How to Choose the Best Hob
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from the price to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding which features are essential is vital.
A basic ceramic electric hob can cost just PS100. However, you will need to pay more for a model that comes with numerous features. Gas hobs are another popular choice, and offer great temperature control, but they're pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions, and will aid in cooking quick meals. It was also among the most efficient tests to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It comes with the child lock as well as a pause function so you can stop the process swiftly without having to fiddle with controls.
Its design is sleek, modern and is a great match for contemporary kitchens. It's usually made from glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features controls that are flush with the worktop for ease of use.
The controls are easy to operate and we loved the clear display that informs you the current power setting, and which of the five zones are in use. The 'Boost' feature creates high-powered heat for a short period of time, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil fast. The hot hob light and automatic shutdown are useful security features, too.
It's not as responsive as the other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, in comparison to seven or six for other models. It takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, meaning you may need to alter settings several times before your pan is at the right temperature.
The model in 60 cm comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex area where two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated at both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost model is great for frying meat, searing it or bringing water pans to the rapid boil.
It is fully connected through the hOn App, and offers 100's of recipes, guides for cooking, and 30 unique programmes divided into different food categories and types of preparation. It features a multislider controls panel that has a lockable interface' that detects the type pan you are using to set the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn pans from third-party manufacturers and comes with a variety of security features, including a lockable control panel and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free option. Prices have plummeted over the past few years, with basic four-zone models costing less than PS100. If you want all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth the extra cost to get the latest technology.
This sleek-looking model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction technology that makes your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognizes pots that have an overall diameter of at least 9 cm and automatically activates the zone that is appropriate.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency doesn't overlook flexibility either The hob is built to save power by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking needs. There are also options to save even more energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode, which reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 4 kW.
The user-friendly interface of this cooker was a hit with testers, thanks to its simple sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edges of it. The control panel's color scheme helps you quickly identify the operational status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones to cater for larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting boiling, melting, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for quick results.
Additionally, the hob has a 'FlameSensor' which alerts you when there is a risk Best place to buy oven and hob of a fire or burnt-on food. There are other safety features, including a residual heat indicator as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface is too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with the CleanProtect coating that is designed to protect it from tough staining and cooking marks. The hob is simple to install and features nine power levels and the handy FlexiDuo feature for catering for large pans. There are a host of bonus features, like lockable controls and a safety fuse in the event of accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Electricity is the primary source of power, rather than gas, induction stoves utilize copper plates that create a magnetic field when the pan is placed on the top. This means they can reach a temperature more quickly than gas hobs and also conserve energy since the cooking zone only heats up when you turn on the pan. They're generally less expensive to run than gas, and they're easier to clean making them a popular option.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features that will allow you to develop your cooking ideas. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to form an Integrated Zone for larger pans and an accelerated Booster zone to bring water to the boiling point quickly. The Push&Go feature, for instance, allows you to cook perfectly by pressing the button. There are nine power modes, including a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily set using the controls, which move along the bottom edge of the hob to track the pans.
The controls are easy to use, and the minimalist design is ideal for modern kitchens. In our tests, it quickly heated up a pan after we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and our testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also has a child lock and overheating block as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the hob working when it's overheated. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no flames visible. Our test subjects were pleased with that. Unlike a traditional extractor hood vented hobs draw heat and smoke away from the pan and out of the room via a duct in the surface. The duct on this hob was easy to clean, but it took two people to take the filter out.
4. GE Induction Hob
Think about how the hob will work with the layout and design of your kitchen and what your cooking style is. For example, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as automatic shut-off and an icy to the touch surface could make an induction stove the best option. If you prioritize speed and efficiency an electric hob that has a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is a great choice. Gas hobs are an excellent choice for those who live in areas prone to power outages.