Choosing the Best Hob
Choosing the best hob depends on your preferences for cooking and the space available. The type of worktop and location of the extractor hood are important considerations when choosing the right hob.
If you select an own-brand model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean, and include a variety of safety features such as the red indicator that lights when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
Whether you're looking to cook your own quick midweek meal or master your pancake making technique, a flexible hob is key. The best hobs give you precise heat control by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space, making them ideal for a variety of dishes. They can be used in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option of 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, so it's no surprise that they are an extremely popular option. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup or fires. Additionally, they often take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them easier 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 combine the benefits of gas and induction cooking into one appliance, allowing you to switch between the two depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They're great for people who like to flex their culinary skills but don't have the space or time for a full-on kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a great example of a product that allows for flexibility in style and functionality. The dual flex zone can be joined to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with the feature of a child lock which prevents children from altering the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can control the features from your smartphone.
If you're looking for a top-quality induction hob that can connect to your Wi-Fi network at home, look no further than this model from Smeg. It's packed with features to facilitate cooking faster and more easily such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as a timer and an option to pause. It's also easy to use thanks to touchscreen controls that react immediately to changes you make and an elegant, modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs use the least amount of energy, whether you are boiling water or simmering soup. This makes them a great option for people who want to cut down on their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient, using electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan so that the glass stays cool. This also ensures they are safe, preventing accidental burns. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be less expensive to run than electric models.
The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top pick. It provides a lot of flexibility, due to the "I Flex zone. It allows you to join two cooking zones together to create a larger area making it possible to use larger pots and saucepans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is an excellent feature for families with children. The ceramic glass is matte however it is easy to clean with a simple wipe.
The Hob also has the 'Pan detection function' that automatically turns off power to a particular cooking zone when you take off a pan. This isn't the only hob that has this feature, but it's an excellent addition to make your life easier when you cook for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart kitchen appliance, which connects to the internet to allow you to manage it through an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can even alert you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. The model we tested boiled a pan of hot water in just four minutes, which is very quick for an Induction stove. It has cooking zones that are flexible which you can combine and a 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting making it easy to switch off.
This induction hob is portable and has a slim design that's ideal for camping trips or taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob that we tested, but it still includes all of our cooking features and an adjustable slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature, which allows you to vary the temperature by moving your pan upwards and downwards on the hob's surface, which is perfect for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you'll have to consider 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 down the options so that you can pick a model that's ideal for your family and home. It is also advisable to review reviews to learn what other people think about the hob and oven appliance. This will aid in understanding its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain brands of hobs have advanced technology that makes them the top choice for those who wish to control their cooking through their smartphones. For instance Samsung's models have electronic timers that let you to determine precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is particularly helpful for people who have a busy schedule, as you can use the timer to make sure that meals are prepared at the right time without needing to keep an watch on them.
Gas hobs are an ideal choice for those looking for more traditional appearance. They are able to cook with a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically offer a range of settings, meaning you can adjust the heat to fit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who want to modernize their kitchens because they offer faster heating times and are more efficient than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are very popular since they can reduce space by combining the oven and hob into one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls of a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for those with young children, as it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally, many induction hobs have an option to connect two zones to create a larger cooking space This can be helpful in the event that you're using large pots.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob will come with several safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is heated. This will help avoid accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs come with an option for locking the hob to prevent children from turning on the stove or changing settings. Certain hobs come with an option to merge two cooking zones to create an additional zone, meaning you can cook a large pan.
This is a great feature for families and can ensure that everyone is safe in the kitchen. It works by observing the heat of the stove. If it finds that the pan has not been positioned correctly, or if there is a fire on the hob it will turn off the burner. It's a great way to ensure your home is safe, and you should take it into consideration when shopping.
There are a number of different types of hobs you can select from, including gas, electric and induction. A gas hob uses an electric flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob has electronic rings that you can control with the touch of a button. Induction hobs utilize an electric field to heat your pans. They won't function without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is a highly efficient hob and will cool 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. This means that you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs, however it's a great option for any family. It can be used to get rid of excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at the home. This is an excellent choice for families, as it is easy to clean and guards against burns. There are a number of different options available for you to consider when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one before making your choice.