12 Companies Setting The Standard In Best Hob
How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic ceramic electric hob can cost just PS100. However you'll have to pay more for a model with many features. Gas hobs are a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, however they are more expensive.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this stove from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking just four minutes. It has the child lock as well as a the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process swiftly without having to mess with controls.
Its design is sleek, contemporary, and works well with modern kitchens. It's typically made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features control buttons that sit in the same place as the worktop for easy use.
The controls are easy to operate and we loved the clear display that tells you the current power setting and which of the five zones are in use. The 'Boost' feature produces high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil quickly. The hot hob light and auto shut-off are great security features, too.
It's not as responsive as the other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, compared to six or seven for other models. It takes longer to respond when you alter the temperature of cooking, which means you might have to alter settings several times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.
The model measures 60 cm and comes with four cooking zones. One of it is a half-flex zone which allows two areas to easily be joined to accommodate larger pans or pots. It has a dual-ring design that can function on both 'normal and boost power levels. It is great for cooking meat and searing it, or making water come to a quick boil.
It's fully connected via the hOn app, and offers 100's of recipes, with cooking instructions and 30 different programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It features a simple multislider interface and a 'lockable control panel. In addition, it is able to automatically detect the kind of pan you're using and set the proper cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn pans from third parties and has various safety features like the ability to lock the panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
If you're working in your kitchen or seeking a better alternative to gas induction hobs, induction hobs are becoming more popular. Prices have slashed dramatically over the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now sold at less than PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that come with induction, it's worth paying extra to get the latest technology.
This slick-looking model from Smeg boasts the latest induction technology that makes your cooking energy efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots with a diameter of at least 9 cm and automatically activates the appropriate zone.
Smeg's focus on energy saving does not leave out flexibility too The hob is built to reduce power consumption by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking preferences. Eco-Logic advanced mode enables you to reduce energy consumption, reducing the power output to as little as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed with the hob's user-friendly design that has intuitive controls that slide across the edge of the hob in order 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 to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful functions, including four cooking presets for automatic cooking (melting, boiling slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
Additionally, the hob has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you of any danger of a burning or burning food. There are also several safety features, like a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature if the surface gets too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with a protective CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough marks and stains from cooking. This model has nine power levels and a 'FlexiDuo feature' to accommodate large pans and is easy to put in. There are some additional features, such as control locks, as well as an emergency fuse to stop accidental pressing of buttons.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to create a magnetic force when a pot or pan is placed on them. This means they can reach a temperature more quickly than gas hobs, and can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking zone only heats up when you turn on the pan. They're generally less expensive to run than gas, and they're easier to clean, which makes them a popular option.
This induction hob from Indesit is packed full of features that allow you to create your own ideas in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to form an Integrated Zone for larger pots and a rapid Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. Push&Go, for example, lets you cook flawlessly with the click of one button. The controls are simple to operate and let you select nine power options, including a P boost setting that provides maximum power for each zone for five minutes.
The controls are easy to use and have a modern, minimalist design that's ideal for a contemporary kitchen. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a snap and was quick to heat up after placing an oven in the Booster zone. However, it took a long time to cool down once we shut off the hob. Additionally, our testers were unable to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also features a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It comes with a child lock as well as an overheating block. It also has an automatic switch-off system which stops the hob from operating when it becomes too hot. The ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no visible flames. Our testers liked the fact that it's. Unlike a traditional extractor hood vented hobs draw steam and smoke out of the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought the duct on this hob was easy to clean, even though it took two people to take the filter out and change it.
4. Induction Hob from GE
Think about how the hob will work with your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style is. Induction hobs are a good choice for cooking with children or the elderly in mind. They have safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass fascia on an electric hob is the best option. For hobs uk living in regions susceptible to load-shedding, having the ability to use gas hobs during power outages may tilt the balance in favor of a gas model.