Best Hob: A Simple Definition
Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for your needs is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. Choosing the right type of hob requires a look at the type of worktop you have as well as the location of your extractor hood.
A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 when you choose an own-brand model. They are easier to clean and offer various safety features, including an indicator in red that lights when the surface is heated.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will assist you in achieving your goals, whether that's perfecting your pancake recipe or making a quick meal for midweek. The top hobs offer precise control of heat, and come with features like dual wok burners and an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a variety of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option to add an extractor fan built-in, eliminating the need for an overhead appliance and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs are able to provide instant heating. It's no wonder they are popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup or fires. In addition, they typically take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop surface, so they are generally more easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, while their glossy surfaces can show up scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Hybrid hobs combine the advantages of gas and induction cooking into one product which allows you to switch between the two depending on the type of food you're making. They are ideal for those who want to test their culinary abilities, but do not want to make a major investment in their kitchen.
This electric hob is a great example of a model which provides flexibility in design and performance. The dual flex zone can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots and its controls come with the feature of a child lock that prevents children from changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, which allows you to 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 make cooking faster and easier with features like automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and the ability to set a timer as well as the ability to pause. It's also easy to use thanks to control buttons that respond instantly to any changes you make and sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs use the most energy, whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This makes them a great option for people who want to cut their electricity costs. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan which prevents the glass from getting hot. This also makes them the safest option to avoid burns from accidental accidents. Gas hobs may not be as efficient, but they are more affordable than electric models.
The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a lot of flexibility, due to the 'I Flex' zone, which allows you to join two cooking zones into one large area, so you can use big saucepans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls stops children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is a great feature for families with young children. Ceramic glass is matte however it can be cleaned by a simple wipe.
The Hob also has an "Pan detection function" that automatically turns off power to a particular cooking zone when you take off the pan. It's not the only hob to have this functionality, but it's a great addition that makes your life easier when cooking many meals for a family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that connects to the internet so that you can control it using an app on your smartphone. It can even alert you when food is ready so that you don't overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is fast for an induction stove. It comes with flexible cooking zones that can be combined and a "Stop & Go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.
This induction hob is portable and has a compact design that's ideal for camping trips or taking to university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we've tested, yet it includes all of our cooking features and a responsive slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that allows you to control the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down the hob surface. This is great to make caramel and sauces.
3. Convenience
You should think about how the hob will fit in your kitchen and what it can contribute to improving your home's functionality. This will help narrow down the options so that you can pick the best model for your family and home. It's important to read reviews to see what other people have to say about the appliance. this will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain brands of hobs have advanced technology that makes them the top choice for those looking to control their cooking through their smartphone. Samsung's models, as an example include electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy lifestyles because you can use the timer to make sure that meals are prepared at the correct time without needing to keep an eye on them.
Gas hobs are an ideal option for those seeking an older-style feel. They are able to cook with a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. This includes non-flat-bottomed cookware and pans, which may be difficult to place on other types of hob. Gas hobs are usually equipped with a range of settings, so that you can alter the temperature to fit your cooking.
Induction hobs are another popular choice for those looking to modernize their kitchens because they offer faster heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. This is especially true with induction hobs that come with an oven built-in, as they can reduce space in your kitchen by providing you with a combined oven and hob in one unit.
A child lock is an additional feature to be on the lookout for. It lets you block controls on a stove and safeguards children from accidents in the kitchen. This feature is crucial for families with children as it can prevent burns and other injuries. Additionally, many induction hobs have an option to connect two zones to create a larger cooking area that can be beneficial when you're cooking with large pans.

4. Safety
A quality hob has many safety features. A hot hob indicator can alert you when the surface of the stove is hot. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs will also have an option for a child lock to stop children from turning the hob on or altering its settings. Some may have a feature that lets you combine two cooking zones into one zone so that you can cook a wider pan.
This is a fantastic feature for families, and can keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It monitors the temperature of the stove and if it senses that the pan isn't set correctly or there is an incident of fire it will shut off the burner immediately. This is a great way to ensure your home is safe and is something you should be looking for when you are shopping for.
There are many different types of hobs that you can choose from that include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs make use of an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hob s have electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs make use of a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't function unless a magnetizable pan is placed on them. This is a reliable type of hob that cools quickly after the pan is removed.
This type of hob saves space as it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have a more streamlined kitchen design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic choice for any home. It can be used to remove excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at home. This is a fantastic choice for families as it can protect against burns and is very easy to clean. When it comes to choosing a cooktop, there are a variety of options to think about. It is important to study them all before making your decision.