How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic electric ceramic hob could cost as low as PS100 However, you'll need to pay more for a feature-packed model. Gas hobs, also popular and offer great temperature control, but are more expensive, are another option.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones, three "Push&Go" functions, and will assist you in making quick meals. It was among the fastest ways to boil water in our tests, taking just four minutes. It comes with the child lock as well as a an pause feature, so you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features controls that are flush with the worktop for easy use.
The controls are easy to use, and we appreciated the clear display that informs you the current power settings and which of the five zones are active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pots of water to a boil fast. The hob's light that is hot and auto shut-off are great safety features, too.
However it's not as responsive to touch as some other hobs we tested. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, as opposed to seven or six for other models. It takes longer to react when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings several times before your pan reaches the right heat.
This 60 cm model comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex area where two zones can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat and searing it, or bringing water to a rapid boil.
It is fully connected through the hOn app and includes 100's of recipes, guides for cooking, and 30 unique programmes divided into different food categories and types of preparation. It features a multislider controls panel with a 'lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans made by third parties and has a number of safety features like the ability to lock the panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
If you're working on your kitchen or simply seeking a better alternative to gas, induction hobs are becoming more popular. Prices have plummeted over the past few years, with basic four-zone models starting at less than PS100. If you're looking for the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a bit more.
This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The Auto-pot detection system recognizes pots that have a diameter of at least 9 centimetres and automatically activates the appropriate zone.
Smeg's main focus is on energy savings, but it doesn't ignore the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to save energy based on the maximum operating temperatures of the zones. There are options to save even more energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode, which reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 kW.
Testers were awed by the user-friendly interface of this hob that has intuitive controls that slide along the edge of the hob in order to follow your pan. The color scheme of the control panel helps you quickly identify the status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are a variety of useful features, such as four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost to get results that are quick and efficient.
The hob also has an alarm system that will notify you in the event of a burnt-on meal or a fire. There are several safety features like the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface becomes too hot.
It is also resistant to tough stains and features a CleanProtect protective coating. The stove is simple to install and comes with nine power levels and a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature that allows catering for large pans. There are several bonus features, such as lockable controls, and a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Electricity is the primary source of power, rather than gas, induction hobs use copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is placed on top. They heat up faster than gas hobs and they also use less energy since the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on the pan. They are generally cheaper to operate than gas and they are also less difficult to clean.
This induction hob from Indesit is packed with features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to create an Integrated Zone for larger pots and an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. The Push&Go feature, for instance, lets you cook flawlessly at the touch a button. There are nine power modes including a 'P-boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for 5 minutes, can be easily selected with the controls, which move along the bottom edge of the hob to follow your pans.
The controls are easy to operate, and the minimalist design is ideal for modern kitchens. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan when we put it on the Booster Zone and boiled pasta water. It took a while to cool down after we turned off the hob, and our test subjects could not determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
As well as the Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob has a useful bridge function that lets you connect two cooking zones to suit larger pans. It has a child lock as well as an overheating block. It also has an automatic switch-off system which prevents the hob from working if it gets too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there weren't any visible flames that were messy and messy, and the ceramic glass was easy to wipe clean. Ventilated hobs, unlike traditional extractors, draw smoke and steam from the pan out of the room through a duct located on the surface. Our experts thought the duct on this hob was easy best ovens and hobs to clean, though it required two people to lift the filter to change it.
4. Induction Hob manufactured by GE
Consider how the stove can be able to fit into your kitchen's layout and design as well as what your cooking style. For instance, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features like automatic shut-off and cool to the touch surface can make an induction stove an ideal choice. Alternatively, for those who prefer speed and efficiency, an electric hob with a clean ceramic glass facia is the best choice. Gas hobs are a good choice for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.