Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. Choosing the right hob also involves considering the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.
A basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100 if you opt for an exclusive model. They're less difficult to clean and offer a range of safety features like a red indicator that glows when the surface is hot.
1. Flexibility
A flexible hob will assist you in achieving your goals, whether that's perfecting your pancake recipe or cooking a quick meal for the midweek. The best hobs give you precise heat control with features like dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area, making them ideal for a variety of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens, thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many of them have the option to have an extractor fan built-in which eliminates the requirement for separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space on your workspace.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat. They're no wonder they are popular. Gas hobs require regular cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces can show up scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Hybrid hobs combine the benefits of gas and induction cooking into one product, allowing you to switch between modes depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They are great for those 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 an excellent example of a product that offers flexibility in style and performance. The dual flex zones can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. The controls also come with the option of a child lock to prevent children changing the settings. It's also designed to connect to a smart hub, so you can control the features using your smartphone.
If you're in search of a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network then look no further than this one from Smeg. It's packed with features to help cook faster and more efficiently, including automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and a timer and the ability to pause. It's also easy to use thanks to control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make, and a sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs are those that use the minimal amount of energy whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a great option for those who want to lower their electricity costs. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly which prevents the glass from getting hot. This 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 pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into one large area, so you can cook with big pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls blocks children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. And although the ceramic glass has a matte surface, it's easy to clean with just a wipe.
Another great feature of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically switches off the cooking zone's power when you remove your pan. It's not the only hob that has this feature, but it is an excellent feature to make your life easier if you cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that is connected to the Internet so you can control it via an app that you can download on your smartphone. It can also notify you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. The model we tested boiled a pan of hot water in only four minutes, which is incredibly fast for an Induction hob. It comes with flexible cooking zones that you can mix and a "Stop & Go button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off.
This portable induction hob has a compact design that's ideal for camping trips or a trip to the university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob in our tests however it still comes with the full range of cooking options and an intuitive touch slider. It also comes with a built-in 'VaryCook' function that lets you alter the temperature by moving the pan upwards and downwards on the surface of the hob. This is perfect for making sauces or caramel.
3. Convenience
You should think about how the hob will fit in your kitchen and what it could help improve your home's functionality. This will help you narrow down your options to help you select a model that's ideal for your family as well as your home. It is also advisable to read reviews to find out what other people think about the appliance. This will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain brands of hobs come with intelligent technology, making them the first choice for those looking to control their cooking with their smartphone. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and avoid overcooking. This is particularly helpful for people who have a busy schedule because you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared at the correct time without having to keep a close watch over them.
Gas hobs are also a good option for those who prefer traditional style, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. This includes non-flat-bottomed pans and pans, which may be difficult to place on other types of hob. Gas hobs are usually equipped with a range of settings, so that you can adjust the temperature to suit your cooking.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice for those who want to modernize their kitchens since they have faster heating times and are more efficient in energy use than gas models. This is especially the case with induction hobs that come with a built-in oven, as they can reduce space in your kitchen by providing you with a combined oven and hob in one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls on a hob and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for parents of young children, as it could help to avoid burns and other injuries. Many induction hobs also have a feature that allows you to connect two zones together, creating an even larger cooking area. This is useful if you use large pans.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob will come with a number of safety features. These will include a hot hob indicator which will alert you when the surface is extremely hot and prevent accidents in the kitchen. Certain hobs feature an option for locking the hob to prevent children from turning on the stove or altering the settings. Some hobs feature the ability to combine two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook a wide pan.
This is a great feature for families with children and it can ensure that everyone is safe in the best oven kitchen. It monitors the temperature of the stove and if it senses that the pan isn't placed correctly or there's an incident of fire, it will shut off the burner immediately. This is a great method to ensure your home is secure and is something you should look for when you shop around.
There are many different types of hobs you can pick from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs make use of the use of a flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs have electronic rings that can be controlled by pressing a button. There is also the induction hob, which makes use of magnets to heat your pans. It won't turn on unless you place a magnetizable pan on top of it. This is a reliable type of hob that will cool quickly after the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is able to save space as it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have a more streamlined kitchen design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It can be used to get rid of the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at home. This is an excellent choice for families since it is easy to clean and shields against burns. There are a number of options to think about when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one before making a decision.