Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob for you is determined by the type of worktop you are using and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when deciding on the right hob.
If you select an own-brand model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are less difficult to clean and come with various safety features like the red indicator that lights when they are hot.
- Flexibility
If you're looking for a way to cook up a quick midweek meal or master your pancake making technique A hob that is flexible is key. The top hobs offer precise control of heat, and come with features such as dual wok burners and a large cooking area which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens due to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option to add a built-in extractor fan which eliminates the need for an overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they're an extremely popular option. But they require regular cleaning to ensure you aren't putting yourself at risk by carbon build-up on your stove or a fire bursting. In addition, they typically take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan itself rather than the surface of the cooker They are, therefore, cleaner to maintain. They can be more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to show fingerprints and scratches.
Hybrid hobs combine the benefits of both gas and induction cooking into one product, allowing you to switch between modes depending on the type of food you're making. They are great for those who like to flex their culinary abilities but don't have the space or time for a full-on kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a product that allows for flexibility in style and performance. Its dual flex zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans, while its controls have the feature of a child lock that prevents children from changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so you can control its features from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction stove is a top-quality model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It's packed with features that make cooking faster and easier such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and a timer and the ability to pause. It is also very easy to use with touch controls that respond immediately to any changes you make and a sleek, modern design.
- Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs use the most energy, whether you are boiling water or simmering soup. This means that they're a great option for people who are looking to reduce their electric bills. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly, preventing the glass from getting hot. Induction hobs are a safer choice as they protect against accidental burns. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they tend to be more affordable to run 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, which allows you to join two cooking zones into one large area, making it possible to use larger pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is an excellent feature for families with young children. The ceramic glass is smooth however, it is easy to clean by wiping it clean.
This hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a particular cooking zone when you take off a pan. It's not the only hob that has this feature, but it's a great feature that makes life easier when you're cooking lots of meals for your family or group of friends.
This is a smart hob, which connects to the internet, allowing you to control it using an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will alert you when food is ready to cook so you don't overcook it. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is very fast for an induction stove. It comes with flexible zones that you can mix and a stop &