The best hob for you is determined by the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The selection of the best hob is dependent on the kind of worktop you have as well as the location of your extractor hood.
If you opt for a brand-name model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They're less difficult to clean and offer a range of safety features like an indicator in red that lights when the surface is hot.
1. Flexibility
A versatile hob can aid you in reaching your goals, whether that's improving your pancake making technique or cooking a quick meal for midweek. The top hobs offer precise control of heat, and come by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens, thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option of an extractor fan built-in that eliminates the need for a separate overhead appliance and freeing space on your worktop.
Gas hobs can provide instant warmth. It's no wonder they are popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. In addition, they typically take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs are able to heat pans more than the surface of the cooker, making them easier to clean. They can be more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to show fingerprints and scratches.
Hybrid hobs combine the benefits of both gas and induction cooking into one product that lets you switch between modes depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They are perfect for those looking to test their culinary skills, but don't want to upgrade their kitchen.
This electric hob is a great example of a model which provides flexibility in design and function. The dual flex zones can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. The controls also have a child lock that prevents children from altering the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage the features via your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a top-quality model that is connected to your Wi-Fi network. It's loaded with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as a timer and the ability to pause. It's also incredibly simple to use, with touchscreen controls that respond instantly to changes in the recipe and a sleek design that would be perfect for modern kitchens.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs consume the least amount of energy, whether you're cooking soup or bringing water to the boiling point. They're also a good option for those who wish to lower their electricity costs. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan, preventing the glass from heating up. This also makes them the most secure choice to avoid burns from accidental accidents. Gas hobs might not be as efficient, but they're less expensive than electric models.
Our top choice Miele I Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single space, allowing you to cook with large pots and pans. The controls on the touch screen have an infant lock, so that children can't switch off the stove or alter settings it is a useful feature for households with small kids. The ceramic glass is matte however, it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.
The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a particular cooking area when you remove the pan. This isn't the only hob to have this functionality however it's an excellent feature that makes life easier when you're cooking a lot of meals for your family or a group of friends.
This is an intelligent stove that connects to the Internet so you can control it via an app that you can download on your smartphone. It can also notify you when food is ready, so that you don't overcook it. The model we tested boiled a pan of hot water in just four minutes, which is extremely quick for an Induction stove. It has cooking zones that are flexible that you can mix and a 'Stop & Go button that lowers all the cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off.
This induction hob is portable and has a slim design that's ideal for camping or taking to uni. It's the lightest and thinnest hob we tested, but still has the full range of cooking functions and a responsive touch slider. It also comes with an inbuilt "VaryCook" function that allows you to adjust the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the surface of the hob. This is ideal for making sauces and caramel.
3. Convenience
You'll want to consider how the hob can fit into your kitchen and what it could contribute to improving the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your options so that you can select one that is suitable for your family as well as your home. It's also worth reading reviews to find out what others have thought about the appliance, as this can help you to discern its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain brands of hobs come with advanced technology that makes them the top option for those who want to control their cooking using their smartphone. Samsung's models, for instance include electronic timers that allow you to set precise timeframes and prevent overcooking. This is especially beneficial for people with hectic lives, since the timer lets you ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without having to monitor them constantly.
Gas hobs are a great option for those looking for a traditional feel, as they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. This includes non-flat-bottomed cookware and pans, which can be difficult to fit on other hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically offer a range of settings, which means you can adjust the heat to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice for those who are looking to modernize their kitchen since they have faster heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are very popular because they save space by condensing the oven and the hob into one unit.
A child lock is another feature to look out for. It allows you to block controls on a stove and protects children from kitchen accidents. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, as it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. A lot of induction hobs have a feature that allows you to connect two zones, creating more cooking space. This is particularly useful for large pans.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob comes with a number safety features. A hot hob indicator can alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include a child lock that will prevent children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some may have a feature that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone so that you can cook a larger size pan.
This is a fantastic feature for families with children and can help keep everyone safe in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the hob and if it senses that the pan isn't placed properly or there's an incident of fire it will shut off the burner automatically. It's a great method to ensure that your home is safe, and you should take it into consideration when you are shopping.
You can choose between electric, gas and induction hobs. Gas hobs make use of a flame for heating your pans. Electric hobs come with electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs utilize a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't function unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a highly efficient hob, and will cool quickly once the pan has been removed.
This type of hob is a space saver as it removes the need for an extractor fan, so you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It is more expensive than other kinds of hobs, however it's a great option for any family. It can be used to remove excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at the home. This is a fantastic choice for families, as it is easy to clean and shields against burns. There are many different options available for you to think about when choosing a hob, so be sure to take the time to study each one prior to making your choice.
