How to Choose the Best Hob
When deciding on the best hob there are a variety of factors to consider. From price to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.
A basic ceramic electric hob costs just PS100. However you'll need to pay more for one with numerous features. Gas hobs are also a popular choice, and offer great temperature control, however they are more expensive.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones and three "Push&Go" functions and can help you prepare quick meals. It was also among the quickest tested to boil water, which took just under four minutes. It comes with the child lock as well as a the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to mess with controls.
Its style is sleek and modern and is a great match for modern kitchens. It's typically made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and has controls that are flush with the worktop for easy use.
The controls were easy to operate and we appreciated the display which shows the current power level as well as which zone is currently in use. The "Boost" feature generates high-powered heat in a brief time. It is perfect to stir fry and speedily boiling pans. Safety features like the hot hob light or automatic shut-off are also beneficial.
It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, as opposed to seven or six for other models. It takes a bit longer for the pan to react when you alter the temperature. You may have to adjust the settings multiple times before you get the proper heat.
This 60 cm model features four cooking zones. One of them is a half-flex zone, where two areas can easily be joined to accommodate larger pots or pans. The dual-ring design allows it to operate on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is ideal for frying and searing meat, or bringing water pans to the rapid boiling point.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and comes with 100's of recipes, with cooking instructions and 30 different 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 correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with third-party hOn sets and has a range of safety features, like the control panel that can be locked and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now sold for less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that come with induction it's worth the extra cost to get the latest technology.
This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots with an overall diameter of at least 9cm and then automatically will activate the appropriate zone.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency does not mean that they don't offer flexibility - this hob is designed to save power by altering the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking needs. Eco-Logic advanced mode allows you to save more energy, reducing the power output to as little as 2.4kW.
The user-friendly interface of this cooker impressed testers, thanks to its intuitive sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edge of it. The control panel's color scheme allows you to quickly determine the status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones to cater for larger pans. There are many useful features, including four automatic cooking settings: melting, boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.
In addition the hob comes with a 'FlameSensor' which alerts you when there is a danger of a fire or food that has been burned. There are a variety of safety features like a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface is too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to protect it from tough marks and stains from cooking. The hob is simple to install and features nine power levels as well as an excellent 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are also a number of additional features, like lockable controls and a safety fuse in the event of accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction stoves utilize copper plates that create an electric field when the pan is placed on the top. They can heat up much quicker than gas hobs, and they also consume less energy since the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on your pan. They are generally cheaper to run than gas, and they are also easier to clean.
This induction hob from Indesit is packed with features that allow you to create your own ideas in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to form a Dual Zone for larger pots and the Booster Zone is quick that can bring water to boil quickly. A range of automatic functions such as Push&Go lets you create perfectly cooked meals by pressing the button. The controls are easy to operate and allow you to choose nine power options, including the P boost option that provides maximum power to each zone for five minutes.
ovensandhobs are easy to use and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it was able to boil pasta water in a snap and was quick to heat up once we placed an oven on the Booster zone. However it took an extended time to cool down after we turned off the hob and our testers were unable to determine the precise temperature on the control panel.
In addition to a Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob has a useful bridge function that allows you to combine two cooking zones to accommodate larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and an overheating block as well as an auto shut-off feature that stops the hob working when it's too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there were no messy, visible flames and the glass was easy to wipe clean. Ventilated hobs in contrast to traditional extractors draw steam and smoke from the pan and out of the room via a duct on the surface. The vent on this hob was easy to clean, however it took two people to take the filter out.
4. Induction Hob from General Electric
When selecting a kitchen appliance think about how it will fit to your kitchen's design and layout, and also your cooking style and lifestyle. Induction hobs are a good option if you cook with kids or elderly in mind. They have safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. If you're looking for speed and efficiency using a ceramic glass facia on an electric hob is the best option. Gas hobs are a great alternative for those living in areas susceptible to power outages.