Assess your menu and peak service demands.

Freestanding vs. Countertop

A freestanding induction hob for a restaurant offers great flexibility with its castors and built-in storage, whereas countertop models save space in smaller kitchens.

Pan Compatibility

Induction hobs only work with ferrous metal pans (like cast iron and some stainless steel). Check your existing cookware with a magnet—if it sticks, you're good to go!

Ease of Cleaning

Look for a seamless, flat glass top like this one. With no nooks or crannies for food to get trapped in, cleanup is significantly faster than with traditional gas burners.

See all Induction Hobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of power supply does this hob need?

A: This is a powerful unit that requires a 400V, 3-phase commercial electricity supply. It must be installed by a qualified electrician.

Q: What size pans can I use on it?

A: The hob is designed to work efficiently with pans that have a base diameter between 120mm and 280mm.

Q: Is it easy to clean?

A: Absolutely. The flat, toughened ceramic glass top has no awkward burners or dials, so you can just wipe it clean with a damp cloth and appropriate cleaner.

Q: How do the 11 power levels work?

A: The simple rotary dial allows you to select from 11 distinct power settings, giving you precise control from a very low simmer to a rapid, powerful boil.

Q: Does this hob get hot like a gas range?

A: No. Induction cooking heats the pan directly, not the hob surface. The glass will get warm from residual heat, but the kitchen environment remains much cooler and safer.

Q: Can I move it around for cleaning?

A: Yes, it comes on sturdy castors, making it easy to pull out from the wall for deep cleaning behind and underneath the unit.

Q: What happens if I lift a pan off while it's on?

A: The pan detection feature will instantly cut power to that zone, saving energy and preventing an empty hob from being heated. The zone will reactivate when you place the pan back down.

Q: What material is it made from?

A: The main body is constructed from durable, commercial-grade stainless steel, with a tough ceramic glass cooking surface.

What Customers Are Saying

"An absolute beast of a machine. Heats up incredibly fast and the open base is so useful for storage. Cleaning is a breeze compared to our old gas hob."

Mark L – Bistro Owner, Manchester

"Very powerful and reliable. It's the heart of our kitchen now. Just make sure your pans are induction compatible before you buy!"

Susan P – Hotel Chef, Cornwall

"We use this for our event catering business. Being on castors makes it easy to move and set up. The power is consistent and has never let us down."

David Chen – Catering Director, London

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Ready to revolutionise your kitchen with the Buffalo Commercial 4 Zone Induction Hob? Order today for fast, reliable delivery right across the UK and feel the difference in your next service!

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