Just a plug for IKEA cookware: I've been positively surprised by how good their stuff is — and it's really cheap. The 365+ line of stainless steel pans has really thick bottoms that heat evenly. I haven't tried IKEA's anodized aluminum (imitation Calphalon) line, because it's more expensive than the 365+ and I can't really see how it could possibly improve upon it in day-to-day use.

+1: also here IKEA: works perfectly! (but I do have a gas stove!)

I love my ikea pans too, but I do also have some of the expensive ones that I collected during one of those coop points things a couple of years ago. But I have to say I do really hate these electric/ceramic hobs here. They are not very responsive i.e. you turn the heat up and then if you want to turn it down takes ages - so the theory of "bring up to the boil then simmer" in any recipe is completely out the window.

Which is why I dumped my ceramic hob for an induction one - which is just fantastic. Boil water in under about 2 minutes. Also great if you have kids because you take the pans off and it's cold. If I ever moved house one of the first things I'd do would be to install one of these.

There are different systems how you can activate the outer ring.
a) Turn the knob of the to the highest position and then a tad more. You will hear a faint click. (If you hear a load click you used to much force )
Single ring burnern knobs will turn from highest directly to off.
b) There is a special button for this burner.
c) Or you have fancy one with a single magnetic knob to control everything. Activate your burner and the press on the button next to the on/off button.
d) RTFM or post the model so we will do it for you.