Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for your needs depends on the type of worktop and the space available. The type of worktop used and the location of the extractor hood are also important considerations when choosing the right hob.
A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 if you opt for an original brand. They are easier to clean and offer various safety features including the red indicator that illuminates when the surface is heated.
1. Flexibility
A flexible hob will aid you in reaching your goals, whether it's perfecting your pancake recipe or making a quick meal for midweek. The top hobs offer precise heat control with features like dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens due to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many come with an option to include an extractor fan which eliminates the requirement for separate overhead appliances and freeing space for your workspace.
Gas hobs provide instant heating, so it's no surprise that they are the most popular option. They do require periodic cleaning to ensure you aren't at risk of carbon build-up on your stove or a fire breaking out. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the cooking pan itself rather than the surface of the cooker which makes them more easy to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, as their glossy surfaces can reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs integrate gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between the two modes based on the food you're cooking. They are ideal for those who want to test their culinary skills but do not want to make a major investment in their kitchen.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a model that is flexible in design and function. Its dual flex zones can be combined to accommodate larger pans or pots. The controls also come with a child lock that prevents children from altering the settings. Additionally, it can be connected to a smart hub so you can manage its functions from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction hob is a top-quality model that can be connected to your Wi-Fi network. It's loaded with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as the ability to set a timer as well as the ability to pause. It's also simple to use, with control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make and sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs are those that use the minimal amount of energy regardless of whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This means they're a great option for people who are looking to reduce their energy costs. Induction hobs are the most efficient type that make use of electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly to ensure that the glass remains cool. Induction hobs are the safest option, since they avoid accidental burns. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be more affordable to run than electric ones.
Our top choice, the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single space, allowing you to cook with big pots and pans. The child lock on the touch controls stops children from turning the stove or changing settings. This is a fantastic feature for families with children. The ceramic glass is matte, but it can be cleaned with a simple wipe.
The hob also comes with a 'Pan detection function' that will shut off the power to a specific cooking zone when you take off the pan. It's not the only one to have this functionality however it's a fantastic feature that makes life easier when you cook lots of meals for your family or group of friends.
This is an intelligent stove that connects to the internet, so you can control it via an app on your smartphone. It can alert you when food is ready, so you don't overcook. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is a lot for an induction hob. It has flexible zones that you can combine with a Stop & go' button that reduces all cooking zones to their lowest setting.
This small induction hob is ideal for camping trips and also for taking to university. It is the thinnest and lightest hob we tried, yet it comes with all of our cooking features and a responsive slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature, which allows you to vary the temperature by moving the pan up and down the hob's surface, which is ideal for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
You should think about how the hob will fit into your kitchen and what it can help improve your home's functionality. This will help you narrow down the options to help you select one that is suitable for your family and property. You should also review reviews to learn what other people's opinions are about the appliance. This will aid in understanding its strengths and weakness.
Certain brands of hobs come with smart technology that makes them the top choice for those who wish to control their cooking with their smartphone. For example Samsung's models have electronic timers that let you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is particularly beneficial for people who have a busy schedule because you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without having to keep a close watch over them.
Gas hobs are also a great choice for those who want a traditional feel, as they can be used with a range of cookware styles and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and saucepans on gas hobs. Plus, gas hobs often have a variety of settings, meaning you can alter the heat to suit your recipe or pan type.
Induction hobs are another popular option for those who want to modernize their kitchen, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. This is particularly true with induction hobs that come with an oven built-in, as they can save space in your kitchen by providing you with an oven and a hob in one unit.
A child lock is a different feature to be on the lookout for. It allows you to stop the stove's controls and shields children from accidents in the kitchen. This is an essential feature for those with young children, as it could aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally, many induction hobs have the ability to connect two zones to create a larger cooking space This can be helpful in the event that you're using large pots.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob will come with a number of safety features. A hot hob indicator will inform you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs will also have an option for a child lock to keep children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some will have a function that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone to allow you to cook a wider pan.
This is a great feature for families with children and can help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the hob. If it finds that the pan has not been positioned correctly or if there's an ignition on the stove, it will automatically stop the burner. This is a fantastic way to ensure your home is safe and is something you should look for when you are shopping for a new stove.
There are many different kinds of hobs you can choose from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs make use of a flame for heating your pans. Electric hobs come with electronic rings that you can control by pressing a button. Then there is the induction hob that uses magnets to heat your pans and won't turn on unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on top of it. This is an efficient type of hob that will cool quickly after the pan has been removed.
This type of hob saves space because it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have an easier kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it's a great option for any household. ovens can be used to remove excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at home. This is a great option for families because it will protect you from burns and is simple to clean. When choosing a hob there are many options to consider. Make sure to study them all before making your decision.