Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. Choosing the right hob also is dependent on the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.
If you select an own-brand model, an ordinary gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean, and have a variety of safety features like a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will help you to achieve your goals, whether it's perfecting your pancake recipe or cooking a quick meal for midweek. The top hobs offer precise heat control by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space, making them ideal for a variety of recipes. They can be used in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option of adding an extractor fan built-in that eliminates the need for a separate overhead appliance and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant warmth. It's no wonder that they are so popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup and fires. Plus, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the cooking pan itself rather than the cooker surface They are, therefore, easier to keep clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces may show up scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Hybrid hobs bring the benefits of gas and induction cooking into one product which allows you to change between these two modes based on the type of food you're making. 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 model that can be flexed in style and functionality. The two flex zones on the hob can be combined to fit larger pots or pans. The controls also come with a child lock that prevents children changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can control the features from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a top-quality model that can be connected to your Wi-Fi network. It's loaded with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as a timer and the ability to pause. It's also super-easy to use with control buttons that respond immediately to your changes and a sleek design that could look great in modern kitchens.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs use the most energy, whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a great option for those looking to cut down on their electric bill. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly, preventing the glass from getting hot. Induction hobs are a safer choice as they protect against accidental burns. Gas hobs may not be as efficient but they are less expensive than electric models.
Our top pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'I-Flex' zone which lets you merge two cooking zones into one area, so you can cook with big pans and pots. Its touch controls have an option for children to lock the controls so that children can't turn off the appliance or alter the settings it is a useful option for households with young children. Ceramic glass is matte however it is easy to clean with a simple wipe.
The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a specific cooking zone when removing the pan. It's not the only hob with this feature, but it's a great addition that makes your life easier when cooking many meals for a family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that is connected to the Internet so you can control it using an app on your smartphone. It will even notify you when food is ready so that you don't overcook it. This model was able to boil our test pan of hot water in less than four minutes, which is very quick for an Induction stove. It has zones that can be combined with a Stop & go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.
This portable induction hob has a compact design that's ideal for camping or a trip to the university. It is the thinnest and lightest hob we've tried, yet it comes with all of our cooking functions as well as an adjustable slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature which lets you vary the temperature by moving the pan up and down the hob's surface, which is ideal to make caramel or sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll need to think about how the hob will fit in your kitchen and what it could contribute to improving the efficiency of your home. This will help you narrow down the options so that you can pick the best model for your family and property. You should also look through reviews to see what other people think about the appliance. This can help you better understand its strengths and weakness.
Certain brands of hobs have intelligent technology, making them the first option for those who want to control their cooking through their smartphone. For example Samsung's models have electronic timers that let you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially helpful for people who have a busy schedule and can be used by the timer to make sure that meals are ready at the right time without having to keep an eye on them.
Gas hobs can also be an excellent choice for those looking for a more traditional feel. They can be used to cook with a wide range of cookware sizes and styles. This includes non-flat-bottomed pots and pans, which may be difficult to accommodate on other types of hob. Additionally, gas hobs typically have a variety of settings, so you can alter the temperature to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who are looking to modernize their kitchen, as they provide quicker heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are particularly popular because they save space by mixing the oven and hob into one.
Another thing to look out for is a child lock, which allows you to block the controls on a stove and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is particularly important for families with children as it can prevent burns and other injuries. A lot of induction hobs include a feature that permits you to link two zones together, resulting in an even larger cooking area. This is particularly useful for large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include several 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 an option for a child lock to prevent children from turning the hob on or altering the settings. Some hobs feature a feature that allows you merge two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook a large pan.
This is a fantastic feature for families, and can keep everyone in the kitchen safe. It works by monitoring the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan has not been positioned correctly, or if there is an fire on the hob it will turn off the burner. This is a great method to ensure your home is safe and it's something that you should consider when you shop for.
There are a number of different types of hobs that you can choose from, including gas, electric and induction. Gas hobs make use of the use of a flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs come with electronic rings that can be controlled by pressing the button. Induction hobs utilize magnets to heat your pans. They won't function until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. This is a highly efficient type of hob and will cool quickly when the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is an efficient space-saver since it does not require an extractor fan, which means you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It's more expensive than other types of hobs, but it's a great choice for any family. It can be used to remove excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality in your home. This is an excellent choice for families since it is easy to clean and protects against burns. There are a number of different options to consider when selecting the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one prior to making your decision.