The Elica NikolaTesla Prime S (NT-PRIME-S-DO) is an 83 cm induction hob with an extractor under a central grille, in the version that ducts air outside. Tempered black glass and an aluminium grille with a cast iron effect give it an industrial look, and the four zones sit in a classic square around the vent.

Cooking

The two rear zones are Ø 20 cm and run at 2.3 kW, or 3 kW with the booster; the two front zones are Ø 16 cm at 1.2 kW, or 1.4 kW. Each has 9 power levels plus booster, and the hob detects a pan and activates the zone for you. Warming Mode is designed for slow jobs such as warming milk or broth, custards and sauces, or keeping food warm, and Stop&Go puts everything on standby at a touch, then restarts with the same settings.

Controls and everyday use

Slider touch controls operate both the hob and the extractor, which has four speeds plus a booster and draws air in at 5.1 m/s. It reaches 620 m³/h, and Elica quotes 44 to 63 dB(A) ducted. Autocapture adjusts the extraction to the type of cooking, so you rarely need to touch the fan controls.

• The grille can go in the dishwasher
• Grease filters remove for cleaning, and the odour filters lift out from the top for regeneration
• A drain valve collects spills that run into the vent

Size and installation

The hob measures 83 x 51.5 x 25 cm (W x D x H), weighs 25 kg and needs a 75 x 49 cm cut-out. This is the duct-out version, so plan a duct route from the hob to an outside wall; a separate recirculating version is also sold. Total absorption is 7.4 kW, with power limitation between 3.1 and 4.5 kW to suit your supply, and it should be installed by an electrician.