Choosing the Best Hob
The choice of the right hob is contingent on your preferences for cooking and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are also important aspects to consider when choosing the right hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are less difficult to clean and come with a variety of safety features like a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking to whip up a quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe A hob that is flexible is key. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, dual wok burners, and a huge cooking surface. They are ideal for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be used in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option to add an integrated extractor fan that eliminates the need for an additional overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat, so it's no surprise that they are a popular choice. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to avoid carbon buildup and fires. Plus, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs offer the benefits of gas and induction cooking into one unit, allowing you to switch between modes depending on the type of food you're making. They are ideal for those who want to test their culinary skills, but aren't looking to invest in a new kitchen.
This electric hob is an excellent model that is flexible in appearance and function. Its dual flex zones can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with the feature of a child lock that stops children from changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions using your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a high-end model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It's packed with features to help cook faster and more efficiently such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and an alarm clock and the ability to pause. It's also simple to use, with touchscreen controls that react immediately to changes you make and an elegant modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs consume as little energy as possible, whether you're simmering soup or bringing water up to boiling point. They're also a good option for those who want to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient type that make use of electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan so that the glass stays cool. This also ensures they are safe to avoid burns from accidental accidents. Gas hobs aren't as efficient, but they are more affordable than electric models.
Our top choice is the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, comes with plenty of flexibility due to its 'IFlex' zone, which lets you merge two cooking zones into one area, so you can cook with big pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. Although the ceramic glass has a matte finish it's easy to clean with only a simple wipe.
The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a particular cooking zone when removing a pan. This isn't the only hob with this feature, but it's a great addition that makes your life easier when you cook lots of meals for a family or group of friends.
This is an intelligent stove that connects to the internet, so you can control it using an app on your phone. It can even alert you when food is ready, so you don't overcook it. The model we tested boiled a pan of hot water in just four minutes, which is incredibly fast 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.
This portable induction hob has a slim design that's ideal for camping or a trip hob to the university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested, but still has a full set of cooking options and a touch-sensitive slider. It also comes with an inbuilt "VaryCook" function that lets you to adjust the temperature of your pan by dragging it up and down on the surface of your hob. This is ideal to make caramel and sauces.
3. Convenience
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you'll need to think about how it will fit into the design of your kitchen and what it can do to improve the utility of your home. This will help you narrow your options and select the model that is best for your family, you, and your property. It is also advisable to review reviews to learn what others think of the appliance. This can aid in understanding its strengths and weakness.
Some hob brands are renowned for their innovative technology, making them the top choice for those who want to control their cooking using their mobile. Samsung's models, as an example include electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially useful for people who have hectic lives, since the timer will ensure that your meals are ready when they should be, without having to constantly monitor them.
Gas hobs are a good choice for those looking for more traditional appearance. They can be used to cook with a wide variety of cookware sizes and styles. This includes non-flat-bottomed pots and pans, which may be difficult to accommodate on other hobs. Gas hobs are usually equipped with a variety of settings, so that you can adjust the temperature to fit your recipe.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option for those who want to modernize their kitchen since they have faster heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are especially popular since they can reduce space by mixing the oven and hob into one unit.
A child lock is another option to look for. It allows you to disable the controls on a stove and safeguards children from accidents in the kitchen. This is particularly important for families with children as it can prevent burns and other injuries. Additionally some induction hobs come with the ability to connect two zones to create a larger cooking area that can be beneficial when you're cooking with large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include several safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the stove is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs feature locks for children to stop children from turning on the stove or altering the settings. Certain hobs come with an option to combine two cooking zones to create a larger zone, so you can cook in a larger pan.
This is an excellent feature for families, and can keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It works by monitoring the temperature of the hob. If it detects that the pan has not been properly placed, or if there is an ignition on the stove, it will automatically stop the burner. It's a great way to ensure that your home is safe, and you should consider it when you shop.
There are many different kinds of hobs you can pick from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use the use of a flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electric rings you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs make use of magnets to heat your pans. They won't work unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a highly efficient kind of hob that will cool quickly after the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is able to save space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. It is therefore possible to have a a more streamlined kitchen design. It's more expensive than other kinds of hobs, however it's an excellent choice for any family. It can be used to eliminate excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at home. This is a great option for families since it is easy to clean and guards against burns. When selecting a kitchen appliance, there are many choices to take into consideration. It is important to study them all before making a decision.