Choosing the Best Hob
The choice of the right hob is contingent on your cooking preferences as well as the space available. The type of worktop and location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when choosing the right hob.
A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 when you choose an exclusive model. They're less difficult to clean and offer various safety features like a red indicator that glows when the surface is heated.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking for a way to cook up a quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique A hob that is flexible is essential. The top hobs have precise heat control, two wok burners, and a huge cooking surface. They are perfect for a variety of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. A lot of them come with the option to include an extractor fan to eliminate the need for separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space for your work area.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth. It's no wonder they are so popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to avoid carbon buildup and fires. In addition, they typically take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them easier to clean. They can be more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.
Hybrid hobs offer the advantages of gas and induction cooking into one product which allows you to switch between the two depending on the kind of food you're cooking. They're ideal for those who enjoy flexing their culinary skills, but don't have the time or space for a major kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a product that provides flexibility in design and function. The two flex zones on the hob can be used to accommodate larger pans or pots. The controls also come with an option for children to lock them out of children changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage the features via your smartphone.
Smeg's induction stove is a high-spec model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It has many features that make cooking more efficient and faster, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer, and a pause feature. It's also super-easy to use and has control buttons that respond immediately to your changes and a sleek design that could fit right in in a modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs consume the least amount of energy, whether you're simmering soup or bringing water to the boiling point. This means they're ideal for those who want to cut down on their energy costs. Induction hobs are the most efficient that make use of electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly to ensure that your glass stays cool. This also makes them the safest option to avoid burns from accidental accidents. But while gas hobs aren't as efficient, they tend to be less expensive to run than electric ones.
Our top pick, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility due to its 'I-Flex' zone that lets you merge two cooking zones into one large area so you can cook with big pots and pans. Its touch controls come with an infant lock, to ensure that children aren't able to turn off the appliance or alter the settings, which is a good feature for households with small kids. The ceramic glass is smooth however it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.
The hob also comes with a 'Pan detection function' that automatically turns off power to a specific cooking area when you remove a pan. It's not the only hob that has this feature, but it is an excellent addition to simplify your life when you cook for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart kitchen appliance that connects to the internet, allowing you to manage it through an app on your tablet or smartphone. It can alert you when food is ready to cook so you do not overcook your food. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is fast for an induction cooktop. It has cooking zones that are flexible which you can combine and a 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.
This small induction hob is ideal for camping and also for taking to university. It's the lightest and thinnest hob we tested, but still has an extensive set of cooking functions and a responsive touch slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature that lets you alter the temperature by moving your pan upwards and downwards on the surface of the hob. This is ideal to make caramel or sauces.
3. Convenience
You should think about how the stove can fit into your kitchen and what it could do to improve the functionality of your home. This will help narrow down your choices so that you can pick one that is suitable for your family as well as your home. It's important to read reviews and find out what others have thought about the appliance, since it will help you discern its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain hob brands are famous for their advanced technology, making them the top choice for those who want to control their cooking using their mobile. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to determine precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is especially useful for people with hectic lives, since the timer lets you ensure that your meals are ready when they should be, without having to monitor them constantly.
Gas hobs are also a good option for those looking for an old-fashioned look, since they can be used with a variety of cookware designs and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and pans on gas hobs. Plus, gas hobs often provide a range of settings, so you can alter the temperature to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are more energy efficient than gas models, and have faster heat-up times they are also popular among those looking to modernise a kitchen. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are especially popular because they save space by combining the oven and hob in one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock which lets you block the controls of a hob and shield children from accidents in the kitchen. This is particularly important for families with children since it can help avoid burns and other injuries. Induction hobs often come with a feature that hobs oven allows you to link two zones together, resulting in a larger cooking surface. This is useful if you use large pans.
4. Safety
A good hob will have several safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the hob is heated. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include a child lock that can keep children from turning the stove on or altering the settings. Some models will come with a function that lets you combine two cooking zones into one zone, allowing you to cook a wider pan.
This is an excellent feature for families and it can help keep everyone safe in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the cooktop and if it senses that the pan isn't placed correctly or there's a fire it will shut down the burner automatically. It's a great method to ensure your home is secure, and you should take it into consideration when you shop.
You can select 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 one button. There is also the induction hob which uses magnets to heat your pans and won't turn on unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on top of it. This is a highly efficient kind of hob that cools quickly after the pan is removed.
This type of hob saves space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. You can therefore have an easier kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It is also able to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, which will aid in improving the air quality in your home. This is a great choice for families as it protects against burns and is simple to clean. There are many different options available for you to think about when choosing a hob, so be sure to take the time to study every one before making your choice.