The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of materials and sizes. The best hob hobs (Read the Full Guide) are durable elegant, stylish best ovens and hobs easy to clean.
Gas hobs are preferred by our experts for their versatility and precision control of flames. However, electric hobs can provide superior energy efficiency and are more easy to keep clean. Look for features like a timer or power boost which allow you to boost the heat quickly to accelerate cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a modern efficient and effective alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking area as gas hobs do, they employ magnet technology to heat the copper coils that are beneath the pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch and is therefore safer to use and simpler for cleaning. They boil more quickly than kettles and use less energy. They are now a staple kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's kitchen test kitchen. We appreciate this sleek, premium model from AEG which comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions as well as an easy-to-use minute timer. It has a smooth, smooth surface that can be cleaned easily and is easy to operate with the touch control panels. However, one minor gripe (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be uneven; however, it is only noticeable when stirring-frying.
The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco ratings. It is a A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of 775 watts per cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets you move your pans within the four zones and adjust the power levels in accordance with your pots or saucepans. In addition, the "Power booster" function increases the output of the hob by 50% to speed up the boiling process. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function and an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your pan from overheating, so you never have to worry about burnt food.
This is a great low-cost induction hob that can be easily wired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be operated independently and are identified by the ring, cross or arrow to indicate the coil centre. It also has a touch-control panel. It features an enormous 'Flux Zone' which can hold larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed to have preset power levels for the front and middle zones. This is great if you regularly cook with different sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) remain the most efficient option to cook in your kitchen. They are ideal for boiling water as well as simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them as well as pan-frying. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately generate high temperatures, making them perfect for searing and boiling.
The flame indicator's visual display makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at glance. This is extremely useful to ensure safety. With an electric hob, it's less likely to switch off the burner or forget that it was on.
Most models have a flat surface, which makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. That said, it seems that there's no material that could fend off splashes and spillages completely, so you'll need to keep on top of cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts as they are able to heat faster and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is particularly true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can free up space in your kitchen and create an elegant look that can fit in with any style of interior.
Many homeowners prefer gas hobs that are freestanding over built-in models due to their efficiency and convenience. They are simpler to install, and offer more flexibility in the event that you want to create a minimalist kitchen designs.
Another benefit of going for freestanding models is the possibility of connecting it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative energy source for you're looking for a more sustainable option. However, you'll need be able to find a suitable LPG boiler and stove before this is an option for you. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Hobs for Sealed Plates
If you're looking for an energy-efficient and sleek option, an induction hob is definitely the way to go. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly while the ceramic surface of the hob keeps it cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than gas or electrical counterparts. However, the drawback of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll need to invest in a set of induction-compatible cookware.
If you don't wish to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good alternative. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic surface that has heating elements hidden underneath which makes them more attractive than solid plate hobs. They are also easier to clean, as there's no need for tricky scouring. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don't have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they are not the best hob uk choice if are concerned about your energy usage.
Solid plate hobs, the budget option with their simple and durable design, are great for everyday cooking. They're easy to warm up, which makes them a great option for those who don't require a powerful cooktop. However, they can take a long time to cool down. Solid plate hobs also release a lot of residual heat, making them not as efficient as the other options on this list.
We suggest that you search for reviews on websites of retailers if you are considering a solid-plate hob. Not only will this provide you with a clear view into how it works however, it will assist you in locating the perfect model for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys is highly rated by customers and is finished in durable stainless steel. The black controls blend with other appliances in the kitchen, giving it a minimal and contemporary look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs offer the benefit of being energy efficient. While gas hobs may be a preferred choice for many chefs due to their instant heating and ease of control, they are also a popular choice due to the fact that they are quick to heat. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking features like power boost settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.
When you're choosing an electric stove, look for one that's streamlined with touch controls, and no dials or buttons hanging out. This makes them easy to clean, particularly when you choose an even surface that doesn't chip or scratch. For safety, choose models with child lock as well as hot indicators and heat shut-offs to stop accidents. If you have a smart connected home, you may want to choose a digital display which lets you control your stove remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For ultimate flexibility, consider a dual fuel stove that has gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 from FUJIOH has both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and sturdy cast iron pan supports that accommodate traditional gas cooking. It also has a timer feature that lets you set specific cooking times for your dishes so that they're ready when you need them - reducing the risk of overcooking and making food less tasty.
Lastly, for added convenience, you might want an appliance that allows you to join two cooking zones into a single zone for pans of varying sizes and shapes. This will save space and is beneficial if you often cook with large rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding Teppanyaki grills or induction plates to provide additional cooking options.
You'll find cheap own-brand gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and higher-end models that cost upwards of PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic stove or an induction model from a major brand should not cost more than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models there are a variety of excellent options from own-brand manufacturers. Be aware that ceramic and induction hobs require a specific supply with the correct cables and breakers to function, which means you will need to have it installed by an electrician.