Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob to choose depends on your preferences for cooking and the space available. The type of worktop and location of the extractor hood are also important aspects to consider when selecting the best hob.
If you select an own-brand model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean, and include a variety of safety features, including the red indicator that lights when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
A flexible hob will help you to achieve your goals, whether it's improving your pancake making technique or making a quick dinner for midweek. The best hobs give you precise heat control with features like dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a variety of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens, thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. A lot of them come with the option to have an extractor fan built-in, eliminating the need for separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space on your workspace.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth. They're no wonder they are popular. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure you don't run the risk of carbon build-up on your hob or a fire bursting. Plus, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs are able to heat pans more than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. They are more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.
Hybrid hobs bring the advantages of gas and induction cooking in one unit which allows you to change between these two modes based on the kind of food you're cooking. They're great for people who enjoy flexing their culinary skills but don't have the time or space to invest in a complete kitchen overhaul.
This electric hob is an excellent example of a product that provides flexibility in design and function. Its dual flex zone can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans, while its controls have a child lock feature that stops children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so you can manage its functions using your smartphone.
If you're in search of a top-quality induction hob that connects to the Wi-Fi network in your home then look no further than this one from Smeg. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently, including automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as an alarm clock and an option to pause. It is also very easy to use with control buttons that respond instantly to any changes you make and sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs are those that consume the most energy, whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This means they're ideal for those who are looking to reduce their electric bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient kind employing electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly to ensure that your glass stays cool. Induction hobs are a safer option, since they avoid accidental burns. But while gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be more affordable to run than electric models.
Our top choice, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, comes with plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'IFlex' zone, which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single area, so you can cook with big pans and pots. Its touch controls have an option for children to lock the controls to ensure that children cannot turn the hob on or change settings this is a great option for households with young children. The ceramic glass is matte, but it is easy to clean by wiping it clean.
Another impressive aspect of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically turns off the heating zone when you take your pan off. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it's an excellent feature to simplify your life if you cook a lot for a large family or a group of friends.
This is a smart hob that connects to internet, allowing you to manage it through an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can even alert you when 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 stove. It has flexible zones that you can combine with a Stop & go' button that reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting.
This compact induction cooker is ideal for camping and also for taking to university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob that we tested, but it still comes with all of our cooking functions and an adjustable slider. It also has a built-in 'VaryCook' function, which allows you to vary the temperature by moving your pan up and down the surface of the hob. This is perfect to make caramel or sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll need to think about how the hob will fit into your kitchen and what it can do to improve your home's functionality. This will help narrow down the options to help you select the best model for your family and property. It's also worth reading reviews to learn what other users have thought about the appliance, as this can help you to identify its strengths and weaknesses.
Some hob brands are renowned for their innovative technology, which makes them the top choice for those who prefer to control their cooking using their smartphone. Samsung's models, for instance include electronic timers that allow you to set precise timeframes and stop overcooking. This is particularly beneficial for those who lead busy lives and can be used by the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without needing to keep an watch over them.
Gas hobs are also an ideal choice for those looking for an older-style feel. They are able to cook with a broad variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Plus, gas hobs often have a variety of settings, which means you can alter the temperature to suit your recipe or pan type.
Induction hobs are more energy efficient than gas models and provide faster heating times and are an option for those looking to modernise a kitchen. This is especially true with induction hobs that have an oven built-in, as they can reduce space in your kitchen by allowing you to have a combined oven and hob in one unit.
A child lock is another feature to look out for. It lets you disable the controls on a stove and protects children from accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for parents of young children, since it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. In addition some induction hobs come with the ability to link two zones together to create a larger cooking space, which can be useful when you're cooking with large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include a number of safety features. They will have an indicator for hot hobs that will warn you when the surface is heated and prevent accidents in the kitchen. Certain hobs may also include an option for a child lock to keep children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some will have a function that lets you combine two cooking zones into a single zone so that you can cook a larger size pan.
This is a fantastic feature for families and will ensure that everyone in the kitchen is safe. It works by observing the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan hasn't been positioned correctly or if there's a fire on the hob, it will automatically stop the burner. 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 kinds of hobs you can select from that include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs come with electric rings you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs utilize a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is an efficient type of hob that will cool quickly after the pan is removed.
This kind of hob can be an efficient space-saver since it does not require an extractor fan. This means that you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It can be used to eliminate excessive steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at the home. This is an excellent choice for families, as it is easy to clean and shields against burns. When it comes to choosing a cooktop, there are many choices to take into consideration. Take the time to research them all prior to making your decision.