Lonnie Cundiff

Choosing the Best Hob

The ideal hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when selecting the best hob.

If you opt for a brand-name model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They're less difficult to clean and have a range of safety features including an indicator in red that lights when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

Whether you're looking to cook your own quick midweek meal or master your pancake making technique A hob that is flexible is crucial. The best hobs (Continue Reading) give you precise control of heat, and come by incorporating features such as dual wok burners and a large cooking area, making them ideal for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option of adding a built-in extractor fan which eliminates the need for an overhead appliance and freeing space on your worktop.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they're a popular choice. They do require periodic cleaning to ensure that you aren't at risk of carbon build-up in your hob or a fire breaking out. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them less difficult to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs oven combine both gas and induction cooking into a single product. You can switch between the two modes based on the food you're cooking. These are great for those looking to test their culinary skills, but don't want to upgrade their kitchen.

This electric hob is a fantastic example of a model which provides flexibility in design and functionality. The dual flex zone can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots, while its controls have an option for locking children which prevents children from altering 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 stove is a high-spec model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It's got a lot of features that make cooking simpler and faster, such as automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause function. It's also incredibly simple to use with control buttons that respond immediately to changes, and a sleek design that could look great in the modern kitchen.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use the least amount of energy, whether you're cooking soup or bringing water up to boiling point. They're also an excellent choice for those looking to cut down on their electric bill. Induction hobs are the most efficient employing electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan to ensure that your glass stays cool. Induction hobs are the most secure choice, as they prevent accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient, but they are more affordable than electric models.

The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top pick. It provides a lot of flexibility thanks to the 'I Flex zone. It allows you to join two cooking zones together to create a larger area which allows you to use large saucepans and pots. The controls on the touch screen have an infant lock, to ensure that children aren't able to turn the hob on or alter the settings, which is a good feature for families with small kids. The ceramic glass is smooth, but it can be cleaned by a simple wipe.

The hob also comes with the 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a particular cooking zone when removing the pan. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it's an excellent addition to simplify your life if you cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.

This is a smart stove that is connected to the internet, so you can control it via an app on your smartphone. It can also notify you when food is ready, so you don't overcook it. The model we tested boiled a pan of hot water in less than four minutes, which is very fast for an Induction hob. It has zones that can be combined, and a Stop & go' button which reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.

This compact induction cooker is perfect for camping trips and also for taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested however it still comes with the full range of cooking functions as well as an intuitive touch slider. It also has an integrated "VaryCook" function that lets you to control the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the surface of your hob. This is great for making caramel sauces and sauces.

3. Convenience

You'll want to consider how the stove can fit into your kitchen and what it can help improve the efficiency of your home. This will help you narrow down your options and pick the one that's best for you, your family, and your property. It is also advisable to look through reviews to see what others think of the appliance. This can help you understand its strengths and weakness.

Certain hob brands are famous for their innovative technology, which makes them the ideal choice for those who want to control their cooking using their smartphone. Samsung's models, as an example, have electronic timers which allow you to set precise times and stop overcooking. This is particularly useful for people with hectic lives, since the timer allows you to ensure that your meals are ready when they should be, without needing to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are also a great option for those who prefer a traditional feel, as they can be used with a variety of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Additionally, gas hobs typically have a variety of settings, meaning you can adjust the temperature to suit the pan you are using or your recipe.

Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking to modernise their kitchen, as they provide quicker heat-up times and are more efficient in energy use than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are especially popular since they can reduce space by condensing the oven and the hob in one unit.

Another feature to look out for is a child lock which lets you block the controls on a hob and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This feature is especially important for families with young children since it can help avoid burns and other injuries. In addition, many induction hobs have the ability to connect two zones to create a larger cooking area that can be beneficial if you're using large pans.

4. Safety

A good hob will have many safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs have a child lock to prevent children from turning on the hob or altering the settings. Some hobs have the ability to join two cooking zones into a larger zone, so you can cook in a larger pan.

This is a fantastic feature for families and will ensure that everyone in the kitchen is secure. It works by monitoring the heat of the hob. If it determines that the pan hasn't been positioned correctly or if there's a fire on the hob it will stop the burner. This is a great method to ensure your home is secure and is something you should consider when you shop for.

You can pick between electric, gas and induction hobs. Gas hobs use an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs have electronic rings that you can control by pressing a button. Induction hobs make use of magnets to heat your pans. They will not work unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a very efficient type of hob and it cools quickly when the pan has been removed.

This kind of hob can be a space saver as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, so you can have a sleek kitchen design. It's more expensive than other kinds of hobs but it's a great option for any family. It is also able to eliminate excess steam and smoke from the kitchen, which will help improve the air quality of your home. This is an excellent choice for families since it is easy to clean and guards against burns. There are many options to consider when choosing the right hob and oven, so make sure you take the time to study every one before making your decision.