The Best Hobs
Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The best hobs will be robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts prefer gas hobs for 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 an energy boost or a timer.
1. Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as gas hobs do they utilize magnetic technology to warm up the copper coils below your pans. hobs uk means the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch which makes them safer to use and easier to clean. They can boil more quickly than kettles and use less energy. They are now a staple kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh kitchen test kitchen. We love this sleek, premium model by AEG that comes with four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions as well as a handy minute minder. It is smooth and can be cleaned easily and is easy to operate by using the touch-sensitive control panels. However, one minor issue (which is common for all induction hobs) is that the heat distribution can be uneven; however, this is only really noticeable when stirring-frying.
The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year guarantee and impressive eco credentials; it has an A+ rating for energy efficiency, with the lowest power consumption of 775 watts per cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows you to move your pans around in the four zones and alter their power levels to suit the pans or pots you use as well as the 'PowerBoost feature boosts the output by 50% for quick boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function as well as a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops your cooking pan from overheating so you never have to worry about burnt food items.
This is an induction hob with a low price tag that can be wired to a worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified by a ring or cross to indicate the coil centre. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It features a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots easily and is pre-programmed to have power levels set in the front, middle and rear zones. This is great if you regularly cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boil, simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop for those who are American) still reigns supreme when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are the best choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces as well as pan-frying eggs and frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately produce high heat levels, making them perfect for searing and boiling.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at a glance. This is very useful for safety. It's much more difficult to forget to turn off a burner on, or even switch it off by accident, than it is with an electric hob.
Most models have a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. However, it's apparent that there's no material that could keep out spills and splashes completely, which is why you'll need to keep on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than induction counterparts since they heat up more quickly and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is particularly the case with vented hobs that combine two appliances into one and remove the need for the hood. This can save space in your kitchen and give it an elegant look that can blend into any style of interior.
Because of their efficiency and ease of use, many home owners prefer to go for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. These are easier to install, and offer more flexibility in the event that you want to create a minimalist kitchen designs.
A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is an excellent option if you are looking to go green. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you consider this alternative. Additionally, these models will require a gas supply and ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.
3. Sealed Plate Hobs
Induction hobs are the ideal option for those who want an elegant, energy-efficient appliance. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly while the ceramic surface of the hob remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than their counterparts made of electrical or gas. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to invest in cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a great alternative for those who do not need to invest in induction technology. These stylish and sleek hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They're more visually pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, because they don't need lengthy scouring. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they do lag behind induction hobs when it is energy efficiency, so if you're conscious of your energy usage this might not be the right choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, the low-cost option with their basic and durable design, are perfect for everyday cooking. They're quick to heat up and are ideal for those who don't need an electric cooktop, however they're slow to cool down, which is why they're not the ideal choice for dynamic chefs who like to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs are also not as efficient in energy as other alternatives.
We recommend that you look for reviews on retailer websites in the event that you are thinking about a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide you with a clear view into how it works, but it will assist you in locating the right model for your home. For instance, this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been praised by customers and is finished in durable stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other kitchen appliances with a sleek and contemporary appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks thanks to their instant heating and easy to control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking functions like power up settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.
When selecting an electric hob, look for one that's streamlined with touch controls and without buttons or dials sticking out. They are more easy to clean with a flat surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Select a model with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have a smart home, you might opt for an electronic display that lets you control your stove remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For maximum flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob with gas and induction burners. The FUJIOH FH-IC7020 hybrid cooktop has both, with intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set certain cooking times so that food is ready at the time you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long, and can make your food less tasty.
Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want a model that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone for pans of different sizes and shapes. This can help save space and is useful if you often cook with large rectangular cooking dishes like roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills as additional cooking options.
There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs that start at PS100 and higher-end models that cost upwards of PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand will not cost more than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models, there are many excellent options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. But, keep in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply that is plugged in with the correct breakers and cables so you'll need to get it installed by a qualified electrician.