Choosing the Best Hob

The choice of the right hob is contingent on your cooking preferences as well as available space. The selection of the best hob is dependent on the kind of worktop you have as well as the location of your extractor hood.

If you choose an own-brand model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean and have a range of safety features like an indicator in red that lights when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

A versatile hob can aid you in reaching your goals, whether that's perfecting your pancake recipe or making a quick meal for a midweek meal. The top hobs offer precise temperature control, by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area which makes them perfect for a variety of dishes. They can be used in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to add an extractor fan built-in which eliminates the necessity of separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space on your workspace.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant heating, so it's no surprise that they are a popular option. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure that you don't run the risk of carbon build-up in your hob or a fire bursting. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the pan itself rather than the cooker surface which makes them cleaner to maintain. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces can expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs bring the advantages of gas and induction cooking in one product which allows you to switch between modes depending on the type of food you're making. They are ideal for those looking to test their culinary skills, but aren't looking to make a major investment in their kitchen.

This electric hob is an excellent model that allows for flexibility in style and performance. The two flex zones on the hob can be combined to fit larger pots or pans. The controls also come with an option for children to lock them out of children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage the features via your smartphone.

If you're in search of a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to the Wi-Fi network in your home then look no further than this model from Smeg. It's loaded with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily, including automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as a timer and the ability to pause. It's also simple to use, with touch controls that respond immediately to any changes you make and an elegant, modern design.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use as little energy as possible, whether you're cooking soup or bringing water up to boiling point. This means they're a great option for people who are looking to reduce their energy bills. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan, preventing the glass from becoming hot. This also ensures they are safe, preventing accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient but they are more affordable than electric models.

Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to merge two cooking zones into a single space, allowing you to cook with big pots and pans. The controls on the touch screen have an infant lock, so that children can't turn off the appliance or alter settings it is a useful feature for households with small children. The ceramic glass is matte, but it can be easily cleaned by a simple wipe.

Another impressive feature of this model is its "Pan detection" function, which switches off the power to a cooking zone after you have removed your pan. This isn't the only hob that has this feature, but it is a great addition to simplify your life for those who cook for an entire family or group of friends.


This is a smart hob that connects to internet so that you can control it via an app on your tablet or smartphone. It can even alert you when food is ready, so you don't overcook it. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is a lot for an induction cooktop. It has zones that you can combine, and a Stop & go' button which reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting.

This small induction hob is ideal for camping and for trips to the university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we tried, yet it includes all of our cooking functions as well as a responsive slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature which lets you alter the temperature by moving the pan up and down the surface of the hob. This is ideal to make caramel or sauces.

3. Convenience

You'll want to consider how the stove can fit into your kitchen and what it could do to improve the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your options so that you can pick a model that's ideal for your family as well as your home. You should also look through reviews to see what other people's opinions are about the appliance. This will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Certain hob brands are famous for their smart technology, making them the ideal choice for those who prefer to control their cooking via their smartphones. Samsung's models, for instance include electronic timers that allow you to set precise times and avoid overcooking. This is especially helpful for those who lead busy lives and can be used by the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without having to keep a close eye on them.

Gas hobs can also be an ideal option for those who want an older-style feel. They can be used to cook with a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pans and pans on gas hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically offer a range of settings, so you can adjust the temperature to suit your recipe or pan type.

Induction hobs are yet another popular option for those who want to modernize their kitchens, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are especially popular because they save space by condensing the oven and the hob in one unit.

hobs uk to look for is a child lock which lets you block the controls on a stove and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This is a particularly important feature for parents of young children, as it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. In addition some induction hobs come with an option to link two zones together to create a larger cooking area, which can be useful if you're using large pans.

4. Safety

A high-quality hob comes with many safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the stove is hot. This will help avoid accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include an option for a child lock to stop children from turning the hob on or altering the settings. Some models will come with a function that lets you combine two cooking zones into a single zone to allow you to cook in a larger pan.

This is an excellent feature for families and will keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It works by observing the temperature of the hob. If it finds that the pan has not been placed correctly or if there's an fire on the hob, it will automatically turn off the burner. It's a great method to ensure your home is secure, and you should consider it when shopping.

There are a number of different types of hobs that you can choose from that include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use the use of a flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob has electronic rings that you can control with the touch of the button. Induction hobs make use of a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't function unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a very efficient hob and it will cool down quickly when the pan is removed.

This type of hob saves 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 however it is an excellent option for any household. It is also able to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen, which will aid in improving the air quality inside your home. This is a great option for families since it protects against burns and is very easy to clean. There are many different options to consider when selecting a hob, so be sure to take the time to research each one before making your decision.