How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to consider when choosing the ideal hob, ranging from the price to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.
A basic ceramic electric stove costs as little as PS100. However you'll have to pay more for a model that comes with numerous features. Gas hobs, which are well-known and offer excellent temperature control, but are more expensive, are another alternative.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones and three "Push&Go" functions, and will assist you in making quick meals. It was one of the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking just four minutes. It has an child lock and 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's usually made from glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features control buttons that sit on top of the worktop to allow for easy use.
The controls are simple to use and we liked the clear display which tells the current power setting and which of the five zones are active. The "Boost" feature creates powerful heat in a short time. It's ideal for stir-frying and rapidly boiling pans. Safety features like the hot hob light or automatic shutdown are also useful.
However it's not as sensitive to touch as other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, as opposed to six or seven for other models. It takes longer to react when you alter the cooking temperature, meaning you may need to alter settings multiple times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.
The model in 60 cm comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. It features dual-ring design and is able to operate on both normal as well as 'boost' power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat while searing it or bring water to a fast boiling.
It's fully connected through the hOn app and comes with hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 unique programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It comes with a user-friendly multislider interface as well as a lockable' control panel, plus it will automatically recognize the kind of pan you're using and set the right cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans from third parties and has a number of safety features such as a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether you are renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free option. Prices have slashed over the past few years, with basic four-zone models costing less than PS100. If you're looking for the latest induction technology, it is worth the extra cost.
This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology that makes cooking more energy-efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots with an overall diameter of at least 9 cm and automatically selects the zone that is appropriate.
Smeg's focus is on energy savings but it doesn't forget the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to conserve energy based on the maximum temperatures of the zones. There are options to save energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 4 kW.
Testers were awed by the hob's user-friendly design that has intuitive controls that slide across the edge of the hob, allowing it to follow your pan. The control panel's colour scheme helps you quickly identify the status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones together to accommodate larger pots. There are a variety of useful functions including four automatic cooking settings: melting, boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.
In addition to this the hob also has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you when there is a risk of burning or burning food. There are other safety features, including an indicator of residual heat and an auto switch-off if the surface becomes too hot.
It also has the CleanProtect coating that is designed to help it resist hard marks and stains from cooking. The hob comes with nine power levels, the FlexiDuo feature for accommodating large pans and is simple to set up. There are some additional features, such as control locks, as well as a safety fuse to prevent accidental pressing of buttons.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They make use of copper plates to generate an electric force when a pot or pan is placed on them. This means they can heat up more quickly than gas hobs. They can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking zone only heats up when you turn on the pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas and are simpler to clean, which makes them an extremely popular option.
Indesit's induction hob is full of features to allow you to develop your cooking ideas. It comes with two distinct zones which can be combined into the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as a speedy booster zone that can quickly bring boiling water to. A range of functions that are automatic such as Push&Go lets you cook your food perfectly at the touch of one button. Nine power modes that include a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily set using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the hob to track the pans.
The controls are easy to operate and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it cooked pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up when we put an oven in the Booster zone. oven uk However, it took a long time to cool down once we turned off the hob. Our test participants were unable to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with a bridge function, which allows you to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and an overheating block as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's heated to the point of. The ceramic glass is simple to clean and has no visible flames. Our testers liked the fact that there was no visible flame. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw heat and smoke away from the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is built into the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, but it required two people in order to take the filter out.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the hob will fit into your kitchen's layout and design and what your cooking style. For instance, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, security features like automatic shut-off and an icy to the touch surface can make an induction hob an ideal option. Alternatively, for those who prefer speed and efficiency, an electric hob with a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is ideal. Gas hobs are an excellent choice for those who live in areas prone to power outages.