Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for you depends on the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are also important factors to consider when selecting the best hob.
A basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100 if you opt for an exclusive model. They are easier to clean and offer various safety features including an indicator in red that lights when the surface is hot.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will aid you in reaching your goals, whether it's improving your pancake making technique or making a quick dinner for the midweek. The best hobs give you precise heat control by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a variety of dishes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens, thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many come with an option to include an extractor fan, eliminating the necessity of separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.
Gas hobs provide instant heat, so it's no surprise that they're a popular choice. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure you aren't at risk of carbon build-up on your stove or a fire breaking out. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them easier to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs offer the benefits of gas and induction cooking in one appliance which allows you to switch between the two depending on the type of food you're making. They're great for people who want to expand their culinary skills but don't have the time or space for a major kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a great model that allows for flexibility in style and functionality. The dual flex zones can be combined to fit larger pots or pans. The controls also have an option for children to lock them out of children changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so that you can manage the features via your smartphone.
Smeg's induction stove is a high-end model that can be connected to your Wi-Fi network. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking easier and faster, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause function. It's also easy to use with touchscreen controls that react immediately to changes you make, and a sleek, modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs are those that consume the minimal amount of energy whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This makes them ideal for those who want to cut their energy costs. Induction hobs are the most efficient that make use of electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly to ensure that your glass stays cool. This also makes them the safest option to avoid burns from accidental accidents. Although gas hobs may not be as efficient, they can be less expensive to run than electric models.
Our top pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single area, so you can cook with large pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is an excellent feature for families with children. Even though the ceramic glass has a matte finish it is easy to clean with just a wipe.
Another impressive aspect of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically switches off the power to a cooking zone when you take your pan off. This is not the only hob to have this feature, but it is an excellent feature to make life easier when you cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.
This is an intelligent stove that connects to the Internet so you can control it using an app on your phone. It can also notify you when your food is ready, so you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is very fast for an induction hob. It comes with flexible cooking zones that can be combined and here an "Stop & Go button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting making it easy to turn off.
This induction hob is portable and has a slim design that's ideal for camping trips or taking to uni. It is the thinnest and lightest hob that we tested, yet it has all of our cooking features and a responsive slider. It also has a built-in 'VaryCook' function, which allows you to vary the temperature by moving the pan up and down the surface of the hob. This is ideal for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you'll need to think about how it fits with your kitchen's design and how it will add to the functionality of your home. This will help narrow down the options so that you can select a model that's ideal for your family and home. It's important to read reviews to learn what other users have thought about the appliance, since this will help you identify its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain hob brands are famous for their smart technology, making them the top choice for those who want to control their cooking using their smartphone. Samsung's models, for example come with electronic timers that allow you to set precise timeframes and stop overcooking. This is especially beneficial for people with hectic lives, since the timer allows you to ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without having to constantly monitor them.
Gas hobs can also be an excellent choice for those looking for an older-style feel. They are able to cook using a wide range of cookware sizes and styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and pans on gas hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically provide a range of settings, which means you can alter the temperature to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those looking to modernise their kitchen since they have faster heat-up times and are more efficient in energy use than gas models. This is particularly true with induction hobs that have a built-in oven, as they can help you save space in your kitchen by providing you with an oven and a hob in one unit.
Another feature to look out for is a child lock that allows you to shut off the controls of a hob and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This feature is crucial for families with children, as it will help prevent burns and other injuries. Many induction hobs also come with a feature that allows you to connect two zones, creating more cooking space. This is useful when you cook with large pans.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob comes with a number safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs have locks for children to stop children from turning on the hob or changing settings. Some may have a feature that allows you to merge two cooking zones into a single zone, allowing you to cook a wider pan.
This is an excellent feature for families and can keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the hob and if it senses that the pan isn't placed correctly or there's a fire it will shut off the burner instantly. It's a great method to ensure your home is safe and it's something you should think about when shopping.
There are many different types of hobs that you can pick from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use the use of a flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electric rings you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs utilize an electric field to heat your pans. They won't function unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a reliable type of hob that cools quickly after the pan has been removed.
This kind of hob is a space saver as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, so you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It's more expensive than other types of hobs, but it's a great choice for any family. It can be used to eliminate the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at the home. This is an excellent option for families because it protects against burns and is easy to clean. There are many options to think about when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one prior to making your choice.