Choosing the Best Hob

The best hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are important aspects to consider when selecting the best hob.

A basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100 if you opt for an original brand. They are simpler to clean, and include a variety of safety features, including the red indicator that lights when they are hot.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking for a way to cook an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a movable hob is key. The best hobs give you precise temperature control, with features like dual wok burners and a large cooking area which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be used in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. A lot of them come with the option to add an extractor fan built-in to eliminate the need for separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space for your work area.

Gas hobs provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they are a popular choice. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Additionally, they often take longer to boil water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the pan rather than the cooker surface, so they are generally easier to keep clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces may expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs bring the advantages of gas and induction cooking in one appliance that lets you switch between the two depending on the kind of food you're cooking. These are great for those looking to test their culinary skills, but don't want to upgrade their kitchen.

This electric hob is a fantastic example of a product that offers flexibility in style and function. The two flex zones on the hob can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. The controls also feature an option for children to lock them out of children from altering the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub which allows you to manage its functions using your smartphone.

Smeg's induction hob is a high-spec model that can be connected to your home Wi-Fi network. It's packed with features to make cooking faster and easier with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as a timer and an option to pause. It's also incredibly simple to use, with touch controls that react immediately to changes, and a sleek design that would fit right in in a modern kitchen.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use the least amount of energy, whether you're cooking soup or bringing water to the boil. This makes them ideal for those who want to cut their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient, using electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan so that the glass stays cool. Induction hobs are the most secure choice, as they prevent accidental burns. But while gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be more affordable to run than electric models.

The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a lot of flexibility, thanks to the "I Flex zone. This allows you to join two cooking zones together into one large area, making it possible to use larger saucepans and pots. Its touch controls have an option for children to lock the controls so that children can't turn the hob on or alter settings, which is a good option for households with young kids. The ceramic glass is matte, but it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.

The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that will shut off the power to a specific cooking area when you remove a pan. It's not the only hob that has this feature, but it's a great addition that makes your life easier when you cook lots of meals for a family or group of friends.

This is a smart hob that connects to internet so that you can control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will notify you when food is ready so you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is very fast for an induction stove. It has zones that you can mix, and a Stop & go' button that reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting.

This compact induction hob is ideal for camping and for trips to the university. It is the thinnest and lightest hob we tested, but it still includes all of our cooking functions and a responsive slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that allows you to control the temperature of your pan by dragging it up and down on the surface of the hob. This is perfect for making caramel sauces and sauces.

3. Convenience

You should think about how the stove can fit into your kitchen and what it could do to improve your home's functionality. This will help you narrow your options and pick the one that's ideal for you, your family, and your property. It's important to read reviews to see what other people have had to say about the appliance. this can help you to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Certain brands of hobs are known for their smart technology, making them the go-to option for those who prefer to control cooking with their mobile. Samsung's models, for instance, have electronic timers which allow you to set precise times and stop overcooking. This is especially helpful for those with busy lifestyles, as you can use the timer to ensure that meals are ready at the correct time without having to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are a great choice for those who want a traditional feel, as they can be used with a variety of cookware styles and sizes. This includes non-flat-bottomed pans and pans, which may be difficult to fit on other hobs. Plus, gas hobs often offer a range of settings, so you can alter the heat to fit the pan you are using or your recipe.

Induction hobs are a popular choice for those looking to modernize their kitchen since they have faster heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. This is especially the case with induction hobs that have an oven built-in, as they can reduce space in your kitchen by allowing you to have an oven and hob and oven in one unit.

A child lock is an additional 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 particularly important feature for those with young children, as it could assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. In addition, many induction hobs have an option to connect two zones to create a larger cooking space, which can be useful when you're cooking with large pans.

4. Safety

A good hob and oven will have many safety features. These will include an indicator for hot ovens hobs which will alert you when the surface is extremely hot and can prevent accidents in the kitchen. Some hobs will also have a child lock that will keep children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some hobs have a feature that allows you combine two cooking zones to create an even larger area, so you can cook a wide pan.

This is a great feature for families with children and it will ensure that everyone is safe in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the hob and if it determines that the pan isn't set correctly or there's a fire, it will shut off the burner immediately. It's a great way to ensure your home is safe, and it's something you should think about when you are shopping.

There are a variety of different types of hobs that you can select from, including gas, electric and induction. Gas hobs use the use of a flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob comes with electronic rings that you can control with the touch of the button. Induction hobs utilize an electric field to heat your pans. They will not work until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. This is a very efficient hob and will cool quickly after the pan has been removed.

This kind of hob can be an efficient space-saver since it removes the need for an extractor fan, so you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it's a great choice for any home. It is also able to remove excess steam and smoke from the kitchen, which can help improve the air quality of your home. This is an excellent choice for families as it protects against burns and is very easy to clean. There are a number of options to consider when selecting a hob, so be sure to take the time to research every one before making your decision.