The Best Hobs
Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable, stylish and easy to clean.
Gas hobs are preferred by our experts for their versatility and precise control of the flame. However, electric hobs can be more efficient in energy use and are also easier to clean. Look for features like power boost and timer that let you increase the heat quickly to speed up cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs provide a contemporary efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking area like gas hobs do, they use magnet technology to only heat the copper coils that are beneath the pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the point of contact which makes them more secure to use and easier to clean. They are able to boil water faster than a kettle and require less energy. They're now a common kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's test kitchen, and we are in love with this sleek, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones, each with its own controlled functions and an efficient minute minder. It is smooth and is easy to clean and is simple to operate using the touch control panels, but one minor issue (which is common for all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat can be uneven; however, it is only evident when you are trying to stir fry.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years and impressive environmental credentials. It has an A+ energy rating, with the lowest power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature lets you to move your pans around in the four zones and alter the power levels to fit your pots or pans and the 'Power Boost feature boosts the output by 50% for speedy boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shut off function as well as a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops the pan from overheating, so you don't have to worry about burning food items.
This is a fantastic budget-friendly induction hob that is easily wired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are identified with an arrow or cross to indicate the center of the coil. There is also a touch-control panel. It comes with an enormous "Flux Zone" which can hold larger pots or pans. It also comes pre-programmed with preset power levels for the front and middle zones. This is great if you often cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought to a boil, simmered and kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) remains the most popular choice when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water boiling soups and sauces, simmering them, frying eggs and pan-frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately produce high heat levels which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at an instant. This is extremely useful to ensure safety. It's much more difficult to forget about leaving a burner on, or switch it off by accident as it is with an electric hob.
The majority of models have a flat surface that makes them more manageable than their ceramic counterparts. There is no material that can protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll have to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts since they heat up faster and more evenly, thus reducing energy costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances into one and remove the need for a Hood. This can help save space in your kitchen, as well as creating a sleeker design that will blend in best ovens and hobs uk with any style of interior.
Due to their efficiency and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that stand on their own instead of built-in models. These are easier to install and provide more flexibility in the event that you want to create a an elegant kitchen design.
A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to offer a renewable energy source. This is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you consider this alternative. Additionally, these models will require gas supply and ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Hobs for Sealed Plates
If you're seeking an elegant and energy-efficient choice an induction cooker is the best choice. They cook pots and pans with electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than their counterparts made of electrical or gas. However, the drawback of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll need to invest in an induction-compatible set of cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a good option for those who don't wish to invest in induction technology. These stylish and sleek hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic surface that has heating elements hidden underneath, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing than solid plate hobs and easier to clean since there's no need to do difficult scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they are behind induction hobs when regards energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy usage this might not be the best option for you.
Solid plate hobs are the budget option, with a simple and sturdy design that's ideal for cooking in the everyday. They are quick to warm up, which makes them an ideal choice for those who don't require a powerful cooktop. However, they do take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs are also not as efficient in energy as other alternatives.
If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we recommend choosing one that has been rated by customers on the websites of retailers. This will not only give you a true insight into the performance of the model however, it will also aid you in locating one that is right for your home. For example this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is made of durable stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks due to their rapid heating and easy to control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking features like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.
Look for an electric hob that has an elegant design and has touch controls. Avoid hobs with buttons or dials that protrude. This makes them easy to clean, particularly when you select an even surface that doesn't scratch or chip. To ensure safety, select one with child locks with hot indicators, as well as residual heat shut-offs that can prevent accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, you might opt for an electronic display that lets you control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For maximum flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob with gas and induction burners. The FH-IC7020 from FUJIOH has both. It comes with intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones, and sturdy cast iron pan supports to support traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set specific cooking times so that your food is ready when you need it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long and makes your food less delicious.
To make cooking more convenient for added convenience, a kitchen appliance with two separate zones for cooking pans of various shapes and sizes could be the best option. This will save space and is beneficial when cooking with large rectangular cooking vessels, like roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide additional cooking options.
There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs that start at PS100 and higher-end models that cost up to PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a big brand should cost less than PS200. If you're looking for an elegant glass model, it shouldn't cost much also, as there are excellent own-brand options. Remember that ceramic and induction hobs require a special supply with the right cables and breakers to function, which means you'll need it installed by an electrician.