How to Choose the best hob, My Home Page,
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hob, hob uk from cost to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is crucial.
A basic electric ceramic hob could cost as low as PS100, best hobs Uk but you'll need to pay more for a model with a lot of features. Gas hobs are another popular choice and provide great temperature control, however they are more expensive.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones, best hobs three 'Push&Go" functions, and will assist you in making quick meals. It was also one of the quickest tested to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It comes with a child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process quickly without having to fiddle with controls.
Its design is sleek, contemporary, and works well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made from glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit flush on the worktop.
The controls were easy to operate and we appreciated the display that displays the current power level as well as which zone is currently in use. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil quickly. The hot hob light and auto shut-off are great security features, too.
It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, in comparison to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may have to change settings several times before your pan reaches the right heat.
This model is 60cm long and comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone that two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. It features dual-ring design and can function on both 'normal as well as 'boost power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat while searing it or making water come to a quick boil.
It is fully connected through the hOn app and includes 100's of recipes, guided cooking, and 30 different programs that are divided into different food categories and types of cooking. It features a simple multislider interface, as well as a lockable control panel. In addition, it is able to automatically detect the type of pan you're using and set up the proper cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn cookware from third-party manufacturers and comes with a number of safety features like a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether you are renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now sold for less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that come with induction it's worth paying more to get the latest technology.
This slick-looking model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction tech to keep your cooking efficient and easy. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots that have an overall diameter of at least 9cm and automatically activates the appropriate zone.
Smeg's focus is on energy savings but it doesn't forget the possibility of flexibility. The hob can be adjusted to save power based on the maximum temperatures that the zones can operate at. Eco-Logic advanced mode lets you to conserve more energy by reducing power output to as little as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed by the user-friendly interface of this hob with easy-to-use controls that slide along the edges of the hob, allowing it to follow the pan. The color scheme of the control panel allows you to quickly determine the operating status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones together to cater for larger pans. There are many useful functions including four automatic cooking presets: melting, boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.
Additionally the hob also has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you when there is a danger of a burning or burning food. There are several safety features such as a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic switch-off when the surface becomes too hot.
It is also resistant to tough stains, and has an anti-smudge coating called CleanProtect. This hob is easy to install and features nine power levels, as well as the handy FlexiDuo feature for catering for large pans. There are a host of bonus features, such as lockable controls and an emergency fuse in the event of accidental button-pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to generate a magnetic force when a pot or pan is placed on them. This means that they can reach temperatures faster than gas hobs and can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking area only gets hot when you turn on a pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas and they are also simpler to clean.
This induction hob by Indesit is packed with features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to create an Integrated Zone for larger pans and the Booster Zone is quick to bring water to a boiling point quickly. For instance, the Push&Go lets you cook flawlessly at the touch the button. The controls are easy to operate and let you select nine power options, including a P boost setting which gives the highest power in each zone for five minutes.
The controls are also simple to operate and feature a modern, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan after we placed it on the Booster Zone and boiling pasta water. However, it took some time to cool down after it was turned off from the hob and our testers found it difficult to pinpoint the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also has a bridge function, which allows you to connect two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and overheating block as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the hob working when it's overheated. Our test participants were impressed that there were no visible flames or flammable substances and the ceramic glass was easy to wipe clean. Ventilated hobs, unlike traditional extractors, draw steam and smoke from the pan out of the room through an air duct that is located on the surface. The vent on this hob was easy to clean, however it required two people to remove the filter.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the hob will be able to fit into your kitchen's layout and design and what your cooking style. For instance, if you frequently cook oven with hob children or elderly people in mind, safety features like automatic shut-off and a cool to the touch surface can make an induction hob the best hobs choice. For those who value efficiency and speed, an electric stove with a glass face that is wipe-clean is a great choice. Gas hobs are an excellent option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.