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 you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important considerations when choosing the right hob.
If you opt for a brand-name model, the basic gas-on glass stove will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean and come with various safety features like a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will assist you in achieving your goals, whether it's improving your pancake making technique or cooking a quick meal for the midweek. The top hobs offer precise heat control with features like dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area making them ideal for a variety of dishes. These hobs can be used in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to add an extractor fan that is built-in to eliminate the necessity of separate overhead appliances and freeing space for your workspace.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant warmth. It's no wonder that they are popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Plus, they can often take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them easier to clean. They are more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display fingerprints and scratches.
Hybrid hobs integrate 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 like to flex their culinary abilities but don't have the space or time to invest in a complete kitchen overhaul.
This electric hob is a great model that offers flexibility in style and functionality. Its dual flex zone can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with the feature of a child lock that stops children from changing the settings. Additionally, it can be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions using your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a top-quality model that can be connected to your home WiFI network. It's packed with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and the ability to set a timer as well as an option to pause. It is also very easy to use with touchscreen controls that react immediately to changes you make, and a sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs consume the least amount of energy when you're simmering soup or bringing water to the boil. This makes them a great option for people who want to cut down on their electric bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient kind employing electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly so that the glass stays cool. Induction hobs are the most secure option, since they avoid accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient but they are more affordable than electric ones.
The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a lot of flexibility because of the "I Flex zone. It allows you to combine two cooking zones to create a larger area so you can use big pots and pans. Its touch controls have an option for children to lock the controls to ensure that children aren't able to switch off the stove or alter the settings it is a useful feature for households with small kids. The ceramic glass is smooth however, it can be easily cleaned by wiping it clean.
The Hob also has the 'Pan detection function' that automatically turns off power to a particular cooking zone when you take off a pan. It's not the only one to have this functionality however it's an excellent feature that makes life easier when you cook lots of meals for your family or a group of friends.
This is a smart hob that connects to internet to allow you to control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will even notify you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. This model was able to boil our test pan of hot water in only four minutes, which is incredibly rapid for an induction hob. It comes with flexible zones that you can combine with a Stop & go' button that reduces all cooking zones to their lowest setting.
This small induction hob is ideal for camping and also for taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested, but it still includes all of our cooking features and an adjustable slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature that lets you alter the temperature by moving the pan upwards and downwards on the hob's surface, which is perfect for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll want to consider how the hob will fit into your kitchen, and what it will do to improve the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow your options and select the model that's ideal for your family, you and your home. You should also look through reviews to see what others think of the appliance. This can aid in understanding its strengths and weakness.
Certain brands of hobs are known for their advanced technology, which makes them the top choice for those who wish to control their cooking using their smartphone. Samsung's models, for example come with electronic timers Best place to buy oven and hob that allow you to set precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is particularly helpful for people who have a busy schedule and can be used by the timer to make sure that your meals are cooked at the correct time without having to keep a close eye on them.
Gas hobs can also be an excellent option for those seeking a more traditional feel. They are able to cook with a broad range of cookware sizes and styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and saucepans on gas hobs. Gas hobs usually come with a variety of settings, so that you can adjust the temperature to fit your cooking.
Induction hobs, which are more energy-efficient than gas models, and have faster heat-up times and are a popular choice among those who are looking to modernize a kitchen. This is especially the case with induction hobs that come with an oven built-in, as they can help you save space in your kitchen by providing you with an oven and a 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 is an essential feature for those with young children, as it could assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally, many induction hobs have a function that lets you connect two zones to create a larger cooking space This can be helpful when you're cooking with large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include a number of safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include a child lock that will prevent children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some may have a feature that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one zone to allow you to cook a larger size pan.
This is an excellent feature for families with children and can help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the heat of the stove. If it detects that the pan hasn't been placed correctly, or if there is an fire on the hob it will stop the burner. It's a great way 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. Gas hobs utilize an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electric rings you can control by pressing a button. Induction hobs use magnets to heat your pans. They will not work until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. It is a very efficient hob, and it cools quickly after the pan has been removed.
This type of hob saves space as it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have a more streamlined kitchen design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it's a great choice for any home. It can be used to remove the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at home. This is a fantastic choice for families, as it is easy to clean and protects against burns. There are many options to consider when choosing a hob, so take the time to study each one before making a decision.