Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for your needs depends on the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when choosing the right hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, the basic gas-on glass stove will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean, and include many safety features, including an indicator that glows red when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
Whether you're looking to cook an easy midweek meal or master your pancake making technique, a flexible hob is essential. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, dual wok burners, and a large cooking surface. They're ideal for a wide variety of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many of them have the option to have an extractor fan which eliminates the need for separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.
Gas hobs offer you instant heat, so it's no surprise that they're the most popular option. Gas hobs require regular cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup or fires. Additionally, they often take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan rather than the surface of the cooker They are, therefore, cleaner to maintain. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces can expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs combine the advantages of gas and induction cooking in one unit, allowing you to switch between the two depending on the type of food you're making. They're ideal for those who enjoy flexing their culinary skills but don't have the time or space for a full-on kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a great example of a product that offers flexibility in both style and functionality. The dual flex zone can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with a child lock feature that stops children from changing the settings. Additionally, it can be connected to a smart hub which allows you to manage its functions using your smartphone.
If you're looking for a high-spec induction hob that can connect to your Wi-Fi network at home take a look at this one from Smeg. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking easier and quicker, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause function. It is also very easy to use thanks to touch controls that respond immediately to changes you make and a sleek, modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best ovens and hobs hobs use the least amount of energy regardless of whether you're cooking soup or bringing water to a boiling point. This means they're a great option for people who are looking to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly and prevent the glass from getting hot. Induction hobs are the safest choice as they protect against accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient, but they are less expensive than electric models.
The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a lot of flexibility due to the "I Flex zone. This allows you to combine two cooking zones into one big area which allows you to use large saucepans and pots. The controls on the touch screen have an infant lock, to ensure that children aren't able to switch off the stove or alter the settings, which is a good feature for families with small children. The ceramic glass is smooth however, it is easy to clean by wiping it clean.
Another amazing feature of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically switches off the power to a cooking zone when you remove your pan. This isn't the only hob with this feature, but it's an excellent addition to make life easier when you cook for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart kitchen appliance that connects to the internet, allowing you to control it using an app on your tablet or smartphone. It will notify you when food is ready so you do not overcook your food. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is very fast for an induction stove. It has zones that can be combined with a Stop & go' button which reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.
This compact induction hob is perfect for camping trips and also for taking to university. It's the lightest and thinnest hob in our tests yet it has the full range of cooking functions and a touch-sensitive slider. It also has an inbuilt "VaryCook" function that allows you to adjust the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the surface of the hob. This is great for making sauces and caramel.
3. Convenience
When you are choosing a new stove, you'll need to think about the way it's incorporated into the design of your kitchen and what it will add to the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down the options so that you can select one that is suitable for your family and property. You should also look through reviews to see what other people think about the appliance. This can aid in understanding its strengths and weakness.
Certain brands of hobs have smart technology that makes them the top option for those who want to control their cooking using their smartphone. For example Samsung's models come with electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially helpful for people who have a busy schedule and can be used by the timer to make sure that meals are ready on time, without needing to keep an watch on them.
Gas hobs are a good choice for those looking for a more traditional feel. They are able to cook with a broad variety of cookware sizes and styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and pans on gas hobs. In addition, gas hobs usually have a variety of settings, meaning you can alter the temperature to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option for those who want to modernise their kitchen because they offer faster heating times and are more efficient in energy use than gas models. This is particularly true for induction hobs with an oven built-in, as they can save space in your kitchen by providing you with a combined oven and hob in one unit.
Another thing to look out for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls of a hob and safeguard children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a particularly important feature for families with young children, as it could assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Many induction hobs also have a feature that allows you to connect two zones together, creating a larger cooking surface. This is helpful if you use large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob has several safety features. They will have a hot hob indicator which will alert you when the surface is extremely hot and help prevent kitchen accidents. Some hobs have locks for children to stop children from turning on the stove or altering the settings. Some hobs feature an option to combine two cooking zones to create an even larger area, so you can cook a large pan.
This is a fantastic feature for family households and can help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the hob and if it detects that the pan isn't placed correctly or there is an occurrence of fire it will shut off the burner automatically. It's a great method to ensure your home is safe, and you should take it into consideration when you are shopping.
There are many different kinds of hobs you can pick from that include electric, gas and induction. A gas hob makes use of an electric flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob comes with electronic rings that you can control by pressing one button. Then there is the induction hob, which makes use of an electric field to heat your pans and will not turn on until you place a magnetizable metal pan on top of it. It is a very efficient hob and it cools quickly when the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is an ideal space saver since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. This means that you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It's more expensive than other kinds of hobs, however it's a great choice for any family. It is also able to remove excess steam and smoke from the kitchen, which can help improve the air quality in your home. This is a fantastic choice for families, as it is easy to clean and shields against burns. When choosing a hob there are a lot of options to think about. Make sure to research them all prior to making your choice.