Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob to choose depends on your preferences for cooking and available space. The selection of the best hob is dependent on the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.
If you opt for a brand-name model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean, and have various safety features such as a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking to whip up a quick midweek meal or master your pancake making technique, a flexible hob is crucial. The best hobs give you precise heat control by incorporating features such as dual wok burners and an enormous cooking space making them ideal for a variety of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to add an extractor fan that is built-in, eliminating the necessity of separate overhead appliances and freeing space for your work area.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they're a popular option. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Plus, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan itself rather than the cooker surface which makes them more easy to clean. They are more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display fingerprints and scratches.
Hybrid hobs combine 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 great for those who like to flex their culinary skills but don't have the time or space for a major kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is an excellent example of a model which offers flexibility in style and performance. The two flex zones on the hob can be combined to accommodate larger pots or pans. The controls also have an option for children to lock them out of children from changing the settings. Additionally, it can be connected to a smart hub, which allows you to control its features from your smartphone.
If you're in search of a top-quality induction hob that connects to your Wi-Fi network at home, look no further than this model from Smeg. It's got a lot of features that make cooking more efficient and faster, such as automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause feature. It's also extremely easy to use with touchscreen controls that respond instantly to changes, and an elegant design that will look great in the modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs consume as little energy as possible when you're cooking soup or bringing water up to boil. They're also a great option for those who want to lower their electricity costs. Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly which prevents the glass from getting hot. Induction hobs are the most secure choice as they protect against accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient, but they are more affordable than electric ones.
The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a lot of flexibility due to the 'I Flex' zone, which allows you to merge two cooking zones into one large area, so you can use big pots and saucepans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a great feature for families with young children. The ceramic glass is smooth however it is easy to clean by a simple wipe.
This hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that will shut off power to a specific 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 oven and hob when you cook lots of meals for your family or a group of friends.
This is a smart stove that is connected to the internet, so you can control it using an app on your smartphone. It will even notify you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is fast for an induction stove. It has cooking zones that are flexible that you can mix and the 'Stop & Go button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting, making it easy to switch off.
This compact induction hob is perfect for camping trips and taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested however it still comes with a full set of cooking functions as well as an intuitive touch slider. It also comes with a built-in 'VaryCook' function which 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'll want to consider how the stove will fit in your kitchen and what it can help improve your home's functionality. This will help narrow down your 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 others think of the appliance. This can help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain brands of hobs are known for their smart technology, which makes them the ideal choice for those who wish to control their cooking via their mobile. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to determine precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is particularly useful for people with hectic lives, since the timer lets you ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without needing to keep an eye on them.
Gas hobs are a great choice for those who want an old-fashioned look, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Plus, gas hobs often provide a range of settings, which means you can adjust the heat to fit your recipe or pan type.
Induction hobs are another popular option for those who are looking to modernize their kitchen, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. This is especially the case with induction hobs that have an oven built in, since they can save space in your kitchen by providing you with an oven and hob in one unit.
Another feature to look out for is a child lock that allows you to shut off the controls of a hob and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This is a particularly important feature for parents of young children, since it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally some induction hobs come with a function that lets you link two zones together to create a larger cooking area This can be helpful when you're cooking with large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob has 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 the hob on or altering settings. Some will have a function that allows you to merge two cooking zones into a single zone so that you can cook in a larger pan.
This is a great feature for families and will keep everyone in the kitchen safe. It operates by monitoring the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan has not been properly placed, or if there is an fire on the hob, it will automatically turn off the burner. It's a great method to ensure your home is safe and you should consider it when shopping.
You can pick between electric, gas and induction hobs. A gas hob uses a flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob comes with electric rings that you are able to control by pressing a button. Induction hobs use magnets to heat your pans. They won't function until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. This is an efficient type of hob that cools quickly after the pan has been removed.
This type of hob saves space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. You can therefore have an easier kitchen design. It's more expensive than other types of hobs but it's a great 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 fantastic option for families since it will protect you from burns and is easy to clean. There are many different options to consider when choosing a hob, so take the time to study each one prior to making your decision.