Choosing the Best Hob

The best hob to choose depends on your cooking preferences and available space. The type of worktop and location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when deciding on the right hob.

If you choose an own-brand model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are less difficult to clean, and include many safety features, including a red indicator which glows when they are hot.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking for a way to cook an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique, a flexible hob is key. The best hobs give you precise heat control with features like dual wok burners and an enormous cooking space, making them ideal for a variety of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option of adding an integrated extractor fan, eliminating the need for an additional overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat. It's no wonder they are so popular. They do require periodic cleaning to ensure you aren't at risk of carbon build-up on your stove or a fire breaking out. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into a single product. You can switch between the two modes depending on what you're cooking. They're great for people who like to flex 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 allows for flexibility in style and function. The dual flex zones can be combined to fit larger pots or pans. The controls also have an option for children to lock them out of children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage the features via your smartphone.

Smeg's induction cooktop is a high-spec model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It's loaded with features that make cooking faster and easier such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as the ability to set a timer as well as an option to pause. It's also simple to use with touch controls that respond immediately to changes you make, and sleek modern design.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs consume the least amount of energy when you're simmering soup or bringing water to a boil. They're also an excellent choice for those who wish to lower their electricity costs. Induction hobs are the most efficient that make use of electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly to ensure that the glass remains cool. This also makes them the safest option to avoid burns from accidental accidents. Gas hobs may not be as efficient but they are cheaper to operate than electric models.

Our top choice Miele I Flex 90cm induction hob, comes with plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone that allows you to combine two cooking zones into one area so you can cook with large pans and pots. Its touch controls come with a child lock so that children can't turn off the appliance or alter the settings this is a great feature for families with small kids. The ceramic glass is matte, but it can be easily cleaned by wiping it clean.

The hob also comes with a 'Pan detection function' that will shut off power to a particular cooking zone when removing a pan. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it is an excellent feature to make life easier for those who cook for a large family or a group of friends.

This is a smart kitchen appliance that connects to internet, allowing you to control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can even alert you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is a lot for an induction hob. It has flexible cooking zones which you can combine and an "Stop & Go button that lowers all cooking zones to the lowest setting, making it easy to switch off.

The induction cooker is portable and has a slim design that's perfect for camping trips or taking to uni. It's the lightest and thinnest hob we tested however it still comes with a full set of cooking functions as well as a responsive touch slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that lets you to adjust the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down the surface of your hob. This is ideal for making caramel sauces and sauces.

3. Convenience

When choosing a new hob you'll have to consider how it fits with the design of your kitchen and what it will add to the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best model for your family and home. It is also advisable to read reviews to find out what others think of the appliance. This can aid in understanding its strengths and weakness.

Some hob brands are renowned for their smart technology, making them the top choice for those who want to control cooking with their mobile. Samsung's models, for instance include electronic timers that allow you to set precise timeframes and stop overcooking. This is particularly beneficial for people who have a busy schedule and can be used by the timer to ensure that meals are ready at the correct time without needing to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are a great choice for those who want an old-fashioned look, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and saucepans on gas stoves. Gas hobs usually come with a variety of settings so that you can adjust the temperature to suit the recipe you are cooking.

Induction hobs, which are more energy-efficient than gas models, and have quicker heat-up times, are also a popular choice among those who want to modernize their kitchen. This is especially the case with induction hobs that come with a built-in oven, as they can save space in your kitchen by offering an oven and hob in one unit.

A child lock is an additional feature to be on the lookout for. It lets you stop the stove's controls and shields children from accidents in the kitchen. This is an essential feature for those with young children, as it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Many induction hobs also include a feature that permits you to link two zones, creating more cooking space. This is helpful when you cook with large pans.

4. Safety

A good hob has many safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help 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 will have a function that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone to allow you to cook a wider pan.

This is a great feature for family households and can ensure that everyone is safe in the kitchen. It monitors the temperature of the stove and if it determines that the pan isn't positioned correctly or there is an incident hob and oven of fire it will shut down the burner automatically. This is a great method to ensure your home is secure and is something you should look for when shopping for.

There are many different kinds of hobs you can pick from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs make use of an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs come with electric rings you can control by pressing a button. Induction hobs use an electric field to heat your pans. They will not work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is an efficient type of hob that cools quickly after the pan is removed.

This kind of hob can save space because it does not 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, however it's an excellent choice for any family. It can be used to get rid of excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at home. This is an excellent option for families because it can protect against burns and is very easy to clean. There are a number of options to consider when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one before making a decision.