The Best Hobs

Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable, stylish and easy to clean.

Our experts prefer gas hobs because of their precise flame control and versatility. Electric models are more energy efficient and easier to clean. Look for features like power boost and timer which allow you to increase the heat quickly to accelerate cooking.

1. Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a contemporary and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area like gas hobs, they use magnetic technology to heat up the copper coils below the pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch which makes them safer to use and easier to clean. They also boil water quicker than a traditional kettle and use less energy. They're now a standard kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh test kitchen and we are in love with this elegant, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute minder. It has a smooth surface that wipes clean with ease and is easy to use with the touch control panels, however one minor gripe (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat can be patchy; however it is only noticeable when stirring-frying.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating, with the lowest power consumption of 750w for each cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you to move your pans between the four zones, and adjust the power levels to suit the size of your saucepans or pots. In addition, the "Power boost" function increases the output of the hob by 50% to speed up the boiling process. Other handy features include an auto-shutoff function as well as an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your pan from overheating, so you never have to worry about burnt food items.

This is a low-cost induction hob that can be easily hardwired and attached to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be operated independently and are identified with an arrow or cross to indicate the coil centre. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a wide "Flux zone," which can accommodate larger pans ovens and hobs pots easily and is pre-programmed so that you have set power levels in the front and back zones. This is great if you often cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought to a boil, simmered ovens and hobs kept warm simultaneously.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop in the case of American) still reigns supreme when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. They are ideal for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups, frying meats and eggs and pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to rapidly and accurately produce high heat levels, making them perfect for boiling and searing.

The flame indicator's visual display makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at a glance. This is very helpful to ensure safety. With an electric hob, it's much harder to switch off the burner or forget that it was turned on.

The majority of models have a flat surface that makes them more manageable than their ceramic counterparts. However, it appears that there's no material that could fend off splashes and spillages completely, so you'll have to be vigilant about cleaning tasks to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting blemished over time.

Gas hobs are also more efficient in energy than their induction cousins because they are able to heat faster and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances and remove the need for a Hood. This can help save the space in your kitchen and also create an elegant and modern design that will be able to blend in with any style of interior.

Many homeowners prefer freestanding gas hobs to built-in models because of their effectiveness and ease of use. These are easier to install and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve minimalist kitchen designs.

Another benefit of opting for a freestanding model is the possibility of connecting it to an LPG bottle. gas (LPG), which provides an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a greener alternative. However, you'll need be able to locate an appropriate LPG boiler and stove before this is an option for you. Additionally, these models will require gas supply and ventilation as well as regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.

3. Hobs for Sealed Plates

If you're looking for a sleek and energy-efficient option an induction cooker is definitely the choice. Hobs that induction are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surface stays cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burning!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than their counterparts made of electrical or gas. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll require a set of induction-compatible cookware.

If you don't wish to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and stylish hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements hidden underneath which makes them more aesthetically pleasing than solid plate hobs and easier to clean, as there's no need to do complicated scrubbing. They also heat up faster than solid plate hobs and are more adaptable to the needs of your cook. They don't have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, which means they might not be the best choice if are concerned about your energy usage.

Then, solid plate hobs are a good budget option, with a simple and reliable design that's perfect for cooking in the everyday. They're easy to get hot, making them a good option for those who don't need a powerful cooktop. However, they do take a long time to cool. Solid plate hobs are not as efficient in energy as other options.

We recommend that you look for reviews on retailer websites when you're considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only give you a true insight into the performance of the model and will aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. For example this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is made of long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls blend with other appliances in the kitchen, giving it a minimal and modern look.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks due to their rapid heat and simple control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. And with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, like power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a fantastic choice for busy households.

When choosing an electric hob make sure you choose one that's streamlined with touch controls and without buttons or dials hanging out. This makes them easier to clean, particularly when you select flat surfaces that don't scratch or chip. Select a model with child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to prevent accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, opt for digital displays that give you control of your hob remotely and also notifications via your smartphone, so you can manage your hob easily.

For ultimate flexibility, consider a dual fuel hob with gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set certain cooking times so that your food is cooked when you require it. This reduces the risk of cooking too long, and can make your food less delicious.

For added convenience for added convenience, a kitchen appliance with two separate zones for cooking pans of various sizes and shapes may be the Best Hob option. This can help save space and is beneficial if you often cook using large rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or grills to offer additional cooking options.

There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs starting at PS100 and pricier high-end models that cost upwards of PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a big brand should still cost you less than PS200. And if you want an elegant glass model it shouldn't break the bank too, since there are top options from own brands. Be aware that both induction and ceramic hobs oven need a specific supply configured with the right breakers and cables so you'll have to have it installed by a licensed electrician.