Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob for you depends on the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are also important aspects to consider when deciding on the right hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean and have various safety features like an indicator in red that lights when the surface is hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking for a way to cook an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a flexible hob is crucial. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, dual wok burners, and an enormous cooking surface. They are perfect for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. In addition, many of them come with the option of an integrated extractor fan which eliminates the need for an overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant heating, so it's no surprise that they are a popular option. Gas hobs require regular cleaning to avoid carbon buildup or fires. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan rather than the cooker surface which makes them more easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces can reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs integrate gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between both modes depending on what you're cooking. They are perfect for those looking to test their culinary skills but do not want to invest in a new kitchen.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a product that is flexible in design and function. The dual flex zones can be combined to accommodate larger pans or pots. The controls also come with an option for children to lock them out of children changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so that you can manage the features via your smartphone.
Smeg's induction hob is a top-quality model that can be connected to your home Wi-Fi network. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking easier and quicker, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause feature. It's also easy to use, with control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make and sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs are those that use the most energy, whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This means they're a great option for people who want to cut their electricity costs. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly and prevent the glass from getting hot. This also makes them the most secure choice, preventing accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient, but they're less expensive than electric models.
Our top choice is the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into one area, so you can cook with large pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. Even though the ceramic glass has a matte surface, it is easy to keep clean with just a little wipe.
Another great aspect of this hob is its "Pan detection" function, which automatically switches off the cooking zone's power after you have removed your pan. It's not the only one that has this feature, but it's a great feature that makes life easier when cooking lots of meals for your family or a group of friends.
This is a smart hob, which connects to the internet, allowing you to control it using an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will notify you when food is ready, so you do not overcook your food. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is a lot for an induction cooktop. It has flexible zones that can be combined with a Stop & go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.
This compact induction cooker is ideal for camping and also for taking to university. It is the thinnest and lightest hob we've tried, yet it includes all of our cooking functions and an adjustable slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature, which allows you to alter the temperature by moving the pan up and down the surface of the hob. This is perfect for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll want to consider how the stove will fit into your kitchen and what it can do to improve your home's functionality. This will help narrow down your choices so that you can select a model that's ideal for your family as well as your home. It's also worth reading reviews to find out what others have to say about the appliance. it will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain hob brands are famous for their smart technology, which makes them the ideal choice for those who want to control their cooking via their mobile. Samsung's models, for example come with electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially useful for those who lead busy lives, as the timer will ensure that your meals are ready when they should be without needing to keep an eye on 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. This includes non-flat-bottomed pots and pans, which may be difficult to place on other hobs. Plus, gas hobs often provide a range of settings, so you can adjust the temperature to suit your recipe or pan type.
Induction hobs are a popular option for those who are looking to modernize their kitchen since they have faster heat-up times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are particularly popular since they can reduce space by mixing the oven and hob in one unit.
A child lock is a different feature to look out for. It lets you disable the controls on a stove and safeguards children from accidents in the kitchen. This is particularly important for families with children as it can prevent burns and other injuries. Many induction hobs also include a feature that permits you to connect two zones, creating more cooking space. This is particularly useful if you use large pans.
4. Safety
A good hob will have many safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is heated. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs will also have a child lock that can stop children from turning the hob on or altering settings. Some hobs have a feature that allows you join two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook in a larger pan.
This is a great feature for families and can help keep everyone safe in the kitchen. It works by observing the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan has not been properly placed or if there's an fire on the hob, it will automatically shut off the burner. It's a great method to ensure that your home is secure, and you should take it into consideration when you shop.
You can choose between gas, electric, and induction hobs. Gas hobs utilize the use of a flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electric rings you can control by pressing the button. There is also the induction hob which uses magnets to heat your pans and will not start unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on it. This is an efficient type of hob that will cool quickly after the pan has been removed.
This kind of hob ovensandhobs can be a space saver as it does not require an extractor fan. This means that you can have a sleek kitchen design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic choice for any home. It can also be used to get rid of excessive smoke and steam from the kitchen, which can help improve the air quality inside your home. This is a great option for families, as it is easy to clean and shields against burns. There are many different options available for you to think about when choosing a hob, so be sure to take the time to study every one before making your choice.