How to Choose the Best Hob

When choosing the best ovens and hobs uk hob for your needs there are a lot of aspects to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding which features are essential is vital.

A basic electric ceramic hob could cost as low as PS100 however, you'll have to pay more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs uk, also well-known and offer excellent temperature control but are more expensive, are another option.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones and three "Push&Go" functions, and can aid in cooking quick meals. It was among the fastest to boil water in our tests, taking only four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and features a pause function, so you can quickly stop the process without having to mess around with controls.

Its design is sleek and contemporary, blending in well with modern kitchens. It is typically made from glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit in a flush position on the countertop.

The controls were easy to use and we appreciated the display which shows the current power level as well as which zone is currently in use. The 'Boost" feature creates high-powered heat in a brief time. It's ideal to stir fry and speedily boiling pans. The hob's hot light and auto shut-off are great safety features, too.

It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, as opposed to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you might have to alter settings multiple times before your pan reaches the right heat.

The model measures 60 cm and comes with four cooking zones. One of them is a half-flex zone which allows two areas to easily be joined to accommodate larger pans or pots. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat and searing it, or making water come to a quick boil.

It's fully connected via the hOn app and boasts hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 unique programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It has a multislider control panel with a "lockable interface' that can identify the type of pan you're using to set the proper cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans made by third parties and has several security features, including a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you are renovating your kitchen or searching for a non-gas option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available at less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that are included in the induction system it's worth paying more for the most up-to-date technology.

This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction technology that makes your cooking efficient and easy. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9cm, which allows you to select the correct zone without having to select it manually.

Smeg's main focus is on energy efficiency however, it doesn't overlook the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to conserve energy based on the maximum operating temperatures of the zones. There are options to save energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 2 kW.

Testers were awed by the hob's user-friendly design that has intuitive controls that move across the edge of the hob to follow your pan. The control panel's color-coded layout makes it easy to determine the state of each zone. The "Flexi Duo" feature lets the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.

The hob also comes with an alarm system that will notify you when there's a risk of a burnt-on meal or the possibility of a fire. There are a variety of safety features, like an indicator of residual heat and an automatic shut-off when the surface gets too hot.

It's also hard-wearing with the CleanProtect coating that is designed to protect it from tough staining and cooking marks. The stove is simple to install oven and hob features nine power levels as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering for large pans. There are also a variety of extra features, such as control locks and an emergency fuse in the event of accidental button pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction hobs use copper plates that create an electric field when the pan is placed on the top. They heat up quicker than gas hobs, and they also consume less energy since the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on your pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas ovens and hobs are easier to clean and that's why they're an extremely popular choice.

Indesit's induction cooktop is packed of features that will allow you to get creative in the cooking. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to create the Dual Zone for larger pans as well as the Booster Zone is quick to bring water to the boiling point quickly. A range of functions that are automatic such as Push&Go lets you cook your food perfectly with the click of a button. And nine power modes including a 'P-boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, can be easily set using the controls, which move along the bottom edge of the cooktop to follow your pans.

The controls are also simple to use and have modern, minimalist designs that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up after placing a pan on the Booster zone. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and the testers were unable to determine the exact temperature on the control panel.

As well as having a Dual Zone and Push&Go feature, this Indesit hob also has a bridge function that lets you connect two cooking zones to suit larger pans. It also has an overheating and child lock block and an auto shut-off feature that stops the hob working when it's heated to the point of. Our test subjects were pleased that there weren't any visible flames or flammable substances and the glass is easy to clean. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. The vent on this hob was easy to clean, however it required two people in order to remove the filter.

4. Induction Hob by GE

When selecting a hob, consider how it fits to your kitchen's style and layout, as well as your cooking style and your lifestyle. Induction hobs are a great choice for cooking with children or older people in mind. They are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency, an electric stove with a glass face that is wipe-clean is a great choice. For those living in regions that are prone to load-shedding, the capability to use gas hobs in power cuts may tilt the balance in favor of a gas model.