Choosing the Best Hob

The ideal hob for your needs is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. Choosing the right type of hob is dependent on the kind of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.

A basic gas-on-glass stove costs less than PS100 if you opt for an exclusive model. They're less difficult to clean and offer a range of safety features, including a red indicator that glows when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking for a way to cook up a quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique, a movable hob is key. The best hobs provide precise control of heat, and come by incorporating features such as dual wok burners and an expansive cooking area which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. They can be used in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. In addition, many of them come with the option to add an extractor fan built-in that eliminates the need for an overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.

Gas hobs provide instant heat, so it's no surprise that they are a popular choice. But they require regular cleaning to ensure that you aren't at risk of carbon build-up on your hob or a fire bursting. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs are able to heat pans more than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces may expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into a single product. You can switch between the two modes depending on what you're cooking. They are ideal for those who want to test their culinary skills but do not want to make a major investment in their kitchen.

This electric hob is an excellent example of a product that offers flexibility in style and performance. Its dual flex zones can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots, while its controls have a child lock feature that prevents children from changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions from your smartphone.

Smeg's induction stove is a high-spec model that can be connected to your Wi-Fi network. It's packed with features that make cooking faster and easier such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as a timer and a pause function. It's also extremely easy to use, with touch controls that react immediately to changes, and a sleek design that could look great in the modern kitchen.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use the minimal amount of energy whether you are boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a good option for those who wish to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient type that make use of electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan to ensure that the glass remains cool. This makes them the safest option, preventing accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient, but they're less expensive than electric models.

Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'IFlex' zone, which lets you merge two cooking zones into a single area, so you can cook with large pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is a great feature for families with small children. The ceramic glass is matte however it can be easily cleaned by wiping it clean.

Another impressive aspect of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically switches off the heating zone after you have removed your pan. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it is an excellent feature to make your life easier if you cook a lot for an entire family or group of friends.

This is a smart stove that is connected to the Internet so you can control it via an app that you can download on your smartphone. It will notify you when food is ready so you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is very fast for an induction hob. It comes with flexible zones that you can combine, and a Stop & go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.

This small induction hob is ideal for camping trips and for trips to the university. It's the lightest and thinnest hob we've tested, but still has the full range of cooking functions and an intuitive touch slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature which lets you vary the temperature by moving your pan upwards and downwards on the hob's surface, which is ideal for making sauces or caramel.

3. Convenience

You should think about how the hob can fit into your kitchen and what it can contribute to improving the functionality of your home. This will help narrow down your choices to help you select a model that's ideal for your family and home. It is also advisable to read reviews to find out what other people's opinions are about the appliance. This will help you understand its strengths and weakness.

Some hob brands have smart technology that makes them the ideal choice for those looking to control their cooking using their smartphones. For instance Samsung's models have electronic timers that allow you to best oven uk determine precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially helpful for people who have a busy schedule, as you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without needing to keep an watch over them.

Gas hobs are a great option for those who prefer traditional style, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and saucepans on gas stoves. Gas hobs usually come with a range of settings, so that you can alter the temperature to suit your recipe.

Induction hobs are a popular choice for those looking to modernize their kitchen because they offer faster heat-up times and are more efficient than gas models. This is especially the case with induction hobs that have an oven built in, since they can reduce space in your kitchen by offering a combined oven and hob in one unit.

Another feature to look for is a child lock, which allows you to block the controls of a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, as it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. A lot of induction hobs have a feature that allows the linking of two zones, creating a larger cooking surface. This is useful if you use large pans.

4. Safety

A high-quality hob comes with many safety features. They will have an indicator for hot hobs that warns you when the surface is hot and can help prevent kitchen accidents. Some hobs also come with a child lock that will prevent children from turning the stove on or altering the settings. Some models will come with a function that lets you combine two cooking zones into one zone, allowing you to cook a wider pan.

This is a great feature for families and it will help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It works by monitoring the temperature of the cooktop and if it determines that the pan isn't positioned correctly or there is a fire it will shut off the burner automatically. It's a great method to ensure your home is secure, and you should take it into consideration when shopping.

There are a variety of different types of hobs you can choose from that include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electric rings you can control by pressing a button. Induction hobs utilize an electric field to heat your pans. They won't work until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. It is a very efficient type of hob and will cool quickly after the pan has been removed.

This kind of hob can be an efficient space-saver since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, which means you can have a sleek kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It can be used to eliminate excessive steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality in your home. This is a fantastic option for families since it will protect you from burns and is very easy to clean. There are a number of options to think about when choosing a hob, so take the time to research each one before making your choice.