The Best Hobs

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

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

1. Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a modern ovens and hobs uk efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do magnet technology to only heat the copper coils beneath the pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch, making it safer to use and simpler for cleaning. They boil more quickly than kettles and oven Hob require less energy. The AEG premium model is a favorite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It comes with four cooking zones each with their specific functions and a minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are easy to use. However, the heat distribution is uneven. This is a common issue with all induction hobs.

The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year warranty and impressive eco credentials; it has an A+ rating for energy efficiency, with the lowest power consumption of just 750w per cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows the pans to be moved around in the four zones and adjust the power levels to match your pans or pots, while the 'Power Boost feature boosts the output by 50% to ensure speedy boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function and a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops your cooking pan from overheating which means you do not need to worry about burning food.

This is a fantastic affordable induction cooker that can be easily wired and attached to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be operated independently and are identified by an arrow, cross or arrow to indicate the coil's centre. There's also a touch-control panel. It comes with a large 'Flux Zone' that can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. It also comes pre-programmed with pre-set power levels for the front and middle zones. This is great if you often cook with different sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boil, simmered and kept warm simultaneously.

2. Gas Hobs

Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) remain the most efficient option to cook in your kitchen. They are ideal for boiling water simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them, and pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to rapidly and accurately generate high temperatures which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.

The flame's visual indicator allows you to see the status of each burner at a glance, which is beneficial for security reasons. It's much harder to forget to turn off a burner on, or switch it off by accident as it is with an electric hob.

Most models have a flat surface, which makes them more manageable than their ceramic counterparts. However, it appears that there's no material that can stop spills and splashes completely, so you'll need to keep on top of cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting blemished over time.

Gas hobs are more energy efficient than induction counterparts, as they heat up more quickly and evenly, which saves energy costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances into one and eliminate the need for the hood. This will save space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker look that will be a perfect fit with any style of interior.

Many homeowners prefer freestanding gas hobs to built-in models because of their efficiency and convenience. They are easier to install and provide greater flexibility if you're trying to achieve a minimalistic look for your kitchen.

A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option for those who you want to go green. However, you'll need to be able to locate the right LPG boiler and stove before this option becomes a possibility for you. These models require gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.

3. Sealed Plate Hobs

If you're seeking an elegant and energy-efficient choice an induction cooker is definitely the way to go. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat glass-ceramic surface of the hob keeps it cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, as they consume less power than their electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to invest in cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.

If you don't wish to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They're more visually appealing and easy to clean than solid plate hobs because they don't need lengthy scouring. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They do not have the same efficiency as induction hobs. Therefore, they may not be the best ovens uk choice if are worried about your energy consumption.

Then, solid plate hobs are the best budget option, with a straightforward and reliable design that's perfect for everyday cooking. They are easy to get hot, making them an ideal option for those who do not require a large cooktop. However, they do take a long time to cool down. Solid plate hobs also release a lot of residual heat, making them not as energy-efficient like the other options on this list.

If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we recommend selecting one that's been reviewed by customers on retailers websites. This will not only provide a true insight into the performance of the model however, it will also help you find the right one for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it is finished in sturdy stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other kitchen appliances, giving it a minimal and modern look.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks due to their quick heating and easy to control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking features like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.

When choosing an electric hob choose one that has a sleek design with touch controls and without dials or buttons sticking out. They are easier to clean when they have a smooth surface that doesn't scratch or chip. For safety, choose one with child locks as well as hot indicators and heat shut-offs that will stop accidents. If you have a smart home, you might want to choose a digital display that allows you to control your stove remotely and receive notifications via your smartphone.

Think about a dual-fuel hob which has gas and induction burners for ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 hybrid hob comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and sturdy cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set cooking times to ensure that food is ready when you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long, and can make your food less tasty.

To make cooking more convenient, a model with two separate cooking zones for pans of various sizes and shapes may be the Best Hob option. This can help save space and be useful when cooking with large rectangular vessels, such as roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or Teppanyaki grills to provide additional cooking options.

Gas hobs can be found in various costs, from as little as PS100 to premium models costing up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic stove or induction model from a major brand will not cost more than PS200. If you're looking for a glass model there are plenty of great options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the correct breakers and cables to work, so you will need to have it installed by an electrician.