How to Choose the Best Hob
When selecting the ideal hob there are a variety of factors to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are essential is vital.
A basic ceramic electric hob can cost less than 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, but they're more expensive.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions, this stove from Haier can help you make quick meals. It was among the fastest ways to boil water in our tests, taking only four minutes. It has a child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.
Its style is modern and sleek, blending in 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 to make it easy to use.
The controls were simple to use and we appreciated the display that shows the current power level and the zone that is active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a short duration, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil fast. The hob's hot light and the automatic shutoff are helpful safety features, too.
However, it's not as responsive to touch as some other hobs tested in this test. We found that it took nine presses of the control to achieve the highest temperature, compared with seven or six on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, so you may have to change settings several times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.
This 60 cm model has four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone where two areas can be joined to accommodate larger pans and pots. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. It is perfect for cooking meat, searing it or bringing pans of water to the rapid boiling point.
It is fully connected through the hOn app and includes hundreds of recipes, a guide to cooking, and 30 different programs divided into various food categories and types of preparation. It comes with a multislider control panel that has a lockable interface' that can identify the type pan you are using to determine the appropriate cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn pan sets and comes with a variety of safety features, such as an adjustable control panel that locks and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or searching for a non-gas option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now sold for less that PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth the extra cost for the most up-to-date technology.
This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology to make cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The revolutionary Auto-pot detection technology automatically recognises the position of pots that have a minimum diameter of 9cm, allowing you to select the correct zone without having to manually select it.
Smeg's primary focus is on energy efficiency but it doesn't forget the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to save power based on the maximum temperatures of the zones. There are other 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 2 kW.
The user-friendly interface of this hob impressed testers, thanks to its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan along the edges of it. The control panel's color-coded design allows you to easily identify the status of each zone. The "Flexi duo" function lets you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are numerous useful functions, including four automated cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.
The hob also comes with a FlameSensor that can alert you when there's a risk of a burnt-on meal or a fire. There are a variety of safety features, like an indicator of residual heat and an auto shut-off feature if the surface becomes too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough stains and cooking marks. This model has nine power levels, the FlexiDuo feature to accommodate large pans and is easy to install. There are several bonus features, such as lockable controls, and an emergency fuse to stop accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They use copper plates to create magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. This means they can reach a temperature faster than gas hobs, and also conserve energy since the cooking area only heats up when you turn on a pan. They are generally cheaper to operate than gas, and they are also less difficult to clean.
Indesit's induction cooktop is packed of features to allow you to get creative in the cooking. It comes with two cooking zones that can be combined to form the Dual Zone for larger pots and the Booster Zone is quick that can bring water to boil quickly. A range of functions that are automatic such as Push&Go lets you achieve perfectly cooked dishes by pressing the button. And nine power modes, including a 'P boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, can be easily set using the controls, which are positioned along the bottom edge of the hob to follow the pans.
ovens and hobs are easy to operate, and the minimalist design is ideal for modern kitchens. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan once we placed it on the Booster Zone and boiling pasta water. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and the testers could not determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
As well as the Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob also has a bridge function that lets you connect two cooking zones to accommodate larger pans. It also has a child lock and an overheating block as well as an automatic switch-off system which prevents the hob from working when it gets too hot. Our testers appreciated the fact that there weren't any visible flames or flammable substances and the glass is easy to clean. Contrary to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought that this hob's duct was easy to keep clean, although it took two people to lift the filter to change it.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the hob will fit into the layout and design of your kitchen as well as what your cooking style. Induction hobs are an excellent choice for cooking with children or the elderly in mind. They come with safety features like automatic shut-offs as well as a cool-to-touch surface. For those who prefer speed and efficiency an electric hob that has a glass face that is wipe-clean is a great choice. Gas hobs are a good option for those who live in areas susceptible to power outages.