Lonnie Cundiff

Choosing the Best Hob

The best hob to choose depends on your cooking preferences as well as the space you have available. The type of worktop and location of the extractor hood are important factors 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're less difficult to clean and have a range of safety features, including the red indicator that illuminates when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking to whip an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a movable hob is crucial. The best hobs offer precise heat control, two wok burners, and a large cooking surface. They are ideal for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many come with an option to have an extractor fan that is built-in to eliminate the need for separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.

Gas hobs provide instant warmth. It's no wonder that they are popular. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure that you aren't putting yourself at risk by carbon build-up in your hob or a fire bursting out. Plus, they can often take longer to boil water than models that use induction.

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

Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between the two modes based on the food you're cooking. They are great for those who enjoy flexing their culinary abilities but don't have the time or space for a full-on kitchen upgrade.

This electric hob is an excellent model that offers flexibility in style and function. The two flex zones on the hob can be combined to fit larger pans or pots. The controls also come with an option for children to lock them out of children from changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub which allows you to manage its functions using your smartphone.

If you're looking for a high-spec induction cooker that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network then look no further than this model from Smeg. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as the ability to set a timer as well as the ability to pause. It is also very easy to use with touch controls that respond immediately to changes you make, and a sleek modern design.

2. Energy efficiency

The most efficient hobs consume as little energy as possible, hob and oven whether you're simmering soup or bringing water to a boil. They're also an excellent choice for those looking to cut down on their electric bill. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan which prevents the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are a safer choice, as they prevent accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient but they are less expensive than electric ones.

The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top choice. It offers a lot of flexibility, thanks to the "I Flex zone. This allows you to merge two cooking zones to create a larger area so you can use big pots and saucepans. The child lock on the touch controls stops children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. Ceramic glass is matte however, it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.

Another amazing feature of this hob is its "Pan detection" function, which switches off the cooking zone's power when you take your pan off. It's not the only one that has this feature however it's a fantastic addition that makes your life easier when you cook a lot of meals for your family or a group of friends.

This is an intelligent stove that connects to the internet so that you can control it with an app on your phone. It will alert you when food is ready so you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is very fast for an induction hob. It has flexible zones that you can combine with a Stop & go' button which reduces the cooking zones to the lowest setting.

This compact induction hob is ideal for camping trips and taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we've tested, yet it has all of our cooking features and an adjustable slider. It also comes with an inbuilt "VaryCook" function that lets you to alter the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down the surface of the hob. This is ideal for making sauces and caramel.

3. Convenience

You'll need to think about how the hob can fit into your kitchen, and what it will do to improve the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your options and pick the one that's best for your family and your home. You should also look through reviews to see what other people's opinions are about the appliance. This will help you better understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Some hob brands have intelligent technology, making them the first choice for those who wish to control their cooking through their smartphones. Samsung's models, for instance, have electronic timers which allow you to set precise times and avoid overcooking. This is especially beneficial for those who lead busy lives, as the timer allows you to ensure that your meals are ready at the time they should be without having to constantly monitor them.

Gas hobs are also an ideal option for those who want an older-style feel. They are able to cook with a broad variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. This includes non-flat-bottomed pots and pans, which can be difficult to accommodate on other types of hob. Plus, gas hobs often provide a range of settings, which means you can alter the temperature to suit the pan you are using or your recipe.

Induction hobs, which are more energy-efficient than gas models and offer quicker heat-up times and are a popular choice among those who are looking to modernize a kitchen. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are particularly popular because they save space by combining the oven with hob and hob into one.

Another feature to look for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls on a stove and safeguard children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This feature is crucial 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 space that can be beneficial in the event that you're using large pots.

4. Safety

A high-quality hob will come with a number of safety features. These will include a hot hob indicator which will alert you when the surface is extremely hot and can help prevent kitchen accidents. Some hobs will also have an option for a child lock to stop children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Certain hobs come with the ability to combine two cooking zones to create an even larger area, so you can cook a wide pan.

This is an excellent feature for family households and can ensure that everyone is safe in the kitchen. It works by monitoring the heat of the stove. If it determines that the pan has not been placed correctly or if there's a fire on the hob, it will automatically turn off the burner. It's a great way to ensure that your home is secure, and you should consider it when you shop.

There are a variety of different types of hobs you can select from, including gas, electric and induction. A gas hob uses an electric flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob has electric rings that you can control by pressing a button. Then there's the induction hob that uses magnets to heat your pans. It will not start unless you put a magnetizable metal pan on it. This is a highly efficient type of hob and will cool quickly after the pan is removed.

This kind of hob can save space because it does not require an extractor fan. It is therefore possible to have a the kitchen with a sleeker design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it's a great option for any household. It can also be used to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, which will aid in improving the air quality of your home. This is an excellent choice for families as it is easy to clean and protects against burns. When selecting a kitchen appliance, there are a lot of options to think about. Take the time to research them all before making your choice.