Choosing the Best Hob

The ideal hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when choosing the right hob.

A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 If you select an exclusive model. They're less difficult 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 master your pancake making technique, a flexible hob is key. The best hobs provide precise heat control by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area which makes them perfect for a variety of dishes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option of adding an extractor fan built-in that eliminates the need for an additional overhead appliance and freeing space on your worktop.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat. They're no wonder they are popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to avoid carbon buildup or fires. In addition, they typically take longer to boil water than models that use induction.

Induction hobs heat the pan instead of the cooktop surface They are, therefore, easier to keep clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, while their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs offer the benefits of both gas and induction cooking in one product that lets you switch between modes depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They are great for those 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 model that is flexible in design and function. The two flex zones on the hob can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. The controls also have the option of a child lock to prevent children from altering the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub which allows you to manage its functions from your smartphone.

Smeg's induction cooktop is a high-end model that is connected to your Wi-Fi network. It's got a lot of features that make cooking simpler and quicker, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause feature. It's also incredibly simple to use, with control buttons that respond immediately to your changes and a sleek design that would be perfect for modern kitchens.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use as little energy as possible when you're cooking soup or bringing water to a boil. They're also an excellent choice for those who wish to lower their electricity costs. Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan which prevents the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are the safest option, since they avoid accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient but they are cheaper to operate than electric models.

Our top pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, comes with plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'IFlex' zone, which lets you merge two cooking zones into one area so you can cook with large pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls stops children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. Ceramic glass is matte however it can be cleaned by a simple wipe.

The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a specific cooking area when you remove a pan. It's not the only hob to have this feature, but it's an excellent addition to make life easier if you cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.

This is a smart stove that is connected to the internet, so you can control it with an app on your smartphone. It can alert you when food is ready, so you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is very fast for an induction cooktop. It comes with flexible zones that can be combined, and a Stop & go' button that reduces the cooking zones to the lowest setting.

This compact induction cooker is ideal for camping and taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we've tested however it still comes with the full range of cooking options and a responsive touch slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature, Hob And Oven which allows you to alter the temperature by moving the pan up and down the hob's surface, which is ideal for making sauces or caramel.

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 efficiency of your home. This will help you narrow down your options and pick the one that is best for your family and your home. You should also read reviews to find out what others think of the appliance. This can aid in understanding its strengths and weaknesses.

Certain brands of hobs are known for their advanced technology, which makes them the top choice for those who want to control their cooking using their mobile. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and avoid overcooking. This is especially helpful for those with busy lifestyles because you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared at the right time without having to keep an watch on them.

Gas hobs are also a good option for those looking for an old-fashioned look, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. This includes non-flat-bottomed pots and pans, which can be difficult to place on other types of hob. Gas hobs are usually equipped with a range of settings so that you can alter the temperature to suit your recipe.

Induction hobs are more energy efficient than gas models, and have quicker heat-up times they are also popular among those who want to modernize their kitchen. Hobs that have built-in ovens are particularly popular due to the fact that they can save space by combining the oven and hob into one unit.

Another feature to look out for is a child lock, which allows you to block the controls of a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, as it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally there are many induction hobs that have the ability to link two zones together to create a larger cooking space that can be beneficial when you're cooking with large pans.

4. Safety

A good hob will have a number of safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is heated. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs have an option for locking the hob to prevent children from turning the hob on or altering settings. Some hobs have an option to join two cooking zones into an additional zone, meaning you can cook a large pan.

This is an excellent feature for families and will ensure that everyone in the kitchen is secure. It monitors the temperature of the cooktop and if it determines that the pan isn't positioned correctly or there's an occurrence of fire, it will shut off the burner immediately. It's a great method to ensure your home is safe and it's something you should think about when you are shopping.

You can choose between electric, gas, and induction hobs. A gas hob uses a flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob comes with electronic rings that you can control by pressing a button. Induction hobs utilize a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is a very efficient hob and it cools quickly once the pan has been removed.

This kind of oven hob is able to save space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. It is therefore possible to have a the kitchen with a sleeker design. It is more expensive than other kinds of hobs but it's an excellent choice for any family. 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 choice for families as it protects against burns and is very easy to clean. When it comes to choosing a cooktop, there are a variety of options to think about. Take the time to research them all prior to making your decision.