The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable, stylish and simple to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs because of their precise flame control and versatility. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by utilizing features like a power boost and a timer.
1. Hobs Induction
Induction hobs offer a modern, efficient alternative to the traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking zone as gas hobs do, they use magnetic technology to heat up the copper coils below the pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the point of contact, making them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also heat water faster than a traditional kettle and consume less energy. The AEG premium model is a popular choice in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their own functions and the minute timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are easy to use. However the heat distribution is uneven. This is a common issue for all induction hobs.
ovens uk comes with a warranty of five years and impressive green credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating, with a low power usage of 750W for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature lets you to move your pans around within the four zones and adjust their power levels to suit your pans or pots and the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% for quick boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shut off function, as well as an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your cooking pan from overheating which means you do not have to worry about burnt food.
This is an induction hob with a reasonable price that can be hardwired to a worktop or new one. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are identified with an arrow, cross or arrow to indicate the coil's centre. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pots and pans easily and is pre-programmed to have power levels set in the front and back zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought to the boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are the best choice to cook in your kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately create high heat levels, making them perfect for searing and boiling.
The flame indicator's visual display makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at an instant. This is very useful to ensure security. With an electric hob, it's less likely to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was turned on.
The majority of models have a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. There is no material that will protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll need to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are more energy efficient than their induction cousins, as they heat up faster and evenly, reducing electricity costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs that combine two appliances into one and remove the need for an Hood. This will save space in your kitchen and create an elegant look that can be a perfect fit with any interior style.
Many homeowners prefer freestanding gas hobs to built-in models because of their effectiveness and ease of use. These can be simpler to install and offer more flexibility if you're looking to achieve a minimalistic look for your kitchen.
Another benefit of going for a freestanding model is the ability to connect it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which is an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a more sustainable option. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you can consider this option. These models require gas supply as well as ventilation and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are a great choice if you're looking for an energy-efficient, sleek appliance. Hobs that induction heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than their gas or electrical counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they are expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll have to purchase an induction-compatible set of cookware.
If you don't wish to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements that are hidden beneath that make them more attractive than solid plate hobs and easier to clean since there's no need for difficult scrubbing. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they do lag behind induction hobs when it comes to energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy use this may not be the best option for you.
Finally, solid plate hobs are a good budget alternative, with a simple and durable design that is perfect for cooking in the everyday. They are quick to heat up, making them a good choice for those who do not require a powerful cooktop. However, they may take a long time to cool. Solid plate hobs are not as efficient in energy as other options.
We suggest that you search for reviews on websites of retailers in the event that you are thinking about a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide you with an accurate view of the quality of the product and will aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is finished with durable stainless steel. The black controls blend with other appliances in the kitchen and give it a minimalist and contemporary look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the advantage of being energy efficient. While gas hobs can be the preferred choice of many chefs due to their quick heating and control, they're also popular because they provide instant heating. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer sophisticated cooking functions, such as power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.
When selecting an electric hob choose one that is sleek with touch controls, and no dials or buttons that stick out. They are easier to clean when they have a smooth surface that doesn't scratch or chip. For safety, choose a model with child locks with hot indicators, as well as residual heat shut-offs that will prevent accidents. If you're a smart home, go for an electronic display that gives you remote control and notifications via your smartphone, ensuring you can manage your hob easily.
Consider a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners for maximum flexibility. FUJIOH’s FH-IC7020 has both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and sturdy cast iron pan supports that accommodate traditional gas cooking. It also has a timer feature that allows you to set cooking times for meals so they are ready when needed and reduces the risk of cooking too long and making food less delicious.
Lastly, for added convenience, you might want a model that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone for pans of varying sizes and shapes. This can save space and can be beneficial for cooking in large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills as extra cooking options.
There are cheap gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and pricier high-end models that cost upwards of PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a major brand should still cost you not more than PS200. If you're looking for glass models there are a variety of excellent alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. However, bear in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs require a particular supply with the appropriate cables and breakers to work so you'll need it installed by a certified electrician.