Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for you is determined by the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The selection of the best hob involves considering the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.
A basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100 if you opt for an original brand. They are less difficult to clean, and include many safety features such as a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking for a way to cook an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique, a flexible hob is essential. The best hobs provide precise control of heat, and come with features such as dual wok burners and an expansive cooking area making them ideal for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. A lot of them come with the option to have an extractor fan that is built-in, eliminating the need for separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.
Gas hobs can provide instant warmth. They're no wonder they are so popular. Gas hobs require regular cleaning in order to prevent carbon build-up and fires. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. They can be more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.
Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between both modes based on what you're cooking. These are great for those who want to test their culinary skills but do not want to upgrade their kitchen.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a product that allows for flexibility in style and functionality. The dual flex zone can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans and its controls come with a child lock feature that stops children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage the features via your smartphone.
If you're looking for a high-spec induction hob that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, look no further than this model from Smeg. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently, including automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and a timer and a pause function. It's also super-easy to use, with touch controls that react immediately to changes in the recipe and an elegant design that will look great in the modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs are those that consume the least amount of energy, whether you are boiling water or simmering soup. This means that they're ideal for those who want to cut down on their electricity costs. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan and prevent the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are a safer option, since they avoid accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient, but they're more affordable than electric ones.
Our top pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, comes with plenty of flexibility due to its 'IFlex' zone, which lets you merge two cooking zones into one large area so you can cook with big pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls blocks children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is an excellent feature for families with children. Although the ceramic glass has a matte finish, it is easy to keep clean with just a wipe.
The Hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that will shut off power to a specific cooking area when you remove a pan. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it is a great addition to simplify your life when you cook for a large family or a group of friends.
This is a smart stove that is connected to the internet so that you can control it using an app on your phone. It will even notify you when your food is ready, so you don't overcook it. 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 cooking zones that are flexible that can be combined and an 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.
This compact induction hob is ideal for camping trips and for trips to the university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested yet it has the full range of cooking options and an intuitive touch slider. It also has a built-in 'VaryCook' function that lets you alter the temperature by moving the pan up and down the surface of the hob, which is ideal to make caramel or sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll need to think about how the hob will fit into your kitchen and what it could help improve the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your options to help you select a model that's ideal for your family and home. It's also worth reading reviews to learn what other users have had to say about the appliance, as this can help you to identify its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain hob brands are famous for their advanced technology, making them the go-to option for those who wish to control their cooking via their mobile. For example Samsung's models have electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is especially helpful for people who have a busy schedule because you can use the timer to make sure that your meals are cooked on time, without needing to keep an watch on them.
Gas hobs are a great choice for those who want an old-fashioned look, since they can be used with a range of cookware styles and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pans and pans on gas hobs. Gas hobs usually come with a range of settings so that you can alter the temperature to fit the recipe you are cooking.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice for those who are looking to modernise their kitchen because they offer faster heat-up times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are particularly popular due to the fact that they can save space by combining the oven and hob into one unit.
Another feature to look 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 a particularly important feature for families with young children, as it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. Induction hobs often come with a feature that allows the linking of two zones, creating more cooking space. This is helpful for large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include a number of safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs come with a child lock to prevent children from turning on the stove or altering settings. Some hobs have a feature that allows you combine two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook in a larger pan.
This is an excellent feature for families, and can ensure that everyone in the kitchen is secure. It works by monitoring the temperature of the hob and if it detects that the pan isn't set correctly or there's an occurrence of fire, it will shut off the burner automatically. It's a great method to ensure your home is secure, and it's something you should think about when you shop.
You can pick between electric, gas and induction hobs. A gas hob makes use of an electric flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob features electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Then there's the induction hob that uses magnets to heat your pans. It will not start unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on it. This is a highly efficient hob, and will cool quickly once the pan has been removed.
This kind of hob is a space saver as it removes the need for an extractor fan, which means you can have a sleek kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic choice for any home. It can be used to get rid of the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at the home. This is a great best hob uk option for families since it is easy to clean and protects against burns. When choosing a hob there are many options to consider. Take the time to research them all before making a decision.