Which Hob is Best For You?

A good hob is essential whether you're a novice cook or a professional. This guide will help you determine the best model for your home, and your cooking requirements.

They're a favorite in professional kitchens for their instant, controllable heat. They have a sleek look that is perfect for modern interiors.

1. Miele I-Flex Induction Hob

This Miele 80cm Flex Induction Hob, with its sleek black ceramic surface, intuitive controls and stylish design is a great addition to any modern kitchen. This model that uses induction is more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves due to its use of electromagnetic technology. It's also easy to clean as there aren't any complicated parts or difficult corners to scrub.

This model comes with four cooking zones that are standard. Two of them are suitable for pans that range between 14cm to 19cm in size and one smaller. Auto-detect detects pans and then moves elements of control to the appropriate zone. A power indicator helps to select the perfect setting, and residual heat indicators and a safety lock ensure that you and your family are safe from accidental settings changes.

This model also has an effective booster function that boosts the power of all cooking zones at once helping bring the water to a boil within double-quick time. Other functions that are useful include the stop and go feature that lowers all cooking zones to power level 1, and a reset button that lets you to repeat the previous dialled setting, and a keep warm function which keeps food at a serving temperature.

With a smart control panel which is controlled by SmartSelect sensors and can be connected to your home WiFi network This Miele induction hob is both efficient and highly customizable. For instance, you can use the Miele app to manage and monitor your hob from afar. There is even hobs and ovens shut-off mode that turns the hob off at the pre-programmed period for more peace of mind.

2. Smeg Induction Hob

Smeg induction stoves are fantastic at shortening cooking times, accurately controlling temperatures and reducing energy consumption. They're also safe to use in the presence of children, because they only heat up when a pan comes into contact with the particular cooking area and do not retain any heat after the power has been turned off. They are also easy to clean since they are easily cleaned down.

Smeg's induction hobs come in a range of sizes and widths. From a small 30cm model to a larger, 90cm model. Each model has a sleek and modern design and are available in black, neptune gray and matte black. Some models have a multizone function that lets cook in two different cooking zones at the same time, making it easier to fit larger pans. The hobs come with a variety of functions that range from simple controls for heat and timers to powerful boost settings which can assist you in completing your dishes quicker.

Other features that are important include an automatic power-off function that shuts the hob down in the event that no cookware is detected, and the control lock to stop accidental changes to settings. Certain models come with the ability to pause you temporarily to suspend cooking without losing your place. They also come with a recall button which allows you to restore previously used settings by pressing a button. As a cautionary note Induction hobs aren't able to emit combustion gases as gas hobs, they produce heat during operation which is why they require adequate ventilation. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintaining your Smeg Induction Hob. Regularly wiping the surface with glass cleaner will prevent permanent marks from developing and will keep it looking great.

3. Smeg Induction Hob with Downdraft Cook Hood

Smeg's innovative 'Hobd" system combines the most desirable features of an extractor hood along with a downdraft stove. The single unit houses a powerful extractor that instantly removes cooking odours - creating the perfect blend of functionality and style.

The induction cooktop is designed to seamlessly integrate into your kitchen. It can be placed flush with your work surface, giving it an elegant, minimalist design that is perfect for modern, open plan cooking areas. It's easy to keep clean too with its simple wipe down controls and a smooth flat surface that is resistant to abrasions and scratches.

Induction cooktops use less energy than gas hobs because heat is only generated when the pan comes into direct contact with a particular cooking zone. They are also faster than gas hobs. It takes less than one second to boil a pint. Induction cooktops, because they don't have a flame are safer for children than traditional gas hobs.

Featuring an Auto-Vent function, the extractor will control its speed automatically based on your hob's power level. The hood will only be used when needed and at the correct intensity to eliminate cooking smells, smoke and steam from your kitchen.


The user-friendly interface of the Smeg induction stove lets you to quickly configure and program this smart system. It has a variety of settings to ensure maximum extraction efficiency, such as Auto-Vent Boost and 24 hour air exchange. This feature purifies the air in your kitchen for 10 minutes every hour at a low speed. It is quiet and has minimal impact on the energy usage. The Auto-Vent feature also gives an indicator that is visible to monitor when the hood is in operation and when it's turned off.

4. Smeg Induction Hob with Touch Controls

The Smeg SI1F7845B 80cm Induction Hob is an impressive kitchen appliance that adds a the perfect touch of luxury to any modern kitchen. The cooktop is constructed of high-quality materials and offers the modern induction technology that ensures rapid, efficient cooking. It has a sleek black glass ceramic surface that is easy to clean and looks stunning in any type of kitchen.

Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to directly heat the pan, thereby saving energy and allowing them to operate faster than gas hobs. This technology heats cookware quickly and evenly, which ensures flawless results every time. The cooktop surface is also cooler to the surface than the traditional method which minimizes the risk of injury. Induction hobs are also easier to clean, since spills don't burn on the surface and any residual heat is quickly absorbed after cooking.

Smeg's new, intuitive sliding controls are simple to operate and make induction hobs more user-friendly. The controls can be programmed to ensure that they automatically regulate the hood's vent speed based on the selected power levels, saving you time and effort. The induction hobs also feature an array of additional functions like boost settings along with a timer as well as a follow pot function.

Induction hobs are the pinnacle of cooking technology in the modern age. They are quicker and more energy-efficient than gas hobs with precise temperature control and simple cleaning. They are safer than traditional gas stoves since the cooking zone is only heated when the pan comes into contact with it. They are also ideal for families with kids since they do not produce combustion gasses, and the top stays cool after switching off, reducing burn injuries. Induction hobs are also more flexible than gas, permitting you to effortlessly switch between various cooking styles and temperatures.

5. Smeg Induction Hob with Variable Temperature

The sleek lines of this hob and beautiful Eclipse Ceramic Glass surface are the ultimate example of modern design. The easy-to use sliding controls can be locked to prevent children from accidentally turning it off or altering settings. The cooktop is a perfect match to the rest of your kitchen. Its smooth, stylish surface is easy to clean and cooks quickly and evenly. It was among the most efficient hobs we tested to boil water. It also comes with the 'Push&Go" function that will automatically program your cooktop to melt, boil or keep warm when you press a button.

Induction hobs provide heat directly to the pan rather than heating the surrounding air which conserves energy and makes them more efficient to use than gas or halogen models. However, they're not suitable for those who wear pacemakers since their electromagnetic field could interfere with the equipment.

The cooking zones on the Smeg are extendable so you can put larger pots into the same space, and a double booster function lets you to increase the power of each zone. There's also a handy "shut off" timer that will stop your hob when you stop using it, as well as an hour minder as well as a double power consumption mode that limits how much the hob uses.

This Smeg model comes with the child lock, which is ideal for families with children. However, it does not have a temperature control for the hotplate. You can't adjust heat manually, as you can on other models. There's a variety of features, however, including three heat indicators that are residual and an Eco-Logic advance system that regulates the speed of extraction of the hood depending on the cooking zone you select on the hob.