Bridge or flexible zone (linked zones)
Two or more zones are run as one larger zone at the same setting, so a griddle, fish kettle or oval casserole heats evenly across its whole base.
What it is for
Switch the link on, put the long pan across both zones and set one power level for the pair. On most flexible zones you can also slide a pan from front to back and the setting follows it.
Makes differ, check your hob’s manual: the same letter or drawing can do a different job on another brand, and only your model’s manual gives its exact times and limits.
- What it looks like
- Two zone outlines (squares, circles or rectangles) joined by a line or bracket, or a key marked with linked shapes between two zones.
- Names makers use
- Flexible zone (Bosch, Whirlpool); FlexiBridge: Standard, Big Bridge and Max Bridge (AEG); Bridge symbol (Hoover)
Where makes differ
How far it stretches changes by model: Whirlpool’s flexible zone takes pans up to 38 × 23 cm; Bosch’s is four inductors of which only the covered ones heat; AEG’s FlexiBridge has three modes linking two, three or all four sections. The key position and drawing differ on every make.
What it does not mean
It does not make a small pan heat faster, and a pan that covers only a corner of a linked zone may not be detected at all.
Sources
No published standard we could check defines hob control icons, so this meaning is taken from 4 makers’ own manuals and support pages, each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool — Induction hob instructions for use (flexible-zone models) — “Flexible zone: this function allows the cooking zone to be used as two separate zones or as a single extra large zone… (with maximum base dimensions of 38x23 cm)”; it detects a pot moved from one zone to the other and keeps the same power level. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Bosch: Bosch — Instruction manual PIN...N..., PIV...N..., PIN8..N... hob (9000776658) — “Flexible zone: This may be used as a single zone or two individual zones… It consists of 4 independently-controlled inductors. When the flexible zone is working, only the zone covered by the cookware is activated.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- AEG: AEG — HKP85410FB induction hob user manual — Sensor field “FlexiBridge: To switch between three modes of the function”; the modes are Standard, Big Bridge and Max Bridge, linking sections of the flexible induction cooking area. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Hoover: Hoover UK — Induction hob symbol guide — “Flexible Zone / Bridge Symbol: The bridge symbol connects two cooking zones into one larger surface. The icon often looks like two linked rectangles or a bracket.” Checked 2026-09-28.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.