Choosing the Best Hob

The best hob for you depends on the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are also important considerations when choosing the right hob.

A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 if you opt for an own-brand model. They are easier to clean and offer various safety features including the red indicator that illuminates when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking to whip your own quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a flexible hob is essential. The top hobs offer precise heat control with features such as dual wok burners as well as a large cooking area which makes them perfect for a variety of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. In addition, many of them come with the option of an integrated extractor fan which eliminates the need for an overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.

Gas hobs can provide instant heating. It's no wonder that they are popular. Gas hobs require regular cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Additionally, they often take longer to boil water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them easier to clean. They are more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.

Hybrid hobs combine the benefits of gas and induction cooking in one unit which allows you to switch between modes depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They are great for those who want to expand their culinary abilities but don't have the space or time to invest in a complete kitchen overhaul.

This electric hob is a great model that is flexible in appearance and function. The dual flex zone can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with an option for locking children that stops children from 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 top-quality model that is connected to your WiFI network. It's packed with features that help cook faster and more efficiently such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and an alarm clock and the ability to pause. It's also simple to use with control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make, and an elegant, modern design.

2. Energy efficiency

The most efficient hobs consume as little energy as possible, whether you're simmering soup or bringing water up to boiling point. This means that they're ideal for those who want to cut down on their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient employing electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan to ensure that the glass remains cool. Induction hobs are the safest choice, as they prevent accidental burns. Gas hobs may 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 thanks to its 'I-Flex' zone which lets you merge two cooking zones into a single area, so you can cook with big pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is an excellent feature for families with young children. The ceramic glass is smooth however it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.

Another impressive feature of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically turns off the heating zone when you take your pan off. This isn't the only hob that has this feature, but it's an excellent feature to simplify your life when you cook a lot for an entire family or group of friends.

This is a smart hob that connects to internet so that you can control it using an app on your tablet or smartphone. It will alert you when food is ready, so you don't overcook it. This model boiled our test pan of hot water in just four minutes, which is extremely rapid for an induction hob. It has flexible cooking zones that you can mix and a "Stop & Go' button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.

This induction hob is portable and has a compact design that's perfect for camping trips or taking to uni. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we tested however it still comes with an extensive set of cooking functions as well as an intuitive touch slider. It also has an integrated "VaryCook" function that allows you to control the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the hob surface. This is ideal to make caramel and sauces.

3. Convenience

When choosing a new hob you'll have to consider how it fits with your kitchen design and what it will do to enhance the utility of your home. This will help narrow down the options so that you can pick a model that's ideal for your family and property. It's important to read reviews to learn what other users have to say about the appliance. this will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses better.

Certain brands of hobs are known for their innovative technology, making them the top choice for those who prefer to control their cooking via their smartphone. Samsung's models, for instance, have electronic timers which allow you to set precise times and prevent overcooking. This is especially helpful for those who lead busy lives, as you can use the timer to make sure that meals are ready on time, without having to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are also a good choice for those who want traditional style, since they can be used with a variety of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically provide a range of settings, meaning you can adjust the heat to fit your pan's style or recipe.

Induction hobs are another popular option for those who are looking to modernise their kitchen, as they provide quicker heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are particularly popular due to the fact that they can save space by condensing the oven and the hob in one unit.

Another feature to look out for is a child lock which lets you block the controls on a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for those with young children, as it can help to avoid burns and other injuries. Additionally there are many induction hobs that have the ability to connect two zones to create a larger cooking space This can be helpful if you're using large pans.

4. Safety

A high-quality hob will come with several safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is hot. This will help avoid accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs will also have an option for a child lock to stop children from turning the hob on or altering settings. Some hobs feature the ability to combine two cooking zones to create an additional zone, meaning you can cook a large pan.

This is a great feature for families, and can keep everyone in the kitchen safe. It works by monitoring the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan has not been properly placed, or if there is an ignition on the stove, it will automatically turn off the burner. It's a great method to ensure that your home is safe, and you should consider it when shopping.

There are a number of different types of hobs that you can choose from that include electric, gas and induction. A gas hob makes use of the use of a flame to heat your pans while an electric hob comes with electric rings that you are able to control by pressing a button. Then there is the induction hob that uses magnets to heat your pans. It won't turn on unless you place a magnetizable metal pan get more info on it. This is a highly efficient kind of hob that cools quickly after the pan has been removed.

This type of hob is a space saver as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, which means you can have a streamlined kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs however it is an excellent option for any household. It can also be used to get rid of excessive smoke and steam from the kitchen, which can aid in improving the air quality in your home. This is an excellent option for families because it will protect you from burns and is very easy to clean. When choosing a hob there are a variety of options to think about. Take the time to research them all prior to making your choice.