The Best Hobs

Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are sturdy, stylish and easy to clean.

Gas hobs are preferred by our experts for their versatility and precision control of flames. Electric models are more efficient and are easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by utilizing features like an energy boost or a timer.

1. Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating ovensandhobs.uk Links to an external site. cooking space like gas hobs, they use magnetic technology to only warm up the copper coils below the pans. The cooktop remains cool to touch, making it safer to use and easier to clean. They also boil water quicker than a traditional kettle and consume less energy. They're now a common appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen and we appreciate this elegant, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions as well as a handy minute reminder. It is smooth and wipes clean with ease and is simple to operate with the touch control panels, however one minor gripe (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat can be uneven; however, this is only really evident when you are trying to stir fry.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive environmental credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating with a low power consumption of 750 watts for each cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets the pans to be moved between the four zones and adjust the power levels in accordance with the size of your saucepans or pots. In addition, the "Power Boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up the boiling process. Other handy features include an auto-shut off function as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents your pan from overheating, which means you do not need to worry about burning food.

This is an induction cooktop with a reasonable price that can be hardwired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones that are independently controlled are clearly marked with a ring or cross to show which side of the coil is beneath and there's an easy-to-use touch-control panel. It has a wide 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pots and pans with ease and is pre-programmed to have power levels that are set in the front and back zones. This is a great option for cooking with a variety of pans, all different dimensions and shapes that require to be heated up and simmered at the same time, and then kept warm.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) is still the best in kitchen cooking. They are the best choice for boiling water boiling soups and sauces, simmering them, frying eggs and pan-frying meats. Their popularity stems from their ability to create high temperatures quickly and precisely, which makes them ideal for searing and boiling.

The flame indicator's visual display makes it easy to check the status of each burner at a glance. This is extremely useful to ensure security. With an electric hob, it's less likely to accidentally switch on a burner or forget that it was on.

Most models are also designed with a flat surface, which makes them easier to clean than ceramic counterparts. That said, it seems that there's no material that can keep out spills and splashes completely, so you'll need to keep on top of cleaning tasks to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting blemished over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts since they are able to heat faster and more evenly, thus reducing electricity costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs that combine two appliances into one and eliminate the requirement for the hood. This can save on the space in your kitchen as well as resulting in an elegant and modern design that will blend into any style of interior.

Many homeowners prefer gas hobs with freestanding design over built-in models due to their efficiency and convenience. They are more straightforward to install and offer more flexibility if you're looking to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.

Another benefit of opting for a freestanding model is the ability to connect it to an LPG bottle. gas (LPG) which can be an alternative energy source for you're looking for a greener option. You'll need to locate an LPG stove and boiler you like before you can consider this alternative. These models require gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.

3. Hobs with Sealed Plates

If you're seeking an energy-efficient and sleek option, an induction hob is definitely the way to go. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly, while the flat ceramic surface of the hob remains cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they consume less power than their electric or gas counterparts. However, the drawback of induction hobs is that they are expensive to purchase. You'll need to invest in a set of induction-compatible cookware.

For those who don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs are a great middle ground. These sleek and stylish hobs are smooth, glass-ceramic surface that has heating elements hidden underneath, which makes them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs and easier to clean since there's no need for difficult scrubbing. They also get hot faster than solid plate hobs and are more responsive to your cooking needs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when regards energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy use this may not be the best choice for you.

Solid plate hobs, which are a budget option with their simple and sturdy design, are perfect for cooking in the everyday. They are quick to warm up, which makes them a good option for those who don't require a large cooktop. However, they can take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs are not as energy efficient as other options.

If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we suggest selecting one that's been reviewed by customers on retailer websites. This will not only provide you with an honest assessment of the quality of the product, but will also assist you in finding one that is right for your home. For instance, this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been praised by customers and is finished in long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls match in with other kitchen appliances, giving it an elegant and minimalist look.


4. Electric Hobs

Electric hobs have the advantage of being energy-efficient. While gas hobs can be the preferred choice of many chefs due to their quick heating and easy control, they are also a popular choice because they can provide instant heating. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking functions like power boost settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.

When selecting an electric hob make sure you choose one that is sleek with touch controls and without dials or buttons that stick out. They are easier to clean with a flat surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Select a model with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you're a smart home, go for an electronic display that gives you a remote control and alerts via your smartphone, so you can manage your hob effortlessly.

To maximize flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob that includes gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 from FUJIOH has both. It has intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones, and sturdy cast iron pan supports to accommodate traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set certain cooking times so that your food is ready when you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long and makes your food less flavorful.

Additionally, for greater convenience, you might want an appliance that allows you to combine two cooking zones into one larger zone to accommodate pans of various sizes and shapes. This can save space and is useful if you cook with large rectangular vessels, such as roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills for extra cooking options.

Gas hobs are available in different prices, from as low as PS100 to top-of-the-line models that cost up to PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a big brand should still cost you not more than PS200. If you're looking for an elegant glass model, it won't cost a fortune too, since there are top options from own brands. Be aware that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the appropriate cables and breakers to work so you'll have to have it installed by a licensed electrician.