How to Choose the Best Hob

When choosing the best hob, there are many factors to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Determine which features are the most important.

A basic ceramic electric stove costs less than PS100. However you'll have to pay more for a model with numerous features. Gas hobs are a popular choice, and offer great temperature control, but they're more expensive.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions this hob from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was also one of the most efficient on test to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It comes with an child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process quickly without having to mess with controls.


Its design is sleek and modern and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit flush on the worktop.

The controls were simple to use, and we liked the display that shows the current power level as well as which zone is active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for just a short duration, and is perfect for stir-frying or bringing pans of water to a boil fast. Safety features such as the hot hob light or automatic shutdown are also beneficial.

It's not as responsive as the other hobs we tested in this test. We observed that it took nine presses on the control to reach the highest temperature, compared with six or seven on other models. It takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you might have to alter settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.

The model in 60 cm includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat while searing it or making water come to a quick boil.

It is fully connected to the hOn app and includes 100's of recipes, guided cooking, and 30 unique programmes divided into different food categories and types of preparation. It has a multislider control panel that has a lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It also works with hOn cookware from third parties and has various security features, including a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

When you're doing work in your kitchen, or searching for a substitute to gas induction hobs, induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular. Prices have dropped drastically in the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available for less than PS100. If you want all the bells and whistles that come with induction, it's worth paying extra for the most up-to-date technology.

This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most advanced induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots that have dimensions of at least 9 centimetres and then automatically activates the zone that is appropriate.

Smeg's main focus is on energy savings but it doesn't forget the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to save energy based on the maximum temperatures of the zones. Eco-Logic advanced mode lets you to reduce energy consumption by reducing power output to as low as 2.4kW.

The user-friendly interface of this cooker impressed testers, with its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan along the edges of it. The control panel's colour scheme lets you quickly see the status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones to cater for larger pans. There are numerous useful functions, including four automated cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.

The hob also has an alarm system that will notify you if there's a danger of a food item being burned or a fire. There are many safety features such as the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface is too hot.

It is also resistant to tough stains and features a CleanProtect protective coating. This hob is easy to install and comes with nine power levels, as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are a host of additional features, including control locks and a safety fuse in the event of accidental button pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

Powered by electricity rather than gas, induction hobs make use of copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is set on the top. They are able to heat up quicker than gas hobs, and they also consume less energy since the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on your pan. Best ovens UK are generally cheaper to operate than gas, and they are also simpler to clean.

The induction hob made by Indesit is packed full of features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as a rapid booster zone to quickly bring water to a boil. For instance, the Push&Go allows you to cook perfectly at the touch the button. There are nine power modes including a 'P-boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, can be easily selected using the controls, which move across the bottom of the hob to track the pans.

The controls are also simple to use and have an elegant, minimalist design that is perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan after we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiled pasta water. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and our test subjects had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.

This Indesit hob also features a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones for larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and an overheating block, as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the hob working when it's heated to the point of. Our test subjects were pleased that there were no messy, visible flames and the ceramic glass was easy to clean. Ventilated hobs in contrast to traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan out of the room via an air duct that is located on the surface. Our experts believed that the duct of this hob was simple to clean, though it required two people to lift the filter out to change it.

4. Induction Hob by GE

When selecting a hob think about how it will fit into your kitchen's design and layout, in addition to your cooking style and your lifestyle. For instance, if frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, security features like automatic shut-off and cool to the touch surface can make an induction hob the best choice. If you're looking for speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass front on an electric hob is the ideal option. Gas hobs are an excellent option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.