The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The most effective hobs are sturdy, stylish and easy to clean.
Gas hobs are favored by our experts for their versatility and precision control of the flame. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. Look for features like power boost and timer that allow you to increase the heat quickly to speed up cooking.
1. Hobs induction
Induction hobs offer a modern efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area like gas hobs they employ magnetic technology to heat the copper coils beneath the pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the point of contact, making them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and consume less energy. The AEG premium model is a favourite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their distinct functions, as well as the minute timer. It is smooth and can be cleaned easily and is easy to operate using the touch control panels, but one minor gripe (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be patchy; however this is only evident when you are trying to stir fry.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years and impressive environmental credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating and the lowest power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows you to move your pans around in the four zones and adjust their power levels to suit your pots or pans and the 'Power Boost function boosts the output by 50% to ensure speedy boiling. The auto-shutoff feature and the 'fryingSensor,' which prevents overheating of your pan are also helpful features.
This is a fantastic affordable induction cooker that can be easily hardwired and attached to a new or existing worktop. The zones of cooking that are independently controlled are clearly identified with a ring or cross to indicate which side of the coil is it, and there's also an easy-to-use control panel. It has a wide "Flux zone," which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease and is pre-programmed so that you have set power levels in the front, middle and rear zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought to the boil, simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if American) are still the most efficient option for cooking in your kitchen. They are the best for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups cooking eggs and meats, frying them as well as pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to rapidly and accurately create high heat levels which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to check each burner's status at an instant. This is very useful for security. With an electric hob, it's much harder to accidentally turn on an appliance or forget it was on.
Most models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. However, it's apparent that there's no material that can keep out spills and splashes completely, so you'll have to be vigilant about cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.
Gas hobs are more energy efficient than their induction counterparts, as they heat up more quickly and evenly, reducing energy costs. This is especially true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances and eliminate the requirement for a grill. This can free up space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker look that will be a perfect fit with any style of interior.
Many homeowners prefer freestanding gas hobs to built-in models due to their efficiency and ease-of-use. They are more straightforward to install and offer greater flexibility if you're trying to create a minimalist design for your kitchen.
A freestanding model is connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option for those who you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you can consider this alternative. These models require gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are the ideal option for those who want an elegant, energy-efficient appliance. oven with hob utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat ceramic surface of the hob remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, since they use less electricity than electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.
If you don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good alternative. These sleek and stylish hobs are made of a smooth glass top and hidden heating elements. They are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs as they don't require a hard scrubbing. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don't have the same efficiency as induction hobs, so they may not be an ideal choice if you are worried about your energy consumption.
Solid plate hobs, which are a affordable option, with their simple and reliable design, are perfect for cooking at home. They're quick to get hot and ideal for those who don't need a powerful cooktop, however they're not quick to cool down, which is why they're not the ideal choice for dynamic chefs who like to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs are also not as energy efficient as other options.
We suggest that you search for reviews on the websites of retailers in the event that you are thinking about a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide you with an accurate view of the quality of the product however, it will also aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. For instance, this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys is highly rated by customers and is finished in durable stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, creating a a modern and minimal look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the benefit of being energy efficient. Although gas hobs might be a preferred choice for many chefs due to their rapid heating and control, they're also popular because they can provide instant heating. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have advanced cooking functions like power up settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.
Look for an electric hob with a a streamlined design with touch controls. Avoid models with dials or buttons that protrude. They are more easy to clean when they have a smooth surface, and won't scratch or chip. For safety, choose models with child lock, hot indicators and residual heat shut-offs to stop accidents. If you have a smart connected home, you may opt for a digital display which allows you to control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
Think about a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 hybrid hob includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer function, which allows you to set cooking times for your dishes so that they're ready for use when needed which reduces the chance of cooking too long and making food less delicious.
For additional convenience For added convenience, a model that has two separate zones for cooking pans of different sizes and shapes may be the best choice. This will save space and is useful for those who cook frequently using large rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills for extra cooking options.
Gas hobs are available at a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to top-of-the-line models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or an induction model from a major brand should not cost more than PS200. And if you want an elegant glass model, it shouldn't break the bank too, since there are excellent own-brand options. Be aware that both ceramic and induction hobs require a particular supply configured with the right breakers and cables so you'll need it installed by a certified electrician.