How to Choose the Best Hob
There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from the price to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic ceramic electric stove costs just PS100. However you'll have to pay more for one with numerous features. Gas hobs are a popular choice, and offer great temperature control, however they are more expensive.
1. best ovens and hobs -Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions this stove from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was also one of the most efficient tests to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It has the child lock as well as a an pause feature, so you can stop the process swiftly without having to mess with controls.
Its design is sleek, contemporary and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features control buttons that sit 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 setting, and which of the five zones are in use. The "Boost" feature produces high-powered heat in a short time. It is perfect for stir-frying and rapidly boiling pans. The hob's hot light and auto shut-off are great security features, too.
However, it's not as sensitive to touch as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, compared to seven or six for other models. It takes a bit longer for the pan to respond when you change the temperature. It is possible to adjust the settings a few times to get the right heat.
This 60 cm model comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone that two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated at both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is ideal for frying and searing meat, or bringing pots of water to the rapid boiling point.
It's fully integrated with the hOn app and comes with hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 special programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It features a multislider controls panel with a 'lockable interface' that detects the type of pan you're using to set the proper cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn pans made by third party companies and has a number of safety features such as a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or are looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped dramatically in the past few years. The basic four-zone models can be found for less that PS100. If you're looking for the latest induction technology, it is worth paying a bit more.
This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction tech to keep your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots with a diameter of at least 9cm and then automatically activates the appropriate zone.
Smeg's attention to energy savings does not mean that they don't offer flexibility The hob is built to save power by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking requirements. There are options to save even more energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 kW.
Testers were awed by the hob's user-friendly design that has intuitive controls that move along the edges of the hob, allowing it to follow the pan. The control panel's color-coded layout allows you to easily identify the state of each zone. The "Flexi duo" function lets you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are a variety of useful functions, including four automatic cooking presets (melting boiling, melting slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
In addition to this the hob also has a 'FlameSensor' which alerts you when there is a risk of fire or burnt-on food. There are several safety features such as a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface gets too hot.
It also resists tough stains, and has a CleanProtect protective coating. This hob is easy to install and has nine power levels as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are several bonus features such as control locks, as well as a safety fuse to prevent accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They use copper plates to create a magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. This means that they can heat up more quickly than gas hobs. They also save energy as the cooking area only is heated when you turn on a pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas and they are also easier to clean.
This induction hob by Indesit is packed with features that allow you to get creative in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as a speedy booster zone that can quickly bring water to a boil. For instance, the Push&Go allows you to cook with perfection with the click of a button. The controls are easy to use and let you select nine power modes including the P boost option that provides maximum power to each zone for five minutes.
The controls are easy to use, and the minimalist design is ideal for a modern kitchen. 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 for it to cool down after turning off the hob, and our testers were unable to determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
best hobs uk features the bridge function, which allows the user to combine two cooking zones for 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 overheated. The ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no flames visible. Our test subjects were pleased with that. Ventilated hobs, unlike traditional extractors, draw smoke and steam from the pan and out of the room via a duct located on the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, however it took two people to take the filter out.
4. Induction Hob manufactured by General Electric
When selecting a kitchen appliance think about how it will fit into your kitchen's design and layout, and also your cooking style and life. For example, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, security features like an automatic shut-off or an icy to the touch surface could make an induction cooker a better choice. If you prioritize efficiency and speed, an electric stove with a clean ceramic glass facia is a great choice. For those living in regions susceptible to load-shedding, the ability to use gas hobs in power outages may tip the scales in favour of a gas model.