Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob to choose depends on your cooking preferences and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are also important aspects to consider when deciding on the right hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean and come with a variety of safety features, including the red indicator that lights when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will assist you in achieving your goals, whether it's perfecting your pancake recipe or making a quick meal for a midweek meal. The best hobs offer precise heat control, two wok burners, and an enormous cooking surface. They are ideal for a variety of recipes. 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 an integrated extractor fan which eliminates the need for an additional overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they are an extremely popular choice. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure you aren't putting yourself at risk by carbon build-up on your hob or a fire breaking out. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop surface They are, therefore, easier to keep clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces can show up scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Hybrid hobs bring the benefits of gas and induction cooking in one unit which allows you to change between these two modes based on the kind of food you're cooking. They are great for those who like to flex their culinary abilities but don't have the space or time to invest in a complete kitchen overhaul.
This electric hob is a fantastic model that can be flexed in design and function. The dual flex zone can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls feature an option for locking children that prevents children from changing the settings. It's also designed to connect to a smart hub, so you can control the features from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a high-spec model that can be connected to your home WiFI network. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as an alarm clock and the ability to pause. It's also simple to use with control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make and an elegant modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs use the most energy, regardless of whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a good option for those who want to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan, preventing the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are the most secure choice, as they prevent accidental burns. Although gas hobs may not be as efficient, they tend to be more affordable to run than electric ones.
The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top choice. It provides a lot of flexibility thanks to the 'I Flex zone. This allows you to join two cooking zones to create a larger area making it possible to use larger saucepans and pots. Its touch controls come with a child lock so that children can't turn off the appliance or change settings, which is a good feature for families with small children. Although the ceramic glass has a matte surface, it's easy to keep clean with only a simple wipe.
Another amazing aspect of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically switches off the cooking zone's power when you take your pan off. It's not the only hob with this feature, but it's an excellent feature to make your life easier for those who cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that connects to the internet, so you can control it using an app that you can download on your smartphone. It can also notify you when your food here is ready, so that you don't overcook it. This model boiled our test pan of hot water in less than four minutes, which is extremely quick for an Induction stove. It has flexible cooking zones that can be combined and an "Stop & Go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.
This small induction hob is ideal for camping trips and for trips to the university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we've tested however it still comes with the full range of cooking functions and an intuitive touch slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature which lets you vary the temperature by moving the pan up and down the hob's surface, which is ideal for making sauces or caramel.
3. Convenience
You'll need to think about how the stove can fit into your kitchen and what it can contribute to improving your home's functionality. This will help you narrow your choices and choose the one that's ideal for your family, you and your home. You should also look through reviews to see what other people think about the appliance. This can help you better understand its strengths and weakness.
Some hob brands have intelligent technology, making them the first option for those who want to control their cooking using their smartphones. Samsung's models, for example, have electronic timers which allow you to set precise cooking times and avoid overcooking. This is particularly helpful for those with busy lifestyles, as you can use the timer to make sure that meals are prepared at the correct time without having to keep an watch on them.
Gas hobs are also an excellent choice for those looking for a more traditional feel. They can be used to cook using a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pans and saucepans on gas stoves. Plus, gas hobs often have a variety of settings, which means you can adjust the temperature to suit your recipe or pan type.
Induction hobs are another popular choice for those who want to modernize their kitchens, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. This is especially the case with induction hobs that come with an oven built-in, as they can reduce space in your kitchen by providing you with an oven and a hob in one unit.
Another feature to look out for is a child lock which lets you block the controls on a stove and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This is an essential feature for families with young children, since it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. In addition there are many induction hobs that have a function that lets you link two zones together to make a larger cooking area This can be helpful in the event that you're using large pots.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include several safety features. A hot hob indicator can alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include a child lock that can stop children from turning the stove on or altering settings. Some models will come with a function that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone to allow you to cook a larger size pan.
This is a fantastic feature for family households and can help keep everyone safe in the kitchen. It works by observing the temperature of the hob. If it determines that the pan has not been positioned correctly, or if there is a fire on the hob, it will automatically stop the burner. It's a great method to ensure that your home is secure, and you should take it into consideration when you shop.
You can choose between gas, electric, and induction hobs. A gas hob uses an electric flame to heat your pans while an electric hob features electric rings that you are able to control by pressing one button. Induction hobs utilize a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't work unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a reliable type of hob that cools quickly after the pan has been removed.
This type of hob is an efficient space-saver since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, which means you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It can be more expensive than other types of hobs but it's a great option for any household. It can be used to get rid of excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality in your home. This is a great option for families since it is easy to clean and shields against burns. There are a number of different options available for you to consider when choosing a hob, so be sure to take the time to study each one prior to making your choice.